PhD Scientific Days 2025

Theoretical and Translational Medicine I.

Investigating the effectiveness of incretin-based therapies in obesity-related obstructive sleep apnea

Name of the presenter

Bardóczi Anna

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Department of Pulmonolgy, University of Semmelweis

Authors

Anna Bardóczi^1,2, Zsombor Matics^1,2, Caner Turan^2,3, Bence Szabó², Zsolt Molnár^2,3,4, Péter Hegyi^2,5,6, Veronika Müller^1,2, Gábor Horváth^1,2

1: Department of Pulmonolgy, University Semmelweis
2: Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University
3: Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Semmelweis University
4: Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences
5: Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Semmelweis University
6: Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs

Text of the abstract

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) significantly reduces quality of life and increases mortality, predominantly due to obesity. Conventional treatments, such as positive airway pressure (PAP), often have limited adherence. Incretin-based therapies, notably glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonists, offer promising obesity management options and thus represent potential treatments for OSA.

Aims: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of incretin-based therapies in reducing apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and body weight in patients with obesity-related OSA.

Method: We conducted a systematic literature search in Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases following PRISMA and Cochrane Handbook guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving incretin-based therapies (liraglutide, tirzepatide) in adult patients with OSA were included. A meta-analysis using random-effects models assessed changes in AHI and body weight.

Results: Five articles reporting six RCTs with 1,024 patients met inclusion criteria. Incretin-based therapies significantly reduced AHI (mean change: -14.45 events/h; 95% CI: -25.90 to -2.99, p<0.001), demonstrating greater improvement compared to standard care (mean difference: -11.61 events/h; 95% CI: -22.91 to -0.31, p=0.046). Body weight decreased significantly with incretin therapies compared to standard care (mean difference: -11.4 kg; 95% CI: -21.93 to -0.88, p=0.041).

Conclusion: Incretin-based therapies effectively reduce body weight and significantly improve OSA severity, measured by AHI. These therapies hold potential as adjunctive or alternative treatments in obesity-related OSA management.

Funding: Funded by the Ph.D. program of the Centre of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University. No external funders participated in study design or manuscript preparation.