A new study shows that metformin, a diabetic drug prevents lung inflammation during SARS-CoV2 infection.
Metformin the miracle drug for COVID-19?
Published in the journal titled immunity, the study was led by researchers from several institutions including the University of California San Diego (UCSD)’s School of Medicine. They identified the anti-inflammatory mechanism of metformin. Additionally, the study revealed that the drug prevents lung or pulmonary inflammation in mise which was infected with the coronavirus.
Scientists used a mouse model to study acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a frequent reason for death among covid-19 patients. ARDS is a life-threatening disease where fluid leaks into the limits and makes breathing difficult. It is due to the restriction of oxygen supply to the essential organs. It can also be triggered by trauma of viral and bacterial infections.
Moreover, the study found that the diabetes drug, when administered to models, showed inhibition of ARDS and reduced the symptoms. However, this was only possible before or after exposure to bacterial endotoxin. It is also a surrogate that leads to bacterial pneumonia.
How does a common diabetes drug work?
Metformin is a diabetes drug and acts as a blood sugar-lowering agent. It is what helps us prevent lung or pulmonary inflammation! It achieves this by lowering the glucose produced in the liver. In turn, it improves your insulin response. However, scientists are not sure about the basis of metformin’s anti-inflammatory responses.
The drug produces a marked reduction in mortality of endotoxin-challenged mice. It also inhibits the production of IL-1beta and other immune cells present in the lungs. IL-1beta and IL-6 are cytokines that cause inflammation as an initial immune response. Their amounts vary as covid-19 infection causes cytokine storm that leads to our body attacking its cells.
Additionally, the researchers said that the study suggests the drug can be therapeutic for treating cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases where inflammation is high.