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. 2024 Feb 1:15:1330797.
doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1330797. eCollection 2024.

Examining the clinical relevance of metformin as an antioxidant intervention

Angelika Buczyńska  1 , Iwona Sidorkiewicz  2 , Adam Jacek Krętowski  1   3 , Agnieszka Adamska  3
Affiliations

Examining the clinical relevance of metformin as an antioxidant intervention

Angelika Buczyńska et al. Front Pharmacol. .

Abstract

In physiological concentrations, reactive oxygen species play a vital role in regulating cell signaling and gene expression. Nevertheless, oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases and can inflict damage on diverse cell types and tissues. Thus, understanding the factors that mitigate the deleterious effects of oxidative stress is imperative for identifying new therapeutic targets. In light of the absence of direct treatment recommendations for reducing oxidative stress, there is a continuing need for fundamental research that utilizes innovative therapeutic approaches. Metformin, known for its multifaceted beneficial properties, is acknowledged for its ability to counteract the adverse effects of increased oxidative stress at both molecular and cellular levels. In this review, we delve into recent insights regarding metformin's antioxidant attributes, aiming to expand its clinical applicability. Our review proposes that metformin holds promise as a potential adjunctive therapy for various diseases, given its modulation of oxidative stress characteristics and regulation of diverse metabolic pathways. These pathways include lipid metabolism, hormone synthesis, and immunological responses, all of which may experience dysregulation in disease states, contributing to increased oxidative stress. Furthermore, our review introduces potential novel metformin-based interventions that may merit consideration in future research. Nevertheless, the necessity for clinical trials involving this drug remains imperative, as they are essential for establishing therapeutic dosages and addressing challenges associated with dose-dependent effects.

Keywords: antioxidant intervention; metformin; novel treatment; oxidative status; oxidative stress.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Pleiotropic metformin properties.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Metformin antioxidant properties.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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Grants and funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This study was funded by internal financing of Medical University of Bialystok.

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