METAFORMIN: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOY

METAFORMIN: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOY

NEWS: How a low-cost diabetes drug metformin can slow ageing in male monkeys

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

The scientists have said much more research would be required before metformin can be approved as an anti-ageing compound in humans.

 

Study Details:

 

·         Published on September 12 in Cell, conducted by 43 researchers, involving elderly male cynomolgus macaques treated with metformin for 40 months.

 

Key Findings:

  • Neuronal activity in metformin-treated monkeys resembled that of younger monkeys.
  • Slowed biological aging in organs like lungs, kidneys, liver, skin, and brain.
  • Reduced chronic inflammation and activated the NRF2 protein, which protects against cellular damage.

Metformin Background:

  • Used for type 2 diabetes since the 1950s.
  • Derived from guanidine in the herb Goat’s Rue.
  • Known for anti-aging effects in other organisms.

 Research Significance:

 

·         First comprehensive study showing metformin’s anti-aging effects in primates, beyond mice.

 

Future Implications: Further research is required before human use; a 120-person trial is currently testing its effect on aging.

Source : https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-health/low-cost-diabetes-drug-can-slow-ageing-in-male-monkeys-study-9573237/