Perspectives for the use of the antidiabetic drug metformin as a strategy to slow biological aging and age-related diseases

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Abstract

This review focuses on the use of the antidiabetic drug metformin as one of the most studied geroprotective candidates with a well-established safety profile. The primary theories of aging and the development of age-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Alzheimer disease, as well as the relationship between T2DM and the development of cognitive impairment, are reviewed. Metformin is hypothesized to improve cognitive function, mitigate the severity of anxiety, and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer disease. In addition, metformin is able to decelerate the aging process and increase longevity in experiments in mice and rats. Despite being among the most frequently prescribed medications globally, with the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and distribute to all brain regions, the precise mechanisms underlying its effects on the brain remain unclear. Studies show that metformin is able to activate 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, reduce the levels of advanced glycation endproducts, and restore mitochondrial function. Moreover, metformin enhances autophagy and exerts a neuroprotective effect on neural stem cells. The findings of numerous studies indicate that metformin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

About the authors

Ajgul Z. Hafizova

Kazan State Medical University

Author for correspondence.
Email: aygul_khafizova_1997@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-7690-7341
SPIN-code: 6140-5941

Postgrad. Stud., Depart. of Pharmacology

Russian Federation, 6/30 Tolstoy St., 420015 Kazan

Irina I. Semina

Kazan State Medical University

Email: seminai@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-3515-0845
SPIN-code: 4385-3650

MD, Dr. Sci. (Med.), prof., Depart. of Pharmacology, head of the Central Research Laboratory

Russian Federation, 6/30 Tolstoy St., 420015 Kazan

Dmitry O. Nikitin

Kazan State Medical University

Email: Richard4777@Yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5773-867X
SPIN-code: 3132-2628

Assistant, Depart. of Pharmacology

Russian Federation, 6/30 Tolstoy St., 420015 Kazan

Ruslan I. Mustafin

Kazan State Medical University

Email: ruslan.mustafin@kazangmu.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-0916-2853
SPIN-code: 9244-1081

Cand. Sci. (Pharm.), Assoc. Prof., Director of the Institute of Pharmacy

Russian Federation, 6/30 Tolstoy St., 420015 Kazan

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