%0 Systematic Review
%T Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for headache and pain disorders: a systematic review.
%A Halloum W
%A Dughem YA
%A Beier D
%A Pellesi L
%J J Headache Pain
%V 25
%N 1
%D 2024 Jul 12
%M 38997662
%F 8.588
%R 10.1186/s10194-024-01821-3
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) plays a crucial role in metabolic disorders by enhancing insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying, thereby improving glycemic control. In recent years, GLP-1 role in neuronal pathways has expanded its therapeutic potential. We aim to comprehensively evaluate the relevance of GLP-1 in headache and pain disorders.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Embase (Ovid) databases using the search terms "GLP-1" and "pain". Animal and human studies published in English language were included. Abstracts, reviews, and articles on other disorders than "pain" were excluded.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The search strategy identified 833 hits, of which 42 studies were included in the final review. The studies were categorized into four groups: inflammatory pain and osteoarthritis, headaches, neuropathic pain and diabetic neuropathy, and visceral pain and irritable bowel syndrome. GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, like liraglutide, have shown analgesic effects by modulating pain hypersensitivity in animal models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. GLP-1 is involved in migraine mechanisms and GLP-1R agonists are beneficial in individuals with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Additionally, GLP-1R agonists reduce visceral hypersensitivity and ameliorate symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The therapeutic scope of GLP-1R agonists is expanding beyond traditional metabolic targets, highlighting its potential for headache and pain disorders. Engineering bimodal molecules that integrate GLP-1R agonism with specific pain-related mechanisms may offer innovative therapeutic options.