Incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 is increased in patients with acute-phase ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with a primary percutaneous coronary intervention: a pilot study

Objectives The incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is assumed to have a cardioprotective effect. It is not known whether GLP-1 levels are increased in patients with acute myocardial infarction. We investigated the GLP-1 levels in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients and methods GLP-1 serum level samples were obtained in 12 consecutive patients presenting with acute STEMI before and 24, 72 h, and 90 days after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Results The mean GLP-1 levels increased significantly within 24 h after PCI from 27 +/- 7.1 to 39.5 +/- 11.4 (P < 0.04) and reverted to preadmission levels after 3 months. No correlation was found between GLP-1 levels and any of the clinical and laboratory parameters or indicators of myocardial infarction severity. However, both hypertension and smoking history (former and current) were associated with significantly lower GLP-1 levels as compared with normotensive and nonsmoker patients (P < 0.01 and P < 0.04, respectively). Conclusion A transient and significant increase in GLP-1 levels occurs in patients after STEMI treated with primary PCI. These pilot data may suggest a role for GLP-1 in the physiologic response to acute ischemic heart disease. (C) 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health