Metformin Attenuates Brain Injury by Inhibiting Inflammation and Regulating Tight Junction Proteins in Septic Rats.
Fatima Ismail Hassan, Tina Didari, Maryam Baeeri, Mahdi Gholami, Hamed Haghi‐Aminjan, Madiha Khalid, Mona Navaei‐Nigjeh, Mahban Rahimifard, Sara Solgi, Mohammad Abdollahı, Mojtaba Mojtahedzadeh
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Metformin has a potent inhibitory activity against inflammation and oxidative stress, which inevitably occur in sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). The precise mechanisms underlying neuroprotective effects of metformin in SAE, are still unclear. In the present work, the protective effect of metformin on SAE using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis, was assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, CLP procedure was performed in Wistar rats and 50 mg/kg metformin was administered immediately. Specific markers of sepsis severity, inflammation, blood brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, and brain injury, were investigated. Specific assay kits and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used. Histopathological assessment was also carried out. RESULTS: ). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that metformin may inhibit inflammation and increase tight junction protein expressions which may improve BBB function and attenuate CLP-induced brain injury. Hence, the potential beneficial effects of metformin in sepsis, should be considered in future.