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Exploiting the cardioprotective potential of metformin against cardiotoxic agents

Ahmad Safari Maleki1,2, A Wallace Hayes3,4, Gholamreza Karimi5,6

  • 1Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Naunyn-Schmiedeberg'S Archives of Pharmacology
|June 16, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Metformin demonstrates significant cardioprotective effects against heart injury. This diabetes medication mitigates cardiotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and regulating cell death pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Cardiotoxicity impairs heart function, with severity influenced by age, exposure, and agent.
  • Metformin, a type 2 diabetes drug, improves insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose production.
  • Existing research suggests metformin possesses cardioprotective properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review scientific literature on metformin's efficacy in preventing cardiotoxicity.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which metformin protects the heart from toxic insults.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search across Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar.
  • Inclusion of studies published up to April 2025 using relevant keywords.
  • Analysis of identified studies for metformin's impact on cardiotoxicity.

Main Results:

  • Metformin mitigated cardiotoxicity through multiple pathways.
  • Key mechanisms include reduced oxidative stress and inflammation.
  • Metformin also modulated AMPK phosphorylation, NF-kB pathway, autophagy, and apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • Metformin exhibits potential cardioprotective efficacy against diverse cardiotoxic agents.
  • The drug's multifaceted mechanisms contribute to its heart-protective effects.
  • Further highlights the therapeutic potential of metformin in managing cardiotoxicity.
Keywords:
CardioprotectionCardiotoxicityHeartMetforminToxic agents

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