Semaglutide reduces vascular inflammation investigated by PET in a rabbit model of advanced atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of semaglutide, a long acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, on atherosclerotic inflammation and calcification using a multimodality positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) approach.

Methods

Atherosclerotic New Zealand White rabbits were randomized to an intervention- (n = 12) or placebo group (n = 11) receiving either semaglutide or saline-placebo. PET/CT imaging was done before and after 16-weeks of intervention. Three different radiotracers were used: [⁶⁴Cu]Cu-DOTATATE for imaging of activated macrophages, [¹⁸F]FDG imaging cellular metabolism and [¹⁸F]NaF PET visualizing micro-calcifications. Tracer uptake was quantified by maxim

SUBMITTER: Jensen JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9241989 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature