How metformin Slows down aging and Cancer progression

Researchers at the University of Montreal, working under the leadership of Professor Gerardo Ferbeyre, have deciphered a previously unknown molecular mechanism by which metformin, which has long claimed to be a geroprotector, potentially slows down the aging process and prevents the progression of certain types of cancer.

The authors demonstrated that the gero- and oncoprotective effect of metformin is a side effect of this drug developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It turned out that it not only reduces blood glucose levels, but also prevents the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Under normal conditions, these compounds activate the immune system, but their excessive production can lead to the development of pathological inflammatory reactions that damage tissues and create favorable conditions for tumor growth.

The effect of metformin is manifested at the level of regulation of the activity of proinflammatory cytokine genes by blocking access to them of the transcription factor NF-kB (nuclear factor-kappa-bi) in metformin-treated cells.

The authors of the work suggest that the effect of metformin on the aging processes and the development of malignant tumors is manifested by influencing various mechanisms, of which only one has been discovered so far. In the near future, they plan to search for specific targets of metformin, the knowledge of which will give specialists the opportunity to maximize the positive effects of this safe drug widely used in clinical practice.

Article by Olga Moiseeva et al. Metformin inhibits the senescence-associated secretory phenotype by interfering with IKK/NF-kB activation published in the journal Aging Cell.

Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of the University of Montreal:
Scientists discover how drug slows aging and cancer.

09.04.2013