Title:Mechanisms Involved in the Protective Effects of Metformin Against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
VOLUME: 19 ISSUE: 18
Author(s):V. J. Barbero-Becerra, J. J. Santiago-Hernandez, F. A. Villegas-Lopez, N. Mendez-Sanchez, M. Uribe and N. C. Chavez-Tapia
Affiliation:Obesity and Digestive Diseases Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Puente de Piedra 150, Col. Toriello Guerra, Tlalpan 14050, Mexico City, Mexico.
Keywords:Biguanides, insulin resistance, liver diseases, metabolic syndrome, metabolism, obesity, Metformin, antidiabetic, blood glucose, Nonalcoholic
Abstract:Metformin is an antidiabetic drug used widely in clinical practice. Its main clinical effect is to reduce blood glucose levels by
improving insulin resistance. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is characterized by chronic liver damage and can develop into liver
cirrhosis. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with obesity and contributes to insulin resistance, and metformin is used to treat
individuals with these conditions. The mechanisms underlying the clinical effects of metformin in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
are unclear. This article summarizes the literature on the mechanisms associated with liver glucose metabolism and the beneficial effects
of metformin on this common liver disease.
