Anti-diabetes drug improves general health of patients
PhD research at the University of Leuven has made a breakthrough in the discovery of how the diabetes drug metformin assists the body’s own anti-aging processes
Research shows how metformin works
De Haes found that metformin increases the production of harmful oxygen molecules in the mitochondria, which generate energy in cells. To provide body cells with energy, mitochondria generate small electric shocks. Sometimes oxygen molecules are released during this procedure, which can harm proteins and DNA.
But as long as large amounts of harmful oxygen molecules are not released at the same time, they actually have a positive effect in the long term. The cells intercept the oxygen molecules before they can do harm and this makes the cells stronger. “Metformin slightly increases the amount of oxygen molecules, thus strengthening the cells and prolonging their healthy lifespan,” explained De Haes.
With this research, De Haes has also challenged the theory that antioxidants slow down the ageing process. Antioxidants neutralise the effect of harmful oxygen molecules, which were previously thought to cause ageing. The food and cosmetics sector, for instance, promotes products with antioxidants – like skin creams, red wine and dark chocolate.
The scientists used roundworms for their research. “They not only aged slower, but they also stayed healthy longer,” said De Haes. “While we should be careful not to over-extrapolate our findings to humans, the study is promising as a foundation for future research.”
De Haes’ research was supported by both Ghent University and the University of Leuven. The results have been published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.
