Biochemical bases of the organoprotective properties of metformin

Abstract

Metformin is recognized as the "gold standard" for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Its hypoglycemic properties are realized by reducing insulin resistance, contributing to the utilization of glucose in liver cells, muscles and adipose tissue; suppression of gluconeogenesis in the liver. Due to the wide range of biochemical targets of its pharmacological action, the scientific community actively discusses the use of metformin as an organoprotective drug. Now, the beneficial effect of metformin on the course of neuropathy, diseases of the cardiovascular system, normalization of the composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota, the course of metabolically associated fatty liver disease has already been proven, the nephroprotective effect has also been proven, and the study of the anti-oncogenic properties of metformin continues. The number of publications devoted to research on the positive effects of metformin on various organs and systems is actively increasing, and data on the identification of new effects are regularly published. The purpose of this literature review is to analyze the pleiotropic effects of metformin at the level of biochemical interactions for a more detailed understanding of the principles of their implementation.