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health14h ago
Metformin treated diabetes for 60 years. Now scientists find it works in the brain too - Futura-Sciences
- New brain mechanism for metformin: low doses affect blood sugar via Rap1 in the VMH, not just liver or gut.
- Rap1 suppression in VMH is essential for metformin’s glucose-lowering effect at low doses.
- SF1 neurons in the VMH activate in response to metformin entering the brain.
- Direct brain administration showed metformin lowers glucose at doses thousands of times smaller than oral doses.
- The study links brain Rap1 signaling to metformin’s broader potential beyond diabetes.
- Researchers aim to map Rap1 pathways to explore metformin’s neurological effects further.
- The finding challenges the view that metformin works only via liver and gut mechanisms.
- The study used genetically engineered mice lacking Rap1 in VMH to test metformin’s effect.
- Researchers note metformin may influence brain aging, prompting further research.
- The team plans to design drugs that target Rap1 or related mechanisms for precision therapy.
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