Metformin (1,1-Dimethylbiguanide) inhibits the mitochondrial respiratory chain in the liver, leading to AMPK activation and enhanced insulin sensitivity, which makes it useful for the study of type 2 diabetes. It also exerts central glucose-lowering effects by inhibiting Ras-related protein 1 (Rap1) in SF1 hypothalamic neurons, and inhibits liver oxidative stress, nitrosative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis caused by liver ischemia/reperfusion injury. Additionally, Metformin regulates the expression of autophagy-related proteins by activating AMPK and inhibiting the mTOR signaling pathway.
- Inhibits mitochondrial respiratory chain
- Enhances insulin sensitivity
- Reduces liver oxidative and nitrosative stress
- Regulates autophagy-related proteins
- Inhibits tumor cell autophagy and growth of renal cell carcinoma