Drugs Against Time
The well-known diabetes medication may slow biological aging. Metformin, a widely used drug for treating type 2 diabetes, might slow biological aging. A scientific review published in the journal Aging describes the molecular mechanisms of metformin's action. A study involving 32 patients showed that the drug could slow biological aging by 2.7 to 3.4 years. A large-scale project, TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin), is planned to confirm this effect in healthy individuals.
Mechanism of Action of Metformin
Metformin has been used to treat patients since the 1950s and is a cornerstone of type 2 diabetes therapy. It is on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines. The first synthesis of metformin took place over a hundred years ago. The main effect of the drug lies in the activation of the AMPK enzyme, which inhibits the mTOR protein kinase. Metformin also stimulates autophagy, reduces oxidative stress, and improves insulin sensitivity.
- Increased stability of the TET2 enzyme, which reduces abnormal patterns of DNA methylation.
- Positive impact on the gut microbiome, reducing inflammatory processes.
The TAME project aims to evaluate the impact of metformin on 3,000 participants over six years at 14 research centers.
The results of metformin studies may significantly influence approaches to aging and overall health. If further research confirms the effectiveness of the drug in slowing biological aging, it could open new horizons in medicine, particularly in the prevention of age-related diseases. The TAME project will be an important milestone in studying the potential of metformin not only as a diabetes medication but also as a means to improve quality of life in old age.