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Published on: May 6, 2022
Effects of metformin on lymphocyte DNA damage in obese individuals among Kazakh population
Khatimya Kudabayeva1, Raikul Kosmuratova1, Yerlan Bazargaliyev1
1Department of Internal Diseases No. 1, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov State Medical University, 030019, 68 Maresyev Str., Aktobe, Kazakhstan.
Background And Aims:
The global obesity epidemic is growing worldwide and its further growth is expected in the future. In obesity, the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines is normally observed, which damage the genetic material. The purpose of this study was to assess lymphocyte DNA damage before and after metformin use in obese individuals.
Novelty:
The novelty of the article is that for the first time DNA damage in lymphocytes before and after the use of metformin in obese individuals among Kazakh population was studied.
Methods:
Indirect immunofluorescence analysis using the AKLIDES apparatus was used for the quantitative determination of phosphorylated γ-H2AX (Ser 139) and 53BP1 in order to analyze DNA breaks in the lymphocytes.
Results:
The data indicating premature cell aging in the visceral adipose tissue in obese individuals were obtained. An increased hypoxia was observed in combination with an increase in γ-H2AX foci. DNA damage monitoring may become an important part of clinical studies of obesity. Advanced methods to diagnose obesity with early detection of precancerous changes imply a personalized approach, which is ineffective without data from genomic studies.
Conclusion:
This study showed that metformin at a dose of 850 mg/day for 3 months for the treatment of obesity (BMI more than 30 kg/m2) resulted in a decrease in DNA breaks in the lymphocytes.
Insights
Metformin treatment reduced DNA damage in lymphocytes of obese individuals. This study highlights the potential of monitoring genetic material integrity in obesity management and personalized cancer prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Obesity Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The global obesity epidemic is increasing, characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation that can damage DNA.
- Obesity is linked to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines, contributing to genetic material damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate DNA damage in lymphocytes before and after metformin administration in obese individuals.
- To investigate the effect of metformin on lymphocyte DNA integrity within the Kazakh population.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of phosphorylated γ-H2AX (Ser 139) and 53BP1 using indirect immunofluorescence and the AKLIDES apparatus.
- Assessment of DNA breaks in lymphocytes to quantify genetic damage.
Main Results:
- Obese individuals exhibited premature cellular aging in visceral adipose tissue and increased hypoxia.
- Elevated levels of γ-H2AX foci correlated with increased DNA damage.
- DNA damage monitoring is crucial for obesity clinical studies and personalized genomic approaches.
Conclusions:
- Metformin (850 mg/day for 3 months) significantly decreased DNA breaks in lymphocytes of obese individuals (BMI > 30 kg/m²).
- This suggests a potential role for metformin in mitigating obesity-associated genetic damage.
