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Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Inflammatory and Metabolic Biomarkers in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Kanbay M, Shah E, AlShiab R, et al. Diabetes, obesity & metabolism. 2026.
MixedMeta-analysisMentions: Tirzepatide

Editor's note

This meta-analysis of 41 RCTs reports GLP-1-based therapies are associated with a selective anti-inflammatory profile, with two tirzepatide trials specifically showing reduced IL-6. Tirzepatide is a tracked peptide but represents a small slice of the pooled data, and heterogeneity was moderate to high. Effects on IL-6 and TNF-alpha across the broader class were variable, warranting cautious interpretation.

Plain-language abstract

A meta-analysis of 41 trials found GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists were associated with lower CRP and oxidative stress markers and higher adiponectin, with two tirzepatide trials showing reduced IL-6.