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Figure 2. Modulatory impacts of antidiabetic medications on dopaminergic neuron function. The image illustrates how Exenatide (a GLP-1 agonist) enhances glucose metabolism within the cell, increasing energy production and reducing the release of DAMPs. If left uncontrolled, these signals activate purinergic receptors in neighboring cells and promote inflammation. Exenatide promotes metabolic resilience by enhancing glucose utilization and energy production, thereby limiting mitochondrial dysfunction and the release of proinflammatory danger signals. This dual action links energy metabolism with purinergic signaling and may explain therapeutic benefits in the context of diabetes-related metabolic stress and neurodegeneration in PD [Created in BioRender. Robls, E. (2025)]. GLP-1: Glucagon-like peptide 1; DAMPs: damage-associated molecular patterns; PD: Parkinson’s disease.