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Review
. 2013 Nov 15;12(22):3483-9.
doi: 10.4161/cc.26928. Epub 2013 Oct 24.

Metformin: do we finally have an anti-aging drug?

Vladimir N Anisimov  1
Affiliations
Review

Metformin: do we finally have an anti-aging drug?

Vladimir N Anisimov. Cell Cycle. .

Abstract

Studies in mammals have demonstrated that hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia are important factors in aging and cancer. Inactivation of insulin/insulin-like signaling increases lifespan in nematodes, fruit flies, and mice. Life-prolonging effects of caloric restriction are in part due to reduction in IGF-1, insulin, and glucose levels. Antidiabetic biguanides such as metformin, which reduce hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia by decreasing insulin resistance, extend lifespan, and inhibit carcinogenesis in rodents. Will antidiabetic biguanides increase lifespan in humans?

Keywords: aging; cancer; diabetes; geroconversion; gerosuppression.

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