Conclusion
The present study showed that native GLP-1 can decrease aldosterone secretion in a group of healthy individuals, supporting the idea of beneficial outcomes of GLP-1-activating agents on blood pressure and the RAAS.
Methods
Fourteen healthy participants (6 males and 8 females) were included in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. After overnight fasting and oral sodium loading, participants were randomly assigned to receive either placebo (500 ml of 0.9% saline) or GLP-1 infusion (1.5 pmol/kg/min dissolved in 500 ml of 0.9% saline) over a 3-h period. After 3 and 6 h, the following parameters were measured: glucose, insulin, plasma renin activity, aldosterone, GLP-1, and antidiuretic hormone. After 7 days, the protocol was repeated, except that those who had previously received placebo now received GLP-1 infusion, and those who had previously received GLP-1 now received placebo.
Results
Three hours after GLP-1 infusion, aldosterone had decreased by a statistically significant amount (p < 0.008) compared to the baseline level.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02130778.