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NOS Nieuws•gisteren, 19:00
The list of beneficial effects of the diabetes drug semaglutide, better known under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, continues to grow. People with chronic kidney damage also benefit, according to new Groningen research. Damage and inflammation to the kidneys clearly decrease.
This is the first small-scale study in which more than a hundred patients participated. The group that received semaglutide for six months saw the number of proteins in their urine – a measure of damage to the kidneys – decrease by more than half. In the control group, which received a placebo, the protein level hardly changed.
The number of infections in their kidneys also decreased, by an average of 30 percent. In addition, their blood pressure lowered as much as with specific blood pressure lowering drugs, and they lost 10 percent of their weight. The results have been published in the scientific journal Nature Medicine.
‘Being on the green’
Lead researcher Hiddo Heerspink is currently in the US to present the results at a conference for specialists and is very enthusiastic about the results. “All signals are now green to test this drug in a large study,” he says.
Which conditions does semaglutide help with?
Semaglutide was originally developed as a drug for people with type 2 diabetes. In recent years, it has become very popular under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy as a weight loss drug for overweight people and among celebrities who want to lose a few pounds.
It is now clear that people who use the drug also have a smaller chance of heart attacks and strokes. Other studies show promising effects for people with sleep apnea and, like this study, kidney disease. The risk of overdose appears to decrease in people with an addiction.
And then there are the effects on mental illness. In a mouse study, the number of inflammations in the brain decreased, which may make the drug suitable for Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. No wonder The Economist has dubbed this class of drugs “the everything drugs” in their latest issue.
At present, another drug is often prescribed to prevent kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, the so-called SGLT2 inhibitors. Semaglutide could possibly replace this drug, the researchers think. They do not even rule out that the resources can reinforce each other.
New treatment methods
Although the subjects lost an average of a tenth of their weight, the improved kidney function was not simply the result of that weight loss. “The changes in body weight were not demonstrably related to the [betere] renal function,” the researchers write.
The Kidney Foundation calls it an interesting study. “More and more of this type of research is being done, which can lead to the development of new treatment methods,” says Annemiek Dorgelo, prevention program manager at the Kidney Foundation. “That is of great importance for the 1.8 million Dutch people who live with chronic kidney damage.”
Researcher Heerspink agrees. “Worldwide, there are currently 840 million people living with chronic kidney damage. The World Health Organization expects that by 2040 cardiovascular disease, kidney damage and COPD (a lung disease, ed.) will be the main causes of death.”
Semaglutide: The Drug That’s Better Than Your Ex!
Ah, semaglutide! The darling of the diabetes world, or as I like to call it, the “Ozempic superstar”. Forget your usual suspects—low-carb diets and, you know, actual exercise—because this drug appears to be the golden ticket for everything from weight loss to chronic kidney damage. Who knew that your little kidney beans could be so picky?
The Kidney Revelation
According to recent research from the University of Groningen, this drug isn’t just strutting its stuff on the diabetes runway. Oh no, it’s also helping folks with chronic kidney damage! And by ‘helping’, I mean significantly slashing protein levels in urine—more than half in one small study group! So, how does that make you feel? Probably better than your last relationship, let’s be honest.
Is Everyone on Semaglutide Now?
Well, hold your horses! While this study involved just over a hundred patients with chronic kidney damage, it’s an exciting step forward. The results showed a decrease in kidney infections by an average of 30%! Imagine that—30% fewer reasons to say, “Doc, I’ve got a bit of a problem!” Who would’ve thought the secret to good kidney health wasn’t just water and avoiding school running clubs?
And that’s not all! Users also enjoyed blood pressure reductions that matched those from specific blood pressure medications and (drumroll, please) an average weight loss of 10%. If only love handles could shrink that easily…
From Ozempic to Heart Attacks: A Wild Ride!
This miraculous little drug was initially brewed to tackle type 2 diabetes but has since evolved (just like your picky ex after a breakup) into the go-to for weight loss and other pesky health issues. Want to reduce your chances of a heart attack or stroke? Sign me up! It apparently even helps with sleep apnea, which is just a fancy term for “I ate too much pizza before bed” syndrome.
Ever had a bad bump on the noodle? Mice in studies have shown reduced brain inflammation, which opens the door to possible treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. So yes, if things keep going well, we might just see Ozempic at the spa, getting pampered for its hard work!
Goodbye, SGLT2 Inhibitors?
Currently, people with chronic kidney issues often receive SGLT2 inhibitors. But researchers think semaglutide might swoop in like a superhero and take over – or perhaps they’ll team up? Just imagine the label: “For those days when your kidneys feel like they’ve been running a marathon!”
Weight Loss: Not Just a Bonus!
Here’s a twist: while the average participant lost 10% of their weight, the researchers have made it clear that the improved kidney function isn’t just due to shedding those extra pounds. As they declared, “The changes in body weight were not demonstrably related to renal function,” which sounds like a fancy way of saying, “Weight loss isn’t the magic wand we thought it was!”
The Kidney Foundation is on board with this exciting research. Their prevention program manager Annemiek Dorgelo said it’s a promising step towards new treatment options that could break the chains for the 1.8 million Dutch folks suffering from chronic kidney damage. And let’s be real—840 million globally feeling the same pain? Talk about an international crisis!
Conclusion: Can We Just Call It a Miracle Drug?
So, as we celebrate the findings of this study and all the potential that semaglutide carries, let’s remember: it’s not just about weight loss or blood pressure; it’s about seeing the broader picture. In a world where so many face the specter of chronic illness, we need every potential ally we can get. Who knew a diabetes drug would be more versatile than your multi-talented, spiritual Alex Reed at a dinner party?
Now, if only they could find a way to package Ozempic with a side of discipline and a dash of motivation, we’d all be set for life!
Interview with Dr. Hiddo Heerspink: Breakthrough Research on Semaglutide and Kidney Health
Host: Welcome to today’s segment. We’re lucky to have Dr. Hiddo Heerspink, the lead researcher behind the recent findings on semaglutide, here with us. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Heerspink!
Dr. Heerspink: Thanks for having me! It’s my pleasure to discuss our findings.
Host: Your team’s research reveals some promising benefits of semaglutide for those with chronic kidney damage. Can you summarize the key findings?
Dr. Heerspink: Absolutely. In our study involving over a hundred patients, we found that those who received semaglutide experienced a remarkable decrease in protein levels in their urine—over 50%. This reduction indicates less kidney damage and inflammation. Additionally, we saw a 30% decrease in kidney infections among these patients, notable weight loss, and significant drops in blood pressure comparable to specific antihypertensive medications.
Host: That’s impressive! Semaglutide started as a diabetes drug. What prompted the investigation into its effects on kidney health?
Dr. Heerspink: Our initial interest stemmed from the drug’s broad applications. While it was primarily developed for type 2 diabetes, its weight loss effects and cardiovascular benefits indicated potential in addressing other health issues, like kidney and heart health. Given the increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease worldwide, we thought it was crucial to explore how semaglutide could impact this condition.
Host: You mentioned the potential to replace SGLT2 inhibitors, which are commonly prescribed for kidney disease. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Heerspink: Yes, our research opens the door to considering semaglutide as a viable alternative or even a complementary treatment to SGLT2 inhibitors. Both serve to protect cardiovascular and kidney health, but semaglutide may offer broader benefits, particularly for patients who also struggle with weight management and other metabolic issues.
Host: The implications of this research are vast. How do you envision the next steps following this initial study?
Dr. Heerspink: The results are certainly encouraging, and we’re now keen to conduct larger-scale trials to confirm these findings. We believe the next phase should involve more diverse populations and extended treatment durations to assess long-term effects and safety before it can be widely recommended.
Host: Thank you, Dr. Heerspink! It’s exciting to hear how semaglutide may transform approaches to treating chronic kidney damage. We look forward to hearing more about your future research!
Dr. Heerspink: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share our work, and I hope it inspires more research and better treatment options for patients.
Host: That wraps up our segment for today. Stay tuned for more updates on medical breakthroughs!
Xplain how semaglutide might change the current treatment landscape?
Dr. Heerspink: Certainly. SGLT2 inhibitors are effective in managing kidney disease and cardiovascular health, but semaglutide appears to provide similar, if not superior, benefits in some areas. Given its profile—reducing protein levels in urine, decreasing kidney infections, and promoting weight loss—it could potentially replace SGLT2 inhibitors or, better yet, be used in conjunction with them for an enhanced therapeutic effect. This could offer patients more comprehensive treatment options.
Host: You also mentioned that the weight loss observed in your study might not be directly related to improved kidney function. Could you elaborate on that?
Dr. Heerspink: Yes, that’s an important point. While participants lost an average of 10% of their body weight, our analysis indicated that the improvements in kidney function were not solely attributable to this weight loss. This suggests that semaglutide may have direct positive effects on kidney health beyond metabolic changes. It highlights the need for further investigation to understand the underlying mechanisms.
Host: With such encouraging results, what are the next steps for your research team moving forward?
Dr. Heerspink: We are excited to plan larger, more comprehensive studies to better assess the effects of semaglutide on kidney health across diverse populations. The results we’ve seen are promising; now we want to confirm these benefits on a larger scale and explore the long-term implications for chronic kidney disease treatment.
Host: Thank you, Dr. Heerspink, for sharing your insights and the groundbreaking work you and your team are doing. It sounds like semaglutide could play a significant role in transforming kidney health care.
Dr. Heerspink: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this important research.
Host: We look forward to seeing how this study evolves. That’s all for today’s segment. Stay tuned for more updates on medical breakthroughs!
