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Cardiovascular risk reduction throughout GLP-1 receptor agonist and SGLT2 inhibitor modulation of epicardial fat

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Abstract

Epicardial adipose tissue is a novel cardiovascular risk factor. It plays a role in the progression of coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Given its rapid metabolism, clinical measurability, and modifiability, epicardial fat works well as therapeutic target of drugs modulating the adipose tissue. Epicardial fat responds to glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1A) and sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). GLP-1A and SGLT2i provide weight loss and cardiovascular protective effects beyond diabetes control, as recently demonstrated. The potential of modulating the epicardial fat morphology and genetic profile with targeted pharmacological agents can open new avenues in the pharmacotherapy of diabetes and obesity, with particular focus on cardiovascular risk reduction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1400 NW 10th Ave, Dominion Tower suite 805-807, Miami, FL, 33136, USA

    G. Iacobellis

  2. Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences (MeSVA), University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy

    M. G. Baroni

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  1. G. Iacobellis
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Marco G. Baroni is Assistant Editor and member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation. Gianluca Iacobellis declares no conflict of interest.

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Iacobellis, G., Baroni, M.G. Cardiovascular risk reduction throughout GLP-1 receptor agonist and SGLT2 inhibitor modulation of epicardial fat. J Endocrinol Invest 45, 489–495 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-021-01687-1

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