Mechanism of metformin regulation in central nervous system: Progression and future perspectives.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of preclinical and mechanistic literature
PubMed 36244266 · doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113686
What was done
This narrative review summarized current preclinical in vivo and in vitro evidence regarding the regulatory mechanisms and effects of metformin within the central nervous system, focusing on its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and modulate neurons and neuroglia.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data or effect sizes. Qualitatively, it reports that metformin crosses the blood-brain barrier, activates specific neurons and neuroglia, stimulates neurogenesis, exerts neuroprotective and neurotrophic actions, and mediates anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting microglial activation and regulating microglial polarization.
Why it matters
Understanding the cellular mechanisms through which metformin impacts the central nervous system helps clarify potential biological targets for neurological disease research.
Limits
The review relies entirely on preclinical in vitro and in vivo models with no human clinical data presented in the abstract. The abstract reports no quantitative results, sample sizes, or systematic review methodology.
Cited by
- supports Metformin crosses the blood-brain barrier, supports the TCA cycle in mitochondria, and reduces inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and interleukin-6 in studies.