A team of Chinese scientists investigates metformin’s potential as an anti-aging intervention by examining its effects on cellular energy regulation and organ protection in both human cohorts and primate models. They report a 30% reduction in mortality before age 90 among postmenopausal women, and demonstrate metformin activates AMPK pathways to mitigate inflammation, protect vital tissues, and enhance metabolic resilience against age-related diseases.
Key points
- 30% reduction in mortality risk before age 90 among postmenopausal women in epidemiological analysis.
- Metformin activates AMPK to reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Primate studies show organ protection and slowed brain aging via AMPK-driven gene activation.
Why it matters: By targeting aging processes rather than individual diseases, metformin offers a scalable strategy to prevent multiple age-related disorders and extend healthspan.
Q&A
- How does AMPK activation by metformin promote longevity?
- What evidence supports metformin’s organ-protective effects in primate models?
- Can healthy individuals use metformin for anti-aging benefits?
- What are the limitations of current research on metformin’s geroprotective role?