Evaluation of the effects of metformin on gut functions and microbiota and their contribution to improving glucose tolerance in diabetic mice.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Although the mechanism of action of the antidiabetic drug metformin is still a matter of discussions, increasing evidence points to a pivotal role of the gut. Aiming to clarify whether metformin-induced changes in the intestinal tract directly contribute to metabolic improvement, we evaluated the effects of escalating doses (from 50 to 200 mg/kg/day) of metformin orally administered for 4 weeks in mice made glucose intolerant by ten weeks of high fat high sucrose diet.

Methods

Several intestinal parameters were studied, including caecal microbiota composition and bile acids profile, ileal FXR signaling, abundance of GLP1-producing cells and goblet cells and blood metabolome.

Results

Metformin restored glucose tolerance, fasting insulinemia and HOMA-IR index

SUBMITTER: Godet M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12547773 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature