Effects of incretin agonists on endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and nitric oxide synthesis in human coronary artery endothelial cells exposed to TNFα and glycated albumin.

Background: There have been a number of beneficial effects of incretin agonists on the cardiovascular system. Glycated albumin (GA) and tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) may lead to endothelial dysfunction. Due to reports of cardioprotective effects of incretin agonist, we wanted to determine if GLP-1 and exendin-4 can reverse diminished production of nitric oxide (NO) after treatment with TNFα and GA.

Exendin-4 and GLP-1 decreases induced expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and RAGE in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Background: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) take part in the development of diabetic retinopathy. Hyperglycemia triggers an inflammatory response in the retina. These mechanisms may lead to an enhanced expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) in human retinal pigment epithelium (HRPE).