Endothelial function and dysfunction: Impact of metformin

• Published in: Pharmacology & therapeutics (Oxford) Vol. 192; pp. 150 - 162
• Main Authors: Nafisa, Asma, Gray, Susan G., Cao, Yingnan, Wang, Tinghuai, Xu, Suowen, Wattoo, Feroza H., Barras, Michael, Cohen, Neale, Kamato, Danielle, Little, Peter J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Inc 01.12.2018
• Subjects: CVD; Endothelial dysfunction; Endothelium; Hyperglycaemia; Mechanism of action; Metformin; eNOS; TNFα; TRAF3IP2; NF-kB; mPTP; ICAM1; Endothelial dysfunction; mTOR; PAI-1; AngII; ED; VSMCs; PEPCK; PAPP1; G6PDH; H2S; AJ; PKC; DHAP; MAPK; ER; Endothelium; BH4; PPARδ; CVD; PCOS; EDRF; ET-1; NOX; ROS; Sirt1; Metformin; GAPDH; NO; Hyperglycaemia; PGC1α; vWF; cGMP; LOX-1; MCP1; Mn-SOD; Mechanism of action; HUVECS; AGE; t-PA; HSP90; VCAM1; GCH1; GTPCH1; PGI2; FMN; VEGF; FAD; Bcl6; TJ; u-PA; EDHF
• ISSN: 0163-7258; 1879-016X; 1879-016X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.07.007

Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Endothelial dysfunction is a key player in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Current evidence suggests that the anti-diabetic drug metformin improves insulin resistance and protects against endothelial dysfunction in the vasculature. Hereby, we provide a timely review on the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of metformin in preventing endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.