Metformin Study: Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in the US found in their study that metformin helps in controlling blood sugar through a specific part of the brain.

Effects of metformin on the brain

Metformin Study Brain Effect: A new study has revealed a significant finding regarding metformin, a drug used for years to treat diabetes. Until now, it was believed that it primarily controlled blood sugar by affecting the liver or intestines. However, new research has revealed that it also affects the brain. This research is considered a significant change in understanding diabetes treatment methods and could pave the way for new targeted medications in the future.

What came out in the study?

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in the US found that metformin helps control blood sugar through a specific part of the brain. This research was published in the journal Science Advances. According to this study, the ventromedial hypothalamus, a part of the brain, plays a key role in controlling glucose balance in the body, and metformin affects this area.

How does metformin work?

According to researchers, a protein called Rap1 plays a crucial role in this process. When this protein's activity was reduced, metformin was able to effectively lower blood sugar. Furthermore, neurons called SF1 were also found to be active in this process, which help enhance the drug's effectiveness. This study used genetically modified mice lacking the Rap1 protein. Metformin did not respond to them, and blood sugar levels did not improve. However, when metformin was administered directly to the brain, a very small amount of metformin was observed to rapidly lower blood sugar.

What became clear from the research?

With this research, the researchers believe they also investigated which cells in the ventromedial hypothalamus were involved in mediating metformin's effects. Analyzing brain tissue samples, the researchers measured the electrical activity of SF1 neurons. Metformin increased activity in most of them, but only when Rap1 was present. According to the researchers, this research changed their thinking about metformin. It doesn't just work in the liver or gut; it also works in the brain. They found that the liver and intestines require high concentrations of the drug to respond, but the brain reacts at much lower levels.