Randomized trial investigates liraglutide's cardioprotective effects against reperfusion injury in acute myocardial infarction

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, primarily due to prolonged myocardial ischemia. While timely reperfusion therapy, such as primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is crucial for restoring blood flow, it paradoxically induces reperfusion injury (IRI), which can exacerbate myocardial damage, leading to larger infarct size, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Current therapeutic strategies to mitigate IRI are limited. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, like liraglutide, have demonstrated pleiotropic effects beyond glycemic control, including cardioprotective properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and pro-survival signaling, making them a promising candidate for reducing IRI in AMI patients. This trial aimed to explore this potential.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT02001363) aimed to enroll 90 patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary PCI. Participants were randomized to receive either liraglutide or placebo. The liraglutide intervention involved a once-daily subcutaneous regimen over 7 days: starting with 0.6 mg for 2 days, escalating to 1.2 mg for 2 days, and finally 1.8 mg for 3 days. The control arm received a matching liraglutide placebo with the same escalating dosage schedule. The primary endpoint, though not explicitly detailed in the registration, was implied to be related to the protective effect against reperfusion injury, likely involving cardiac function or infarct size assessments.

The provided trial registration (NCT02001363) indicates an "UNKNOWN" status and does not contain any reported results, statistical analyses, or specific findings regarding the efficacy or safety of liraglutide in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Therefore, no data on infarct size, cardiac function, or adverse events are available from this record.