Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) for neuroprotection following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH): a scoping review
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Objective
The objective of this scoping review is to understand the extent and type of evidence in relation to the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) for neuroprotection in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH).
Introduction
The individual and societal costs of aSAH remain high. Effective neuroprotection would reduce morbidity and mortality but there are uncertainties around both established and emerging therapies. GLP-1RA show promise as neuroprotective drugs in other forms of acute and chronic brain injury and could be repurposed for aSAH.
Inclusion criteria
Animal and human studies of the use of GLP-1RA for aSAH will be included. Key exclusions are traumatic or non-aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, or the use of multi-agonist drugs.
Methods
Searches were conducted in Embase (Ovid), Medline (Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley) and the World Health Organisation’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform on 13th June 2025 with no limits applied. Screening and data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers.
Results
After de-duplication 593 records were screened, 50 selected for full text review and 5 included in this review. GLP-1R were shown to be highly expressed in neurones and microvascular endothelial cells after aSAH. Administration of GLP-1RAs to rats affected by aSAH improved functional recovery. Furthermore, aSAH was reported to increase cerebral hemisphere oedema, blood-brain barrier permeability, cell death and inflammation, all of which were reversed by GLP-1RA treatment. Murine studies highlight potential mechanisms for these beneficial effects including inhibition of ferroptosis, downregulation of apoptosis, and upregulation of SIRT1 pathways. A human observational studies shows a correlation between higher SIRT1 levels and better neurological outcomes.
Conclusion
The limited available evidence suggests a potential neuroprotective role for GLP-1RAs after aSAH. There is a need for extensive further research to determine the efficacy and safety of GLP1-RAs for neuroprotection in aSAH.
