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Metformin and Risks of Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Dissection: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Lei Wang1,2, Ziyan Lin3, Yuzuo Lin3
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 350000 Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine
|May 12, 2025
Summary
Metformin may reduce the risk of aortic aneurysm (AA) and aortic dissection (AD). This Mendelian randomization study found a protective effect of metformin against these serious vascular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Genetics
- Pharmacogenomics
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Previous studies suggested metformin might inhibit abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) dilation, but findings were controversial.
- Limited research exists on metformin's relationship with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and aortic dissection (AD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential relationship between metformin use and the risk of aortic aneurysm (AA) and aortic dissection (AD).
- To assess the genetic causal link between metformin and AA/AD using Mendelian randomization (MR).
Main Methods:
- Utilized genome-wide association studies and FinnGen summary data for MR analysis.
- Employed the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method to determine the causal relationship.
- Conducted sensitivity analyses to evaluate heterogeneity and pleiotropy.
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation was observed between metformin and the risk of AA and AD.
- Metformin showed protective effects with low odds ratios (ORs) for AA (OR=0.010), AAA (OR=0.004), TAA (OR=0.017), and AD (OR=0.001).
- Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings.
Conclusions:
- Identified a potential genetic causal relationship between metformin use and reduced risk of AA/AD.
- Suggests metformin may act as a protective agent against the incidence of aortic aneurysms and dissections.
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