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Metabolic Action of Metformin
Izabela Szymczak-Pajor1, Sylwia Wenclewska2, Agnieszka Śliwińska1
1Department of Nucleic Acid Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 251 Pomorska Str., 92-213 Lodz, Poland.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 27, 2022
Summary
Metformin, a first-line type 2 diabetes drug, impacts metabolism by suppressing glucose production and enhancing fatty acid oxidation. It also influences gut microbiota and inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Metformin is a widely used, cost-effective biguanide derivative for type 2 diabetes (T2DM).
- Its metabolic effects are crucial for T2DM management.
- Understanding its biochemical and molecular actions is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review updated biochemical and molecular effects of metformin.
- To consolidate current knowledge on its mechanisms of action.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing scientific evidence.
- Analysis of biochemical and molecular pathways influenced by metformin.
Main Results:
- Metformin suppresses hepatic glucose production via AMPK-dependent and independent pathways.
- It reduces intestinal lipid secretion and enhances fatty acid oxidation in adipose tissue and muscles.
- Therapeutic doses elevate liver cellular respiration, while supra-therapeutic doses suppress intestinal mitochondrial respiration.
- Metformin improves systemic insulin sensitivity by modulating gut microbiota, maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, and reducing inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Metformin exerts multifaceted biochemical and molecular effects impacting glucose and lipid metabolism.
- Its actions on cellular respiration, gut microbiota, and inflammation contribute to improved insulin sensitivity in T2DM.
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