Common diabetes drug can also treat liver cirrhosis, study suggests
- Date:
- July 15, 2015
- Source:
- American Physiological Society (APS)
- Summary:
- Diabetes drug metformin can treat portal hypertension--high blood pressure in the liver resulting from cirrhosis, new research shows. This study adds to the growing body of evidence showing that use of metformin goes beyond treating type 2 diabetes.
- Share:
The diabetes drug metformin continues to expand beyond its treatment for type 2 diabetes. In addition to its potential use in treating age-related health problems, metformin can treat portal hypertension -- high blood pressure in the liver resulting from cirrhosis, according to a new study in American Journal of Physiology -- Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology.
The study found that metformin reduced blood pressure in the liver, liver scarring and inflammation after one week of use in cirrhotic rats. Combining metformin with propranolol, which is commonly used to treat portal hypertension, further lowered liver blood pressure. This drug combination may be a more effective therapy for portal hypertension and warrants further clinical evaluation, the researchers wrote.
The article "Metformin reduces hepatic resistance and portal pressure in cirrhotic rats" is published ahead-of-print in American Journal of Physiology -- Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology.
Story Source:
Materials provided by American Physiological Society (APS). Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
Journal Reference:
- Dinesh Mani Tripathi, Eva Erice, Erica Lafoz, Hector Garcia-Caldero, Shiv Kumar Sarin, Jaume Bosch, Jordi Gracia-Sancho, Juan Carlos Garcia-Pagan. Metformin reduces hepatic resistance and portal pressure in cirrhotic rats. American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, 2015; ajpgi.00010.2015 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00010.2015
Cite This Page: