60 Years Later: Uncovering Surprising Brain Effects of This Diabetes Drug

Regulate blood sugar, its good tolerance and its low cost made it an absolute reference against type 2 diabetes. The doctors explained its action by improving insulin sensitivity, in particular at the level of the liver and muscles. But this scheme remained partial.

Certain clinical studies brought in additional profits, in particular on longevity, cognitive functions or the risk of cancer. Effects deemed secondary, because not explained by conventional mechanisms. This situation has long left the researchers perplexed. Despite decades of use, no one could say for sure why metformin worked as well.

The brain, a new hidden target of metformin

It was within the Baylor College of Medicine, in the United States, that a team led by Pr Yong Xu crossed a milestone. Based on studies in vivo In mice and molecular analyzes, researchers have highlighted a direct action of metformin on the brain, more precisely on the hypothalamus. This central region of the nervous system regulates appetite, body temperature, but also glucose metabolism.

The study, published in Science Advances, shows that active metformin a very precise neural route: that of the protein rap1. By deactivating RAP1 in specific neurons, metformin improves insulin signaling and reduces hepatic production of glucose. These metabolic effects are therefore not only exercised on the periphery, but find their origin in the brain.

This result reinforces previous work which already suggested an involvement of the central nervous system in metabolic diseases. But it is the first time that a direct link has been established with current treatment, opening the way to a new interpretation of its profits.

Towards a revolution of metabolic treatments

The discovery of a cerebral effect of metformin upsets current models. If the hypothalamus also intervenes early in glycemic regulation, targeting this region could make it possible to design finer therapies. Rather than acting only on peripheral organs, future treatments could modulate the neural activity linked to metabolism.

This track is all the more promising since the study has also shown beneficial effects on food intake and energy expenditure, two essential parameters in the treatment of obesity. According to Sciencealart, this approach gives coherence to previously isolated observations, such as the cognitive improvement observed in certain patients under Metformin.

By revealing an unsuspected action circuit, American researchers may well bring metabolic medicine into a new era. And recall, in passing, that some old molecules have not yet delivered all their secrets.