Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is a major health problem associated with excess mortality and morbidity. Vascular complications are one of the most serious consequences of this disorder. Moreover, type 2 diabetes is also a risk factor for cerebral complications, including cognitive impairment and dementia. However, it has been shown that tight glycemic control contributes to reduce the incidence of diabetes-associated complications. Metformin is a potent antihyperglycemic agent widely used in the management of type 2 diabetes whose main actions are the suppression of gluconeogenesis and the improvement of glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity. This review is mainly devoted to describe the mechanisms of action underlying the antidiabetic effects of metformin. Furthermore, we will present evidence for the protective effects of metformin against diabetes-associated complications mainly cerebral and vascular complications. Finally, we will describe the few known side effects associated to this antidiabetic agent.
Keywords: AMP-activated protein kinase, brain protection, diabetes-associated complications, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, metformin, type 2 diabetes, vasculoprotection
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry
Title: Mechanisms of Action of Metformin in Type 2 Diabetes and Associated Complications: An Overview
Volume: 8 Issue: 13
Author(s): Sonia Correia, Cristina Carvalho, Maria S. Santos, Raquel Seica, Catarina R. Oliveira and Paula I. Moreira
Affiliation:
Keywords: AMP-activated protein kinase, brain protection, diabetes-associated complications, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, metformin, type 2 diabetes, vasculoprotection
Abstract: Type 2 diabetes is a major health problem associated with excess mortality and morbidity. Vascular complications are one of the most serious consequences of this disorder. Moreover, type 2 diabetes is also a risk factor for cerebral complications, including cognitive impairment and dementia. However, it has been shown that tight glycemic control contributes to reduce the incidence of diabetes-associated complications. Metformin is a potent antihyperglycemic agent widely used in the management of type 2 diabetes whose main actions are the suppression of gluconeogenesis and the improvement of glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity. This review is mainly devoted to describe the mechanisms of action underlying the antidiabetic effects of metformin. Furthermore, we will present evidence for the protective effects of metformin against diabetes-associated complications mainly cerebral and vascular complications. Finally, we will describe the few known side effects associated to this antidiabetic agent.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Correia Sonia, Carvalho Cristina, Santos S. Maria, Seica Raquel, Oliveira R. Catarina and Moreira I. Paula, Mechanisms of Action of Metformin in Type 2 Diabetes and Associated Complications: An Overview, Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 2008; 8 (13) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138955708786369546
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138955708786369546 |
Print ISSN 1389-5575 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5607 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Bioprospecting of Natural Products as Sources of New Multitarget Therapies
According to the Convention on Biological Diversity, bioprospecting is the exploration of biodiversity and indigenous knowledge to develop commercially valuable products for pharmaceutical and other applications. Bioprospecting involves searching for useful organic compounds in plants, fungi, marine organisms, and microorganisms. Natural products traditionally constituted the primary source of more than ...read more
Computational Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry
The thematic issue "Computational Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry" provides a robust platform for delving into state-of-the-art computational methodologies and technologies that significantly propel advancements in medicinal chemistry. This edition seeks to amalgamate top-tier reviews spotlighting the latest trends and breakthroughs in the fusion of computational approaches, including artificial intelligence (AI) ...read more
Mitochondria as a Therapeutic Target in Metabolic Disorders
Mitochondria are the primary site of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in mammalian cells. Moreover, these organelles are an important source of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in virtually any nucleated cell type. The modulation of a myriad of cellular signaling pathways depends on the mitochondrial physiology. Mitochondrial dysfunction is observed ...read more
Natural Products and Dietary Supplements in Alleviation of Metabolic, Cardiovascular, and Neurological Disorders
Metabolic disorders like diabetes, obesity, inflammation, oxidative stress, cancer etc, cardiovascular disorders like angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure etc as well as neurological disorders like Alzheimer?s, Parkinson?s, Epilepsy, Depression, etc are the global burden. They covered the major segment of the diseases and disorders from which the human community ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Telomeres, Senescence and Longevity: The Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants
Current Pharmacogenomics Pathology Associated Memory Deficits in Swedish Mutant Genome-Based Amyloid Precursor Protein Transgenic Mice
Current Aging Science Biotechnological Approaches for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Increased Expression of the Remodeling- and Tumorigenic-Associated Factor Osteopontin in Pyramidal Neurons of the Alzheimers Disease Brain
Current Alzheimer Research Multivariate Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Signals of the Human Brain
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Omega-3 Fatty Acids and their Role in Central Nervous System - A Review
Current Medicinal Chemistry The Journey From Metabolic Profiling to Biomarkers: The Potential of NMR Spectroscopy Based Metabolomics in Neurodegenerative Disease Research
Current Metabolomics Understanding the Role of Hypoxia Inducible Factor During Neurodegeneration for New Therapeutics Opportunities
Current Neuropharmacology Conference Report (3<sup>rd</sup> GTC Congress Report on Ubiquitin & Drug Discovery Feb 25-26, Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas, NV, USA)
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Novel Natural and Synthetic Ligands of the Endocannabinoid System
Current Medicinal Chemistry Leptin Reduces Infarct Size in Association with Enhanced Expression of CB2, TRPV1, SIRT-1 and Leptin Receptor
Current Neurovascular Research Editorial: View of Excellent ROAD from the CAR
Current Alzheimer Research The Path from Anti Parkinson Drug Selegiline and Rasagiline to Multifunctional Neuroprotective Anti Alzheimer Drugs Ladostigil and M30
Current Alzheimer Research The Application of Aptasensors for the Aging Diseases Diagnosis
Current Immunology Reviews (Discontinued) Substance Abuse, HIV-1 and Hepatitis
Current HIV Research New Assay for Old Markers-Plasma Beta Amyloid of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Current Alzheimer Research The Pharmacology of Aminoadamantane Nitrates
Current Alzheimer Research What Metabolic Syndrome Contributes to Brain Outcomes in African American & Caucasian Cohorts
Current Alzheimer Research Functional Autoradiography Shows Unaltered Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Signalling in Hippocampus and Cortex of APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Shear Stress-sensitive Carriers for Localized Drug Delivery
Current Pharmaceutical Design