The Use of Metformin to Increase the Human Healthspan

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Pharmacology
• Metabolic Diseases

Background:

• Metformin is a primary drug for glucose management in diabetes.
• Emerging research explores metformin's potential as an anti-aging therapeutic.
• Studies indicate metformin can increase lifespan in model organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review clinical research on metformin's role in extending lifespan and healthspan.
• To evaluate metformin's potential in mitigating age-related diseases.
• To explore metformin's mechanisms, such as autophagy induction, for healthspan promotion.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical trial data and scientific literature.
• Analysis of metformin's effects on age-associated declines.
• Investigation of metformin's impact on cardiometabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, and cancer.

Main Results:

• Metformin may reduce risks of cardiometabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, inflammation, and frailty.
• Evidence suggests potential for cancer chemoprevention or adjuvant therapy.
• Metformin activates AMPK, inducing autophagy and promoting healthspan via hormesis.

Conclusions:

• Metformin shows promise as a geroprotector, potentially extending healthspan.
• Repurposing metformin may offer benefits against multiple age-related conditions.
• Further well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm metformin's geroprotective effects.