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2024.04.24
What is Metformin? Why It's Gaining Attention in Aging Research
To maximize your beauty, care for both the inside and outside is essential. We aim to bring advanced anti-aging treatments, such as peptide therapy common overseas, to our Japanese patients. While aesthetic medical approaches may offer more gradual results, they are crucial for building the foundation that supports beauty and youth. We combine nutritional therapy and lifestyle improvements with hormone replacement, peptide therapy, and regenerative medicine to propose personalized treatment plans. We provide long-term support for health and beauty from within.
Metformin is originally a medication for treating type 2 diabetes.
Recently,It is also attracting attention in the field of aging research.Did you know?
This time, Dr. Yoko Maeda, Director of Aesthetic Medicine at BIANCA CLINIC, explains the background behind metformin's promising role in aging research.
The Anti-Aging Drugs the World is Watching Now
In recent years,Research targeting aging itself as a therapeutic target is accelerating globally.
The catalyst for this was a review published in the journal Cell Metabolism by three researchers: David Sinclair of Harvard University, Leonard Guarente of MIT, and Guido Kromer of Paris Descartes University.
(Source:Clinical Trials of Anti-Aging Drugs – PubMed）
This paper introduces the following eight types of drugs as potential agents for preventing aging.
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Metformin
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NAD+/Sirtuin-related drugs
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GLP-1 receptor agonist
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Rapamycin
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Spermidine
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Senolytics
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Probiotics
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anti-inflammatory drug
Clinical trials in humans are underway for each, and their effects on aging and age-related diseases are being evaluated.
Among these, metformin has been studied extensively for a long time and has the most scientific evidence.
What is metformin?
Metformin is an oral biguanide drug that has long been used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Going back in time to the 17th century.
French lilac (↑this purple flower) was found to have effects that alleviate diabetes symptoms at its roots. Research progressed from there, leading to the development of metformin.
It was officially approved as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in the 1990s and is still widely used worldwide today.
Metformin for Anti-Aging? What is the TAME Trial?
The TAME trial (Targeting Aging with Metformin) is a large-scale clinical trial of an anti-aging treatment involving over 3,000 participants.
Through this testMetformin may act on biological pathways involved in the progression of aging and delay the onset of age-related diseases.The view that this is the case has gained strength.
Four biological pathways implicated in metformin's effects
Metformin is thought to potentially influence not only glucose metabolism but also various bodily mechanisms related to aging.
Among these, the following four mechanisms are attracting particular attention.
1. Activation of AMPK
It is said that metformin indirectly stimulates an enzyme called "AMPK," which maintains the balance of energy metabolism.
As a result, it is expected to suppress fat synthesis and improve metabolism.
2. Effects on FOXO Transcription Factors
Metformin is also thought to act on the "FOXO protein," which protects cells from oxidative stress. Mouse experiments suggest it may suppress glucose production in the liver.
3. Potential to Prevent Telomere Shortening
Research also suggests metformin may slow the rate at which telomeres—structures involved in cell lifespan—shrink.
The potential to slow cellular aging through pathways such as "SIRT1" and "RAG1" is drawing attention.
4. TET2 Support for DNA Repair
It is thought that by supporting the function of the enzyme "TET2," which is involved in DNA repair and genome stability, it may also contribute to maintaining cellular health.
Potential and Precautions of Metformin
Against this backdrop, metformin continues to be studied extensively as one promising option for preventing aging.
Geroprotectors.orgsuch as databasesOne of the drugs gaining attention in aging researchIt is positioned as a field of research where progress is anticipated.
However, the optimal dosage and administration for longevity medicine have not yet been established.
Metformin is also gaining attention in aging research.
Metformin is known as a diabetes treatment, but in recent years it has also gained attention for its connection to aging and anti-aging.
Research on aging continues to advance worldwide, and the possibilities of aesthetic medicine are expanding daily.
At Bianca Clinic's Aesthetic Medicine Outpatient Department, we offer personalized medical care tailored to each individual's constitution and goals, based on cutting-edge research findings and evidence from Japan and abroad.
If you wish to stay healthy and beautiful forever, please feel free to consult with us.
We look forward to seeing you for counseling.
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