Metformin promotes angiogenesis and functional recovery in aged mice after spinal cord injury by adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway.

ABSTRACT: Treatment with metformin can lead to the recovery of pleiotropic biological activities after spinal cord injury. However, its effect on spinal cord injury in aged mice remains unclear. Considering the essential role of angiogenesis during the regeneration process, we hypothesized that metformin activates the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway in endothelial cells, thereby promoting microvascular regeneration in aged mice after spinal cord injury. In this study, we established young and aged mouse models of contusive spinal cord injury using a modified Allen method. We found that aging hindered the recovery of neurological function and the formation of blood vessels in the spinal cord. Treatment with metformin promoted spinal cord micr

SUBMITTER: Zhao JY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10075126 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature