Title: Metformin, a Diabetes Drug, Shows Promise in Preventing Muscle Loss in Seniors
Author: Marc Lallanilla
Date: July 31, 2023 | 3:31pm
A commonly prescribed drug for diabetes, metformin, is proving to have additional benefits beyond managing blood sugar levels. Recent studies have shown that metformin can also combat the accumulation of senescent cells in the body, which play a role in the aging process. Senescent cells, sometimes referred to as “zombie” cells, release harmful chemicals that can affect nearby cells and promote aging-related conditions.
In April, research revealed that senolytics, a class of drugs, can help eliminate senescent cells from the body, potentially improving cardiovascular health as people age. Now, a new study published in Aging Cell suggests that metformin, the most commonly prescribed drug for diabetes, also targets and prevents muscle atrophy caused by senescent cells. This finding is significant as it may help the elderly recover faster from injuries or surgeries.
“We are just skimming the surface of what is possible for metformin,” said researcher Jonathan Petrocelli from Salt Lake City’s University of Utah. He added, “Metformin may be able to be repurposed for other muscle-loss-related clinical applications, for instance, in recovery from hip or knee surgeries in elderly individuals where there is much inflammation and muscle atrophy.”
To test the effect of metformin on muscle loss and scarring, Petrocelli’s team recruited 20 healthy men and women aged 60 or older. Over a two-week period, the participants were either given metformin or a placebo and then continued their treatment while resting in bed for five days. MRI imaging was used to track muscle loss during the resting period.
The study showed promising results. Participants who took metformin during bed rest experienced less muscle atrophy and had reduced fibrosis or excessive collagen during the recovery period. Micah Drummond, a professor of physical therapy and athletic training at the University of Utah’s College of Health, stated, “Metformin is cheap, effective, and quite safe, so it’s exciting to see that we can use it to accelerate recovery for older individuals.”
Petrocelli emphasized the importance of maintaining muscle mass and function as people age, as atrophy and weakness are strong predictors of disease development and death. However, some experts caution against considering metformin as an anti-aging drug at this stage. Dr. Irina Dashkova of the Northwell Health Stern Family Center for Rehabilitation in Manhasset, New York, highlighted the need for further research on the drug’s side effects and its suitability for muscle function protection or age-slowing purposes.
While more studies are required, the potential benefits of metformin in preventing muscle loss and improving recovery for seniors are promising. As research progresses, metformin could prove to be a valuable tool in promoting healthy aging and mitigating the effects of age-related conditions.