The AMPK Modulator Metformin as a Novel Adjunct to Conventional Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Summary

Metformin, a traditional antidiabetic medication, exerts glucose lowering effects by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a critical enzyme involved in the lipid and glucose metabolism. In addition to the antidiabetic effect, metformin has been shown to inhibit Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation (LPS)-induced inflammation by suppress NF-κB production, which is also regulated by AMPK. These regulatory effects of AMPK on the inflammation, immune and fibroblast-like synovial cells have prompted the investigation on the effects of metformin on rheumatoid arthritis.

Timeline

Start

2019-08-01

Primary completion

2020-12-31

Completion

2021-02-28

Publications

• Background Abdallah MS, Alarfaj SJ, Saif DS, El-Naggar ME, Elsokary MA, Elsawah HK, Abdelsattar Zaki S, Wahsh EA, Abo Mansour HE, Mosalam EM. The AMPK modulator metformin as adjunct to methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A proof-of-concept, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Int Immunopharmacol. 2021 Jun;95:107575. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107575. Epub 2021 Mar 24.

Drugs

Indications