Effect of Semaglutide on Lipoprotein Subfractions and Chemerin Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Background and Aims : There are strong associations between obesity, cardiovascular complications, and lipid abnormalities in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Once-weekly administration of semaglutide lowers the blood glucose level in a glucose-dependent manner and has a beneficial effect on lipid levels. Small and dense LDL particles play a pivotal role in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Chemerin, a previously described adipokine, is associated with insulin resistance associated with obesity and lipoprotein abnormalities. To date, the effect of semaglutide treatment on chemerin and lipoprotein subfraction levels are currently unclear.Methods: We enrolled 11 T2DM patients on metformin monotherapy who received 1 mg semaglutide per week add-on therapy. We assessed the changes in body weight, lipoprotein subfractions, adiponectin, leptin and chemerin levels after six months. LDL and HDL subfractions were detected using non-gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.Results: Body mass index and HbA1c were significantly reduced. Among the lipid subfractions, a significant decrease in small dense LDL ratio and concentration were found (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). Serum chemerin levels were significantly lower in T2DM patients after six months of semaglutide treatment (p<0.01). We found a positive correlation between the change in the ratio of small dense LDL subfraction and the change in the level of chemerin (p<0.05).Conclusions: Semaglutide treatment reduces body weight in obese T2DM patients and may have a beneficial effect on lipid parameters. Chemerin may be involved in the regulation of lipoprotein metabolism in T2DM patients treated with semaglutide. Background and Aims : There are strong associations between obesity, cardiovascular complications, and lipid abnormalities in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Once-weekly administration of semaglutide lowers the blood glucose level in a glucose-dependent manner and has a beneficial effect on lipid levels. Small and dense LDL particles play a pivotal role in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Chemerin, a previously described adipokine, is associated with insulin resistance associated with obesity and lipoprotein abnormalities. To date, the effect of semaglutide treatment on chemerin and lipoprotein subfraction levels are currently unclear. Methods: We enrolled 11 T2DM patients on metformin monotherapy who received 1 mg semaglutide per week add-on therapy. We assessed the changes in body weight, lipoprotein subfractions, adiponectin, leptin and chemerin levels after six months. LDL and HDL subfractions were detected using non-gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results: Body mass index and HbA1c were significantly reduced. Among the lipid subfractions, a significant decrease in small dense LDL ratio and concentration were found (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). Serum chemerin levels were significantly lower in T2DM patients after six months of semaglutide treatment (p<0.01). We found a positive correlation between the change in the ratio of small dense LDL subfraction and the change in the level of chemerin (p<0.05). Conclusions: Semaglutide treatment reduces body weight in obese T2DM patients and may have a beneficial effect on lipid parameters. Chemerin may be involved in the regulation of lipoprotein metabolism in T2DM patients treated with semaglutide.