The effect of liraglutide on renal function in type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of liraglutide on renal function in type 2 diabetes remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of liraglutide versus placebo on renal function in type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We search PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through March 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of liraglutide versus placebo on renal function in type 2 diabetes. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model. RESULTS: Seven RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group in type 2 diabetes, liraglutide treatment shows no obvious effect on GFR (SMD=0.02; 95% CI=-0.43 to 0.47; P=0.94), RBF (SMD=-0.28; 95% CI=-0.80 to 0.24; P=0.29) or death (RR=1.93; 95% CI=0.71 to 5.21; P=0.20), but is associated with significantly decreased ACR (SMD=-0.82; 95% CI=-1.39 to -0.26; P=0.004) and systolic blood pressure (MD=-9.60; 95% CI=-17.46 to -1.73; P=0.02), as well as increased heart rate (MD=5.39; 95% CI=3.26 to 7.52; P<0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Liraglutide treatment may provide some benefits for protecting renal function in type 2 diabetes.