Positive side effect: Metformin lowers LDL cholesterol levels

Xu T, Brandmaier S, Messias AC, Herder C, Draisma HH, Demirkan A, Yu Z, Ried JS, Haller T, Heier M, Campillos M, Fobo G, Stark R, Holzapfel C, Adam J, Chi S, Rotter M, Panni T, Quante AS, He Y, Prehn C, Roemisch-Margl W, Kastenmüller G, Willemsen G, Pool R, Kasa K, van Dijk KW, Hankemeier T, Meisinger C, Thorand B, Ruepp A, Hrabé de Angelis M, Li Y, Wichmann HE, Stratmann B, Strauch K, Metspalu A, Gieger C, Suhre K, Adamski J, Illig T, Rathmann W, Roden M, Peters A, van Duijn CM, Boomsma DI, Meitinger T, Wang-Sattler R. Effects of Metformin on Metabolite Profiles and LDL Cholesterol in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. doi: 10.2337/dc15-0658.

Metformin use affects LDL cholesterol via the enzyme AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and the associated downregulation of the FADS1 and 2 genes. Lowered concentrations of three lipid metabolites are another consequence of this mechanism of action. © M&S Fotodesign - Fotolia

Besides affecting the blood sugar levels, the substance Metformin also has an impact on blood fat levels. This was elucidated by an interdisciplinary team of the DZD headed by Dr. Rui Wang-Sattler of the Helmholtz Zentrum München. Especially LDL cholesterol can be reduced.

The DZD-researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München and German Diabetes Center Düsseldorf analyzed more than 1.800 blood samples of participants, who joined the German large-scale study KORA*. Using a comprehensive approach, the scientists investigated metabolic products (metabolites) as well as genetics of these participants. They found that the administration of Metformin in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes led to a change in metabolite levels. This was associated with a decreased level of LDL cholesterol, which is under strong suspicion to promote cardiovascular diseases by causing atherosclerosis.

The study suggests that Metformin might have an additional beneficial effect with regards to cardiovascular diseases among diabetes patients. The exact mechanism of Metformin will be further investigated.

* For more than 20 years, the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) has been examining the health of thousands of citizens in Augsburg and environs.

Original publication:
Xu T, Brandmaier S, Messias AC, Herder C, Draisma HH, Demirkan A, Yu Z, Ried JS, Haller T, Heier M, Campillos M, Fobo G, Stark R, Holzapfel C, Adam J, Chi S, Rotter M, Panni T, Quante AS, He Y, Prehn C, Roemisch-Margl W, Kastenmüller G, Willemsen G, Pool R, Kasa K, van Dijk KW, Hankemeier T, Meisinger C, Thorand B, Ruepp A, Hrabé de Angelis M, Li Y, Wichmann HE, Stratmann B, Strauch K, Metspalu A, Gieger C, Suhre K, Adamski J, Illig T, Rathmann W, Roden M, Peters A, van Duijn CM, Boomsma DI, Meitinger T, Wang-Sattler R. Effects of Metformin on Metabolite Profiles and LDL Cholesterol in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. doi: 10.2337/dc15-0658. Diabetes Care. August 5, 2015

Link to the publication:
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2015/07/27/dc15-0658.abstract