Metformin in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus: dose-dependent dementia risk reduction

Elevated Waist-to-Height Ratio Increases the Risk of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease Mortality in Elderly Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Populations

Objective

To investigate the association between anthropometric indicators and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CCVD) mortality risk in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 897 elderly T2DM patients who received long-term follow-up from January 2017 to January 2020. Baseline data included demographics, medical history, and anthropometric indicators such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). The primary outcome was CCVD-related mortality. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze associations between physical measurements and CCVD mortality risk.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 7.13 ± 2.45 years, 45 CCVD-related deaths occurred, with a mortality rate of 70.37 per 10,000 person-years. Cox regression analysis showed that higher WHtR was significantly associated with increased CCVD mortality risk in the overall population. Subgroup analyses revealed that elevated WHR predicted higher mortality risk in males, while increased BMI and WHtR were associated with greater CCVD mortality risk in females. Among patients without dyslipidemia or hyperuricemia, elevated WHtR also indicated increased mortality risk.

Conclusion

Elevated WHtR is an independent predictor of CCVD mortality in elderly T2DM patients. WHR in males and BMI in females are also important risk factors. Monitoring and managing abdominal obesity may help reduce CCVD-related deaths in this population.

Long-term delirium and survival outcomes in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists versus metformin in type 2 diabetes: A population-based cohort study

AIM

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of delirium and mortality. While glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) provide metabolic and neuroprotective benefits, their long-term impact on delirium risk remains uncertain. This study compares GLP-1 RAs and metformin in relation to delirium and mortality in T2DM patients using real-world data.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX global federated research network, which primarily comprises U.S.-based healthcare organisations (approximately 85%), with additional sites in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Adults (≥18 years) with T2DM who initiated GLP-1 RAs or metformin were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) balances baseline characteristics. The primary outcome was incident delirium; the secondary outcome was all-cause mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and time-dependent Cox models assessed associations.

RESULTS

After 1:1 PSM (N = 63 096 per group), GLP-1 RAs showed no overall reduction in delirium risk (AHR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.94-1.02, p = 0.3628). However, they were protective in the first 5 years (AHR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.86-0.92, p < 0.0001) but increased delirium risk between 5 and 10 years (AHR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04-1.26, p = 0.0046). Subgroup analysis revealed lower delirium risk with GLP-1 RAs in middle-aged patients (40-79 years) and those with HbA1c <7.5%. Higher risk was observed in Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander populations. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the relatively small subgroup sizes and the limited representativeness of these groups within the predominantly U.S.-based database, in which Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander patients together accounted for less than 5% of the overall cohort. Mortality risk was lower in absolute terms for GLP-1 RAs (6.28% vs. 9.95%) but higher in long-term hazard (AHR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.12-1.21, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

GLP-1 RA use was initially associated with a lower risk of delirium, but this association reversed over time. Subgroup variations suggest individualised treatment considerations. Metformin remains a preferred option given its stable cognitive and survival benefits.

Sepsis on dementia risk: A population-based cohort study with dose-dependent analysis

PURPOSE

Emerging evidence links sepsis-related inflammation to dementia risk, but the dose-dependent effects of recurrent sepsis episodes remain unclear. This study assessed whether sepsis increases dementia risk and explored a potential dose-response relationship between sepsis frequency and dementia.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (2005-2022), enrolling patients aged ≥18 years hospitalized with sepsis. An index period (2008-2013) was used to identify patients without prior dementia. A fixed 12-month landmark period (calendar year 2014) was applied to assess the number of sepsis episodes. Patients who died during the landmark period were excluded. Propensity score matching was performed to generate well-balanced sepsis and non-sepsis groups. Follow-up for dementia and mortality began after the landmark period and continued for up to 64 months. Cox and Fine-Gray models were used to account for competing risks of death.

RESULTS

Sepsis was associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause dementia (HR 1.59; 95 % CI, 1.47-1.72; P < 0.0001). A dose-response relationship was observed: patients with multiple sepsis episodes had the highest dementia risk (sHR 1.63; 95 % CI, 1.39-1.91). Vascular dementia showed the strongest association, with a higher incidence in the sepsis group (1.2 % vs. 0.6 %, P = 0.0003).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide robust evidence of a dose-dependent association between sepsis and increased dementia risk, particularly vascular dementia, even after adjusting for competing mortality risks.

SUMMARY

This study addresses the limitations of previous research by not only employing propensity score matching (PSM) to balance confounding factors between the sepsis and non-sepsis groups but also using an index period and landmark period design to better explore potential causal relationships. These periods ensure that dementia onset occurred after sepsis and allow for the examination of dose-response relationship between sepsis episode frequency and dementia. Furthermore, this is the largest study to date involving sepsis patients, providing more robust evidence than prior studies, which were often smaller and lacked adjustments for competing risks of death.

Metformin's impact on delirium in diabetic cardio surgery patients

PURPOSE

The effect of metformin on postoperative delirium (POD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) undergoing cardiovascular surgery remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether metformin use reduces POD risk in this high-risk population by analyzing data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database using propensity score matching (PSM).

METHODS

We included T2DM patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or valve replacement between 2015 and 2018. PSM was used to balance covariates between metformin users and non-users. Logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to assess POD risk and its cumulative incidence.

RESULTS

Metformin use was associated with a significantly reduced risk of POD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-0.67). A dose-response trend was observed, with decreasing aORs for higher cumulative metformin exposure. Protective factors included higher income, urban residency, and statin use; risk factors included older age, prolonged anesthesia, higher aDCSI, CCI scores, and depression.

CONCLUSION

Metformin significantly lowers the risk of POD in T2DM patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery, showing a clear dose-dependent protective effect. These findings highlight metformin's potential as a chemopreventive agent against post-surgical complications in this population.

Comparative study of SGLT2 inhibitors and metformin: Evaluating first-line therapies for dementia prevention in type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

- Type 2 diabetes (T2D) increases the risk of dementia by 1.5 to 2.5 times. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and metformin, widely used antidiabetic therapies, have demonstrated potential neuroprotective effects. Their comparative effectiveness in dementia prevention remains unknown.

METHODS

- This retrospective cohort study used the TriNetX global federated network, analyzing de-identified records from over 98 healthcare organizations. Adults with T2D initiating SGLT2i or metformin as first-line therapy were propensity score-matched (1:1). The primary outcome was overall dementia incidence, including vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other subtypes. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality. Time-to-event outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox models.

RESULTS

- Among 74,975 matched patients in each cohort, SGLT2i use was associated with a lower incidence of overall dementia: 2.7 % vs. 6.9 %: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.80 [95 % CI 0.76;0.84]. Reductions were observed in vascular dementia (0.8 % vs. 2.0 %; aHR 0.87), Alzheimer's dementia (1.1 % vs. 3.2 %; aHR, 0.76), and all-cause mortality (6.8 % vs. 15.4 %; aHR, 0.92). Benefits were pronounced in older adults, particularly those aged ≥80 years.

CONCLUSIONS

- SGLT2is significantly reduced dementia risk and mortality compared to metformin in T2D patients. These findings suggest SGLT2is may offer superior neuroprotective benefits, underscoring their potential as a first-line therapy for T2D. Further randomized trials are needed to confirm these results.

Association of Metformin use with risk of dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

There is ongoing debate concerning the association of metformin with the risk of dementia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of metformin therapy on dementia in patients with T2DM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and the ClinicalTrials.gov website were searched until 9 April 2024. Cohort studies investigating the effects of metformin therapy compared with other antidiabetic drugs or no therapy in T2DM were included. The hazard ratio (HR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed using the random effects model.

RESULTS

Twenty cohort studies (24 individual comparisons) involving 3 463 100 participants were identified. A meta-analysis revealed that people with T2DM who take metformin are linked to a lower incidence of all-cause dementia compared to non-user (n = 17, HR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.65-0.91, p = 0.002, I2 = 98.9%) and sulfonylureas (n = 5, HR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.85-0.90, p < 0.001, I2 = 9.7%), but not to thiazolidinedione (n = 2, HR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.08-3.41, p = 0.503, I2 = 92.7%). Additionally, metformin showed favourable effects in non-specified T2DM (n = 19, HR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.64-0.89), but not in newly diagnosed T2DM (n = 5, HR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.81-1.27).

CONCLUSION

Metformin might correlate with a lower dementia incidence in people with T2DM. However, it is crucial to interpret these results with caution considering the high heterogeneity.

Lipoic acid-plumbagin conjugate protects pancreatic beta cells against high glucose-induced toxicity

Pancreatic β cells that produce insulin play a significant role in maintaining glucose homeostasis. However, high glucose (HG) causes oxidative stress, which leads to pancreatic β cell dysfunction. The synthesis of lipoic acid (LA) and plumbagin (PLU) conjugate (LA-PLU) was done and characterized using (1H) NMR, (13C) NMR, LC-ESI-MS/MS, and UV-visible spectroscopy techniques. ADME analysis confirmed the drug-like properties of LA-PLU. The present study revealed the protective effect of LA-PLU conjugate against HG (25 mM)-induced oxidative stress on pancreatic β cells. Cell viability was performed on RIN-5F cells and found that LA-PLU exhibits non-toxic up to 91.23 ± 2.61% of cell viability at 12.5 µM concentration. At 12.5 µM, LA-PLU protected pancreatic β cells up to 73.45 ± 3.72% under HG conditions. LA-PLU showed a protective effect on RIN-5F cells against HG-induced DNA damage, followed by preserving mitochondrial membrane potential and decreasing reactive oxygen species formation. Further, LA-PLU showed an anti-apoptotic effect by increasing the Bcl-2 (B cell lymphoma-2) level and decreasing the apoptotic proteins [Bcl-2 associated x (Bax), and cleaved caspase-3). Hence, the overall study concludes that LA-PLU could act as a potent antioxidant that protects the RIN-5F cells under HG conditions, resulting in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis.

Challenges and Emerging Strategies of Immunotherapy for Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is recognized as the most lethal primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system. Although traditional treatments can somewhat prolong patient survival, the overall prognosis remains grim. Immunotherapy has become an effective method for GBM treatment. Oncolytic virus, checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T cells and tumor vaccines have all been applied in this field. Moreover, the combining of immunotherapy with traditional radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or gene therapy can further improve the treatment outcome. This review systematically summarizes the features of GBM, the recent progress of immunotherapy in overcoming GBM.

N-acetylcysteine therapy reduces major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Effective preventive strategies for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in T2DM patients are limited. Recent studies have explored the cardiovascular benefits of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant with endothelial protective properties. This study investigates the long-term effects of NAC on MACE risk in T2DM patients, focusing on its potential as an adjunctive therapy.

METHODS

This population-based cohort study used data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) and included 46,718 T2DM patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2018, with follow-up until December 31, 2021. Propensity score matching (PSM) ensured balanced comparisons between NAC users and non-users. Cox regression and time-dependent Cox hazards models assessed MACE risk, adjusting for multiple covariates.

RESULTS

In the matched cohort of 23,359 NAC users and 23,359 non-users, NAC users had a significantly lower incidence of MACE (41.74 % vs. 46.87 %, P < .0001). Adjusted Hazard Ratios (aHRs) indicated a consistent protective effect of NAC against overall MACE (aHR: 0.84; 95 % CI: 0.81-0.86, P < .0001). Higher cumulative defined daily doses (cDDD) of NAC correlated with reduced MACE risk, with the highest quartile (Q4) showing an aHR of 0.61 (95 % CI: 0.58-0.64, P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the significant reduction in MACE risk among T2DM patients with long-term NAC therapy. Notably, the findings emphasize NAC's dose-dependent effectiveness in diminishing MACE incidence, indicating its potential as a valuable adjunctive therapy for managing cardiovascular risk in T2DM patients.

Impact of long-term N-acetylcysteine use on cancer risk

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients face an increased risk of developing various malignancies due to shared risk factors and underlying systemic inflammation. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has shown potential anticancer properties in preclinical studies, but clinical evidence in COPD patients is limited. We conducted a nationwide propensity score-matched cohort study using data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database to evaluate the anticancer effects of NAC in COPD patients. Patients diagnosed with COPD between 2008 and 2019 were included, and those with pre-existing cancer were excluded. NAC use was defined as consistent administration for most days with an average dose exceeding 28 cumulative defined daily doses (cDDDs) annually. Cox regression models were adjusted for various covariates was employed. PSM yielded 91,546 patients, evenly distributed between NAC and non-NAC groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed a lower cancer risk in patients with long-term NAC use compared to non-users (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-0.72; P<0.001). Dose-dependent relationships were observed, with higher daily NAC intake associated with reduced cancer risk. Time-varying Cox regression analysis demonstrated significant reductions in the risk of specific cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer, among NAC users compared to non-users. Our study provides clinical evidence supporting the potential anticancer effects of NAC in COPD patients. These findings highlight the importance of exploring NAC as a chemopreventive agent in high-risk populations and inform clinical practice and future research endeavors.

The Anti-Aging Mechanism of Metformin: From Molecular Insights to Clinical Applications

Aging represents a complex biological phenomenon marked by the progressive deterioration of physiological functions over time, reduced resilience, and increased vulnerability to age-related diseases, ultimately culminating in mortality. Recent research has uncovered diverse molecular mechanisms through which metformin extends its benefits beyond glycemic control, presenting it as a promising intervention against aging. This review delves into the anti-aging properties of metformin, highlighting its role in mitochondrial energy modulation, activation of the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway, stimulation of autophagy, and mitigation of inflammation linked to cellular aging. Furthermore, we discuss its influence on epigenetic modifications that underpin genomic stability and cellular homeostasis. Metformin's potential in addressing age-associated disorders including metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases is also explored. The Targeting Aging with Metformin (TAME) trial aims to provide key evidence on its efficacy in delaying aging in humans. Despite these promising insights, significant challenges persist in gaining a more comprehensive understanding into its underlying mechanisms, determining optimal dosing strategies, and evaluating long-term safety in non-diabetic populations. Addressing these challenges is crucial to fully realizing metformin's potential as an anti-aging therapeutic.

Postoperative sepsis and its sequential impact on dementia

BACKGROUND

Postoperative sepsis is a severe complication associated with increased mortality and potential long-term cognitive decline, including dementia. However, the relationship between postoperative sepsis and dementia remains poorly understood.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used data from the National Database in Taiwan, covering the period from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2022. The index period for surgeries was set between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2013, allowing the identification of patients without prior dementia. A landmark period of 12 months following surgery was defined to capture the number of postoperative sepsis events, which were then analyzed for their impact on dementia risk. After 1:4 propensity score matching (PSM), dementia and mortality were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards and Fine-Gray competing risk models.

RESULTS

Following PSM, 778 patients were in the postoperative sepsis group and 3,112 in the non-postoperative sepsis group. Dementia incidence was higher in the postoperative sepsis group (26%) compared to the non- postoperative sepsis group (13.6%), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.25 (95% CI, 1.03-1.52). A dose-response relationship was observed, with dementia rates of 24.5% for one postoperative sepsis event and 34.9% for two or more events, the latter showing an HR of 1.77 (95% CI, 1.17-2.66). Mortality was also elevated in the postoperative sepsis group (40.5% vs. 31.6%; HR 1.45, 95% CI, 1.28-1.65).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative sepsis is significantly associated with increased dementia risk in a dose-dependent manner. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing perioperative infection control to reduce both immediate and long-term cognitive complications.

Mitochondria and the Repurposing of Diabetes Drugs for Off-Label Health Benefits

This review describes our current understanding of the role of the mitochondria in the repurposing of the anti-diabetes drugs metformin, gliclazide, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and SGLT2 inhibitors for additional clinical benefits regarding unhealthy aging, long COVID, mental neurogenerative disorders, and obesity. Metformin, the most prominent of these diabetes drugs, has been called the "Drug of Miracles and Wonders," as clinical trials have found it to be beneficial for human patients suffering from these maladies. To promote viral replication in all infected human cells, SARS-CoV-2 stimulates the infected liver cells to produce glucose and to export it into the blood stream, which can cause diabetes in long COVID patients, and metformin, which reduces the levels of glucose in the blood, was shown to cut the incidence rate of long COVID in half for all patients recovering from SARS-CoV-2. Metformin leads to the phosphorylation of the AMP-activated protein kinase AMPK, which accelerates the import of glucose into cells via the glucose transporter GLUT4 and switches the cells to the starvation mode, counteracting the virus. Diabetes drugs also stimulate the unfolded protein response and thus mitophagy, which is beneficial for healthy aging and mental health. Diabetes drugs were also found to mimic exercise and help to reduce body weight.

The Role and Mechanism of Metformin in the Treatment of Nervous System Diseases

Nervous system diseases represent a significant global burden, affecting approximately 16% of the world's population and leading to disability and mortality. These conditions, encompassing both central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) disorders, have substantial social and economic impacts. Metformin, a guanidine derivative derived from a plant source, exhibits therapeutic properties in various health conditions such as cancer, aging, immune-related disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, cardiovascular ailments, and more. Recent studies highlight metformin's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, stimulate neurogenesis, and provide beneficial effects in specific neurological disorders through diverse mechanisms. This review discusses the advancements in research on metformin's role and mechanisms in treating neurological disorders within both the central and peripheral nervous systems, aiming to facilitate further investigation, utilization, and clinical application of metformin in neurology.

Research progress on the association of insulin resistance with type 2 diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. It is also known to be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism and is responsible for activating the Phosphoinotide-3-Kinase (PI3K)/Protein Kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. This pathway is activated when insulin binds to the insulin receptor on nerve cells, and it helps regulate the metabolism of glucose and lipids. Dysfunction in the insulin signaling pathway can lead to a decrease in brain insulin levels and insulin sensitivity, thereby inducing disruptions in insulin signal transduction and leading to disorders in brain energy metabolism. Moreover, these dysfunctions also contribute to the accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and the hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein, both of which are characteristic features of AD. Therefore, this article focuses on insulin resistance to reveal the complex mechanism between brain insulin resistance and AD occurrence in T2DM. On this basis, this article further summarizes the biological effects and mechanisms of antidiabetic drugs on the two diseases, aiming to provide new ideas for the discovery of drugs for the treatment of T2DM combined with AD.

Repurposing antidiabetic drugs for Alzheimer's disease: A review of preclinical and clinical evidence and overcoming challenges

Repurposing antidiabetic drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. This review examines the potential of repurposing antidiabetic drugs for AD treatment, focusing on preclinical evidence, clinical trials, and observational studies. In addition, the review aims to explore challenges and opportunities in repurposing antidiabetic drugs for AD, emphasizing the importance of well-designed clinical trials that consider patient selection criteria, refined outcome measures, adverse effects, and combination therapies to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Preclinical evidence suggests that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors, metformin, thiazolidinediones, and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors exhibit neuroprotective effects in AD preclinical models. In preclinical studies, antidiabetic drugs have demonstrated neuroprotective effects by reducing amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairment. Antidiabetic drug classes, notably GLP-1 analogs and SGLT2 inhibitors, and a reduced risk of dementia in patients with diabetes mellitus. While the evidence for DPP4 inhibitors is mixed, some studies suggest a potential protective effect. On the other hand, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) and sulfonylureas may potentially increase the risk, especially in those experiencing recurrent hypoglycemic events. Repurposing antidiabetic drugs for AD is a promising therapeutic strategy, but challenges such as disease heterogeneity, limited biomarkers, and benefits versus risk evaluation need to be addressed. Ongoing clinical trials in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early AD patients without diabetes will be crucial in determining the clinical efficacy and safety of the antidiabetic drugs, paving the way for potential treatments for AD.

Protective effect of N-acetylcysteine against hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B virus carriers

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), contributing to cancer development through direct genomic integration and chronic inflammation. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), known for its antioxidant properties, is widely utilized in cancer prevention. However, clinical evidence regarding its protective effect against HCC in HBV carriers remains sparse. In this retrospective cohort study spanning 2008 to 2018, we utilized Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to include 1,061,174 chronic HBV carriers. Participants were stratified into NAC users and non-users using Propensity Score Matching. We assessed the incidence of HCC in both cohorts, examining the relationship between NAC usage duration and HCC incidence, and evaluating the dose-response effect. NAC users exhibited a significantly lower risk of developing HCC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.36-0.40; P < 0.0001). A dose-response relationship was evident, with higher cumulative defined daily doses (cDDDs) of NAC correlating with reduced HCC risk, revealing a significant trend (P < 0.0001). Notably, a daily NAC intensity of > 1.4 DDDs was associated with a decreased risk of HCC in HBV patients. Our results demonstrate that the use of NAC, in a dose-dependent manner, is intricately linked with a diminished incidence of HCC in individuals chronically infected with the HBV.

Novel targets and therapies of metformin in dementia: old drug, new insights

Dementia is a devastating disorder characterized by progressive and persistent cognitive decline, imposing a heavy public health burden on the individual and society. Despite numerous efforts by researchers in the field of dementia, pharmacological treatments are limited to relieving symptoms and fail to prevent disease progression. Therefore, studies exploring novel therapeutics or repurposing classical drugs indicated for other diseases are urgently needed. Metformin, a first-line antihyperglycemic drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, has been shown to be beneficial in neurodegenerative diseases including dementia. This review discusses and evaluates the neuroprotective role of metformin in dementia, from the perspective of basic and clinical studies. Mechanistically, metformin has been shown to improve insulin resistance, reduce neuronal apoptosis, and decrease oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the brain. Collectively, the current data presented here support the future potential of metformin as a potential therapeutic strategy for dementia. This study also inspires a new field for future translational studies and clinical research to discover novel therapeutic targets for dementia.

A metformin add-on clinical study in multiple sclerosis to evaluate brain remyelination and neurodegeneration (MACSiMiSE-BRAIN): study protocol for a multi-center randomized placebo controlled clinical trial

Introduction

Despite advances in immunomodulatory treatments of multiple sclerosis (MS), patients with non-active progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) continue to face a significant unmet need. Demyelination, smoldering inflammation and neurodegeneration are important drivers of disability progression that are insufficiently targeted by current treatment approaches. Promising preclinical data support repurposing of metformin for treatment of PMS. The objective of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether metformin, as add-on treatment, is superior to placebo in delaying disease progression in patients with non-active PMS.

Methods and analysis

MACSiMiSE-BRAIN is a multi-center two-arm, 1:1 randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, conducted at five sites in Belgium. Enrollment of 120 patients with non-active PMS is planned. Each participant will undergo a screening visit with assessment of baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), clinical tests, questionnaires, and a safety laboratory assessment. Following randomization, participants will be assigned to either the treatment (metformin) or placebo group. Subsequently, they will undergo a 96-week follow-up period. The primary outcome is change in walking speed, as measured by the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test, from baseline to 96 weeks. Secondary outcome measures include change in neurological disability (Expanded Disability Status Score), information processing speed (Symbol Digit Modalities Test) and hand function (9-Hole Peg test). Annual brain MRI will be performed to assess evolution in brain volumetry and diffusion metrics. As patients may not progress in all domains, a composite outcome, the Overall Disability Response Score will be additionally evaluated as an exploratory outcome. Other exploratory outcomes will consist of paramagnetic rim lesions, the 2-minute walking test and health economic analyses as well as both patient- and caregiver-reported outcomes like the EQ-5D-5L, the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale and the Caregiver Strain Index.

Ethics and dissemination

Clinical trial authorization from regulatory agencies [Ethical Committee and Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP)] was obtained after submission to the centralized European Clinical Trial Information System. The results of this clinical trial will be disseminated at scientific conferences, in peer-reviewed publications, to patient associations and the general public.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05893225, EUCT number: 2023-503190-38-00.

Guideline for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus in the Elderly in China (2024 Edition)

With the deepening of aging in China, the prevalence of diabetes in older people has increased noticeably, and standardized diabetes management is critical for improving clinical outcomes of diabetes in older people. In 2021, the National Center of Gerontology, Chinese Society of Geriatrics, and Diabetes Professional Committee of Chinese Aging Well Association organized experts to write the first guideline for diabetes diagnosis and treatment in older people in China, the Guideline for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus in the Elderly in China (2021 Edition). The guideline emphasizes that older patients with diabetes are a highly heterogeneous group requiring comprehensive assessment and stratified and individualized management strategies. The guideline proposes simple treatments and de-intensified treatment strategies for older patients with diabetes. This edition of the guideline provides clinicians with practical and operable clinical guidance, thus greatly contributing to the comprehensive and full-cycle standardized management of older patients with diabetes in China and promoting the extensive development of clinical and basic research on diabetes in older people and related fields. In the past 3 years, evidence-based medicine for older patients with diabetes and related fields has further advanced, and new treatment concepts, drugs, and technologies have been developed. The guideline editorial committee promptly updated the first edition of the guideline and compiled the Guideline for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus in the Elderly in China (2024 Edition). More precise management paths for older patients with diabetes are proposed, for achieving continued standardization of the management of older Chinese patients with diabetes and improving their clinical outcomes.

Neuroprotective effects of oral metformin before stroke on cerebral small-vessel disease

BACKGROUND

Metformin (MET) treatment prior to stroke might have neuroprotective effects other than hypoglycemic effects. This study evaluated whether MET treatment prior to stroke is associated with neurological severity and functional outcome in patients with stroke who were not indicated for endovascular treatment and whether the effects of MET differ for each ischemic stroke subtype.

METHODS

We investigated 160 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with ischemic stroke without endovascular treatment who were taking some oral antidiabetic agents prior to stroke in two tertiary hospitals. Lower neurological severity was defined as a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 3 or lower on admission, and favorable functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score = 0-2 at discharge. We analyzed the effects of MET on the neurological severity and functional outcome in each ischemic stroke subtype on logistic regression analysis with adjustments for multiple confounding factors.

RESULTS

MET treatment prior to stroke was associated with lower stroke severity and favorable functional outcome. In the stroke subtypes, MET use affected both neurological severity (P = 0.037) and functional outcome (P = 0.041) in only patients with small-vessel disease (SVD).

CONCLUSIONS

MET may be useful to improve the outcome of patients with SVD.