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Randomized pilot study of cabergoline, a dopamine receptor agonist: effects on body weight and glucose tolerance in obese adults
Author(s) -
Gibson C. D.,
Karmally W.,
McMahon D. J.,
Wardlaw S. L.,
Korner J.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.445
H-Index - 128
eISSN - 1463-1326
pISSN - 1462-8902
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2011.01534.x
Subject(s) - cabergoline , agonist , dopamine agonist , dopamine , endocrinology , medicine , dopamine receptor , receptor , hormone , prolactin
Aim: Dopaminergic hypofunction and hyperprolactinaemia have been implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity and glucose intolerance. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the efficacy of cabergoline, a dopamine receptor agonist, on body weight and glucose tolerance in obese non‐diabetic persons with normal plasma prolactin levels. Methods: This 16‐week double blind, placebo‐controlled pilot study randomized non‐diabetic obese adults (body mass index 30–42 kg/m 2 ) to placebo or cabergoline (0.25 mg twice weekly for 4 weeks followed by 0.5 mg twice weekly for the next 12 weeks). Of 40 subjects enrolled, 29 completed 16 weeks: 16 randomized to placebo and 13 to cabergoline. All subjects were counselled on a 500 kcal/day calorie deficit diet. A 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test was performed at baseline and at 16 weeks. Results: As expected, prolactin levels decreased after cabergoline (p < 0.001). Weight loss was similar after placebo compared with cabergoline treatment: 1.0 vs. 1.2% body weight, respectively. Fasting glucose levels did not differ between groups after treatment, however, 90‐min postprandial glucose and insulin decreased in the cabergoline group only (p = 0.029). HOMA‐IR (homeostasis model of assessment) increased by 40% after placebo and 1.5% after cabergoline treatment. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that cabergoline therapy may improve glucose tolerance independent of weight loss, however, a larger, longer term study of dopamine receptor agonist therapy in obese individuals is warranted to confirm this finding.