Unanticipated Benefits of Widely-Used Diabetes Medication Unveiled by Scientists

A study reveals that Metformin, a medication routinely used to treat diabetes, also shows promise in mitigating muscle atrophy and fibrosis, especially aiding the elderly in quicker recuperation from physical injuries. The drug works by targeting senescent cells that impact muscle performance, as observed in a study involving older adults during phases of muscle inactivity and subsequent recovery.

Although diabetes is generally not associated with muscle function, it appears that Metformin, a drug commonly employed for diabetes management, has the capacity to counter muscle deterioration and fibrosis. This could facilitate more rapid recovery for the elderly following an injury or illness.

The research, led by the University of Utah Health, uncovers that Metformin, in use for diabetes treatment for over fifty years, has unexpected cellular effects. It targets what are referred to as “senescent cells,” or cells that have ceased to divide but continue to secrete inflammatory substances, potentially causing fibrotic tissue formation.

The study, whose findings were published in the scientific journal Aging Cell, demonstrates that Metformin is also effective in decreasing muscle atrophy. Micah Drummond, Ph.D., the senior author of the study and a professor of physical therapy and athletic training at the College of Health, stated, “We see considerable potential for the clinical application of this research. For instance, recovery from knee surgeries in older adults is notably challenging. Could administering a Metformin-derived compound during the recuperation phase expedite muscle rehabilitation?”

Enhancing Muscle Recovery Processes

As individuals age, the risks of falls, hospitalization, or development of chronic diseases increase, and muscle disuse exacerbates these risks. The research team aimed to identify a therapeutic strategy that could effectively target both muscle atrophy and the muscle recovery process.

While a certain level of senescent cells is beneficial across all ages, their effects become detrimental as people age. Younger individuals can generally recover more effectively without intervention, unlike older adults for whom cellular senescence accumulates, making recovery more sluggish.

Through clinical trials, Metformin’s anti-senescent properties have been affirmed. To further assess its efficacy, the researchers conducted a multi-week study involving 20 healthy older men and women. Participants underwent muscle biopsies and MRI scans before and after a regimen of bed rest, with one group receiving Metformin and the other a placebo. Following the bed rest, all participants completed a seven-day re-ambulation period and underwent a final muscle biopsy.

According to Drummond, participants who received Metformin exhibited reduced muscle atrophy and fibrosis during the bed rest and recovery period. Further examination of muscle biopsies showed fewer markers of cellular senescence among those who took Metformin.

Jonathan Petrocelli, Ph.D., the lead author of the study, emphasized that this is the first research to directly link a senescence-targeting therapy like Metformin to improved muscle recovery in aging. “Our ultimate aim is to enable individuals to maintain muscle mass and functionality as they age, as these are significant indicators for the risk of disease onset and mortality,” Petrocelli said.

The research team is now looking into combining Metformin with leucine, an amino acid known for its growth-promoting effects, to further accelerate recovery. Previous animal studies have already indicated the effectiveness of this combination.

Drummond concluded by noting the cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of Metformin, making it a promising option for accelerating recovery in older individuals.

Reference: “Disuse-induced muscle fibrosis, cellular senescence, and senescence-associated secretory phenotype in older adults are alleviated during re-ambulation with metformin pre-treatment,” authored by Jonathan J. Petrocelli et al., was published on 24 July 2023 in Aging Cell. DOI: 10.1111/acel.13936

The research received funding from the National Institute on Aging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Metformin and muscle recovery

More about Metformin and muscle recovery

• Study Published in Aging Cell
• University of Utah Health Research
• Information about Metformin
• National Institute on Aging Funding
• Overview of Senescent Cells
• Clinical Trials on Metformin
• Micah Drummond’s Academic Profile
• Introduction to Muscle Atrophy
• Details on Therapeutic Strategy in Muscle Recovery