2023-08-27 07:22:39
Scientists from the USA have discovered surprising properties of the most common drug for the treatment of diabetes – in preclinical models, it prolongs life. The experiments have detailed the molecular mechanism of this effect, which is now being planned to be used to prevent aging in humans.
Metformin is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Study by a team from Massachusetts General Hospital showedthat metformin not only lowers blood glucose levels, but also prolongs life. The drug promotes longevity by stimulating the production of essential lipids – the main structural component of cell membranes.
Experiments on models of C. elegans nematodes, which have many genetic similarities to humans, have shown that the genes necessary to increase the production of essential lipids are also needed to increase lifespan. Blocking these genes canceled various manipulations to increase life expectancy – for example, taking metformin and restricting calories.
It is important to note that the increase in ester lipid synthesis alone was enough to prolong the life of nematodes.
Further observations showed that this is due to the organization of a protective metabolic response to stress with the help of the SKN-1 factor (an analogue of the Nrf protein in mammals).
“A diet or a drug that promotes the synthesis of essential lipids may one day become a strategy for the treatment of aging and diseases of old age,” said the author of the work, Alexander Soukas. Now the scientists must confirm their results in mammalian models, following which the properties of metformin and its derivatives can be more confidently considered for extending life in humans. An important advantage of the approach is that the safety of the drug for the human body has already been proven.
Metformin has previously been shown to be effective in preventing muscle atrophy and fibrosis. Now it is considered as a tool during the rehabilitation of patients.
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