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Effects of metformin on lipopolysaccharide induced inflammation by activating fibroblast growth factor 21

Ezgi Kar1, Özkan Alataş2, Varol Şahıntürk3

  • 1Department of Medical Biochemistry, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey.

Biotechnic & Histochemistry : Official Publication of the Biological Stain Commission
|March 5, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Metformin (MET) partially protected male rats against liver inflammation caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced endotoxemia. MET may enhance the production of anti-inflammatory Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21).

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria causes endotoxemia and potentially septic shock.
  • Metformin (MET), a hypoglycemic drug, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) is an endocrine polypeptide involved in metabolic regulation and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the protective effects of Metformin (MET) and Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia in male rats.
  • To assess the impact of MET on liver inflammation markers and FGF21 production.

Main Methods:

  • Male rats were divided into control, LPS-induced endotoxemia, and various MET treatment groups (pre-treatment, 1-hour post-treatment, 3-hour post-treatment).
  • Serum levels of liver enzymes (ALT, AST), cytokines (IL-10, TNF-α), and FGF2 were measured.
  • Liver tissue analysis included malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, FGF21 levels, and histopathology (H&E staining).

Main Results:

  • LPS administration resulted in significant inflammatory liver damage.
  • Metformin (MET) treatment demonstrated a partial protective effect, significantly reducing inflammation.
  • FGF21 levels increased in the liver following inflammation, and MET appeared to enhance its production.

Conclusions:

  • Metformin (MET) offers partial protection against LPS-induced endotoxemia and associated liver inflammation in male rats.
  • The anti-inflammatory effects of MET may be partly mediated by an increase in hepatic Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) production.
Keywords:
Endotoxemiafibroblast growth factor 21inflammationlipopolysaccharidemetforminrats

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