International journal of molecular sciencesApr 14, 2026

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Acute Lung Injury and Severe Lung Failure

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗OA ↗

Updated Apr 15, 2026

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) may have potential benefits in treating acute lung injury (ALI).

Animal models indicate that GLP-1 RAs could be effective for treatment and prevention of ALI.
Observational studies suggest that patients using GLP-1 RAs experience fewer pulmonary complications.
Recent research highlights the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of GLP-1 RAs in various organs, including the lungs.
The review includes the potential roles of GLP-1 RAs in intensive care settings and conditions that predispose patients to ALI/ARDS.
The mechanisms of action of GLP-1 RAs were examined through in vitro studies involving different lung cell types.

Simplified

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) pose a significant burden on the healthcare system. The mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of ALI/ARDS are widely studied. However, currently, there are no clinically approved drugs that can effectively reduce the high mortality of patients. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are an increasingly popular class of medications. Their FDA approval was driven by the beneficial effects in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Notably, recent studies are beginning to recognize the role of GLP-1 RAs in immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory responses across various organs, including the lungs. Animal models of ALI demonstrate the potential of these medications for treatment and prophylaxis. Observational studies suggest that patients taking GLP-1 RAs experienced fewer pulmonary complications. Here, we reviewed reports on their impact on the respiratory system in animal models of ALI and in clinical trials. Their effects in the intensive care unit setting and conditions predisposing to ALI/ARDS were also summarized. The mechanisms of action of GLP-1 RAs were reviewed based on in vitro studies using various lung cell types, and experimental approaches. Moreover, the roles of the pharmaceutical industry and patent law in extending the scope of GLP-1 RAs beyond obesity and diabetes were also described.

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Competing interests

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

PubMed

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Acute Lung Injury and Severe Lung Failure

Abstract

Full Text

Funding

Competing interests

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