Effect of Liraglutide on Cardiovascular Function and Myocardial Tissue Characteristics in Type 2 Diabetes Patients of South Asian Descent Living in the Netherlands: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist liraglutide may be beneficial in the regression of diabetic cardiomyopathy. South Asian ethnic groups in particular are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Purpose: To assess the effects of liraglutide on left ventricular (LV) diastolic and systolic function in South Asian type 2 diabetes patients. Study Type: Prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Population: Forty-seven type 2 diabetes patients of South Asian ancestry living in the Netherlands, with or without ischemic heart disease, who were randomly assigned to 26-week treatment with liraglutide (1.8 mg/day) or placebo. Field Strength/Sequence: 3T (balanced steady-state free precession cine MRI, 2D and 4D velocity-encoded MRI, 1H-MRS, T1 mapping). Assessment: Primary endpoints were changes in LV diastolic function (early deceleration peak [Edec], ratio of early and late peak filling rate [E/A], estimated LV filling pressure [E/Ea]) and LV systolic function (ejection fraction). Secondary endpoints were changes in aortic stiffness (aortic pulse wave velocity [PWV]), myocardial steatosis (myocardial triglyceride content), and diffuse fibrosis (extracellular volume [ECV]). Statistical Tests: Data were analyzed according to intention-to-treat. Between-group differences were reported as mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) and were assessed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: Liraglutide (n = 22) compared with placebo (n = 25) did not change Edec (+0.2 mL/s2 × 10-3 (–0.3;0.6)), E/A (–0.09 (–0.23;0.05)), E/Ea (+0.1 (–1.2;1.3)) and ejection fraction (0% (–3;2)), but decreased stroke volume (–9 mL (–14;–5)) and increased heart rate (+10 bpm (4;15)). Aortic PWV (+0.5 m/s (–0.6;1.6)), myocardial triglyceride content (+0.21% (–0.09;0.51)), and ECV (–0.2% (–1.4;1.0)) were unaltered. Data Conclusion: Liraglutide did not affect LV diastolic and systolic function, aortic stiffness, myocardial triglyceride content, or extracellular volume in Dutch South Asian type 2 diabetes patients with or without coronary artery disease. Level of Evidence: 1. Technical Efficacy Stage: 4. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1679–1688.