Research Progress of Perioperative Application of GLP-1 and Its Protective Effects on Organs

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a multifunctional hormone with broad pharmacological potential to control inflammation, protect cardiovascular, kidney, and liver functions. Moreover, GLP-1 can also cross the blood-brain barrier and bind with GLP-1R distributed in various parts of the brain, thereby reducing apoptosis caused by neuroinflammation and oxygen stress, and promoting learning, memory, cognitive function, neuroprotection, and nerve cell remodeling. However, the exact molecular pathway by which GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) exerts protective effects on many organs is not fully understood, so it is a hot topic of research. In this article, the recent research on the multi-organ protection of GLP-1 is reviewed, with emphasis on the research progress in the field of nervous system and perioperative anesthesia.