Metformin: A Hopeful Promise in Aging Research

Abstract

Even though the inevitable process of aging by itself cannot be considered a disease, it is directly linked to life span and is the driving force behind all age-related diseases. It is an undisputable fact that age-associated diseases are among the leading causes of death in the world, primarily in industrialized countries. During the last several years, an intensive search of antiaging treatments has led to the discovery of a variety of drugs that promote health span and/or life extension. The biguanide compound metformin is widely used for treating people with type 2 diabetes and appears to show protection against cancer, inflammation, and age-related pathologies. Here, we summarize the recent developments about metformin use in translational aging research and discuss its role as a potential geroprotector.

Figure 1.

Summary of the effects of metformin supplementation in invertebrate (Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster) and vertebrate models (rodents, mainly mice).