Metformin and feeding increase levels of the appetite-suppressing metabolite Lac-Phe in humans

Nat Metab. 2024 Apr;6(4):651-658. doi: 10.1038/s42255-024-01018-7. Epub 2024 Mar 18.

Abstract

Metformin, a widely used first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D), is known to reduce blood glucose levels and suppress appetite. Here we report a significant elevation of the appetite-suppressing metabolite N-lactoyl phenylalanine (Lac-Phe) in the blood of individuals treated with metformin across seven observational and interventional studies. Furthermore, Lac-Phe levels were found to rise in response to acute metformin administration and post-prandially in patients with T2D or in metabolically healthy volunteers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Appetite / drug effects
  • Appetite Depressants / pharmacology
  • Appetite Depressants / therapeutic use
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Metformin* / pharmacology
  • Metformin* / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenylalanine* / blood
  • Phenylalanine* / metabolism
  • Postprandial Period

Substances

  • Metformin
  • Phenylalanine
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Blood Glucose
  • Appetite Depressants
  • N-lactoyl-phenylalanine