Metformin in acute respiratory distress syndrome: An opinion

Exp Gerontol. 2021 Mar:145:111197. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.111197. Epub 2020 Dec 10.

Abstract

Senior individuals are more susceptible to the irreversible outcomes of endothelial barrier dysfunction, the hallmark of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronovirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) - inflicted ARDS delivers the devastating outcomes of the COVID-19 worldwide. Endothelial hyperpermeability has been associated with both the progression and establishment of the COVID-19 - related respiratory failure. In the present study we investigated the in vitro effects of Metformin in the permeability of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Our preliminary results suggest that moderate doses (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 mM) of this anti-diabetic agent enhance the vascular barrier integrity, since it produces an increase in the transendothelial resistance of endothelial monolayers. Thus, we speculate that Metformin may deliver a new therapeutic possibility in ARDS, alone or in combination with other barrier enhancers.

Keywords: Acute lung injury; Acute respiratory distress syndrome; Growth hormone releasing hormone; Heat shock protein 90; P53.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COVID-19
  • Cattle
  • Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Lung / drug effects
  • Metformin / therapeutic use*
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Metformin