Researchers uncover surprising side effects of common diabetes drug Metformin

Metformin, a well-established diabetes medication, has revealed unexpected benefits beyond blood sugar control. Researchers at the University of Utah Health have discovered its potential to combat muscle atrophy and fibrosis by targeting senescent cells, often referred to as 'zombie-like cells,' which can hinder muscle function. Senescent cells release inflammatory factors linked to tissue fibrosis, a condition characterized by tissue hardening and scarring.

The research team aimed to identify an effective therapeutic approach that could address both disuse-related muscle atrophy and promote muscle recovery. Pre-clinical studies had already demonstrated Metformin's anti-senescent properties.

To evaluate this intervention in humans, the researchers enlisted 20 healthy older adults, both male and female, for a multi-week study. Participants underwent a muscle biopsy and MRI before the intervention, which involved a five-day bed rest period. During a two-week run-in phase, one group of 10 received Metformin, while the other 10 received placebo pills. Subsequently, each group continued their respective treatment—either placebo or Metformin—during the bed rest phase. After the bed rest, participants received another muscle biopsy and MRI, then ceased treatments.

The researchers found that when participants took Metformin during bed rest, they had less muscle atrophy. During the recovery period, their muscles also had less fibrosis or excessive collagen. That build-up can make it harder for the muscle to properly function.

Reference: Disuse-induced muscle fibrosis, cellular senescence, and senescence-associated secretory phenotype in older adults are alleviated during re-ambulation with metformin pre-treatment” by Jonathan J. Petrocelli, Alec I. McKenzie, Naomi M. M. P. de Hart, Paul T. Reidy, Ziad S. Mahmassani, Alexander R. Keeble, Katie L. Kaput, Matthew P. Wahl, Matthew T. Rondina, Robin L. Marcus, Corrine K. Welt, William L. Holland, Katsuhiko Funai, Christopher S. Fry and Micah J. Drummond, 24 July 2023, Aging Cell, DOI: 10.1111/acel.13936