Probiotics In Incretin-Based Therapy for Patient Living with Obesity: A Synergistic Approach

Author(s): Marco Mattioli, Elena D’Agostino, Luca Valerii, Donato Angelino, Mauro Serafini, Paolo De Cristofaro

Obesity is a multifactorial chronic relapsing disease correlated with various diseases and conditions, particularly metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. The incidence of these diseases is increasing with a global dimension affecting millions of people. One promising therapeutic approach for addressing obesity involves GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). These drugs, such as liraglutide, mimic the action of the incretin hormone GLP-1, which promotes insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. Clinical trials have shown positive results but with several side effects, reducing the adherence to therapy and the positive effects for patients. In this study we evaluate the synergistic effects of a low dose liraglutide therapy in association with an orally applied multispecies probiotics, developed to target metabolic disease. Our results show comparable results on metabolic parameters of the low dose liraglutide therapy in combination with a multispecies probiotic compared to published high dose data, yet accompanied by a significant reduction of adverse events and according to that a consequent major adherence to the therapy.