Скачать или смотреть Uncovering Metformin's Brain Connection: A 60-Year Mystery Solved

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have found that the diabetes drug metformin has an unexpected impact on the brain. This study reveals a new pathway for treating type 2 diabetes.
Scientists from Baylor College of Medicine identified a brain pathway that metformin targets, in addition to its known effects on the liver and gut. Makoto Fukuda, a pathophysiologist, explains how metformin's action in the brain, specifically the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), helps manage blood sugar.
Previous research had linked a protein called Rap1 in the VMH to glucose metabolism. Tests on mice showed metformin's journey to the VMH, where it turns off Rap1, effectively tackling type 2 diabetes.
When mice without Rap1 were studied, metformin had no effect on a diabetes-like condition, indicating a unique mechanism compared to other drugs. The team also identified specific neurons that metformin activates, potentially leading to more targeted treatments.
Metformin's safety, longevity, and affordability make it a promising drug. By reducing liver glucose production and improving insulin efficiency, it aids in managing type 2 diabetes symptoms.
This study suggests metformin's action extends beyond the liver and gut, with potential implications for future treatments. Human studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore ways to enhance metformin's effectiveness.