Metformin has been used for more than 60 years to treat type 2 diabetes. The medication is known to be both effective and inexpensive.
Until now, it has primarily been believed to work by affecting the liver and the gut.
According to research published in Science Advances and reported by SciTechDaily, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have investigated whether the brain also plays a role.
The researchers focused on a region of the brain called the hypothalamus, which helps regulate energy and sugar balance in the body.
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Experiments with mice
In the study, the researchers worked with mice in which they removed a specific protein, Rap1, from this brain region.
When the protein was absent, metformin no longer affected blood sugar levels.
Other types of diabetes medication still had an effect, suggesting that metformin works in a unique way.
The researchers also found that metformin can reach the brain. Even very small amounts had a clear effect when administered directly.
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New possibilities
The results show that the brain responds strongly to metformin, even at low doses. This may have implications for the future treatment of diabetes.
Metformin not only acts in the body’s organs but also affects the brain through the protein Rap1.
This knowledge could eventually lead to more precise treatments with fewer side effects.
Sources: SciTechDaily and Science Advances.
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