Effect of GLP-1 receptor agonist on gastrointestinal tract motility and residue rates as evaluated by capsule endoscopy.

ABSTRACT

AIM: This study evaluated the effects of a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist on gastrointestinal (GI) tract motility and residue rates by examining GI transit time and lumen using capsule endoscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: GI motility and lumen were assessed by capsule endoscopy before and after liraglutide administration in 14 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). RESULTS: Gastric transit time in the group with diabetic neuropathy (DN) was 11236±10430h before liraglutide administration and 04840±03252h after administration (nonsignificant difference, P=0.19). Gastric transit time in the non-DN group was 10130±05259h before administration and 23329±13724h after administration (significant increase, P=0.03). Duodenal and small intestine transit time in the DN group was 41034±02554h before and 63842±35242h after administration (not significant, P=0.09) and, in the non-DN group, 35103±05347h before and 64531±24136h after administration (significant increase, P=0.03). The GI residue rate in the DN group was 32.1±24% before administration and 90.0±9.1% after administration (significant increase, P<0.001), and increased in all patients; in the non-DN group, it was 32.1±35.3% before and 78.3±23.9% after administration (significant increase, P<0.001), and also increased in all patients. CONCLUSION: Liraglutide causes delayed gastric emptying and inhibits duodenal and small intestine motility. However, these GI movement-inhibiting effects may be decreased or absent in patients with DN-associated dysautonomia.