Metformin Improves Functional Outcomes, Activates Neural Precursor Cells, and Modulates Microglia in a Sex-Dependent Manner After Spinal Cord Injury

Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 2023 · DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szad030 · Published: May 20, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of metformin, a drug commonly used for type II diabetes, to improve recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in both male and female mice. The researchers found that administering metformin soon after the injury led to better functional outcomes, such as improved motor skills, in both sexes. The drug also affected specific cells in the spinal cord differently depending on the sex of the mice, suggesting that metformin's effects are influenced by sex characteristics.

Study Duration

14-21 Days

Participants

C57bl6 mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Acute metformin treatment improves functional outcomes following SCI in both sexes.
2
Metformin administration expands NSPCs in the spinal cord, particularly in females.
3
Metformin enhances the number of OPC-derived cells and drives OPC maturation in the injured parenchyma following SCI.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates that acute metformin treatment can improve functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in both male and female mice. The drug's effectiveness is linked to its ability to modulate neural precursor cells (NSPCs and OPCs) and microglia in the spinal cord, with sex-dependent variations in these effects. The timing of metformin administration is crucial, as delaying treatment to the subacute phase does not yield significant functional improvements.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Metformin may represent a readily available therapeutic option for improving outcomes following SCI.

Sex-Specific Treatment

Future SCI treatments may need to consider sex as a biological variable to optimize therapeutic strategies.

Early Intervention

The timing of treatment is critical, suggesting that early intervention with metformin could be more effective.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on mice, and the results may not directly translate to humans.
2
Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action of metformin in SCI.
3
The long-term effects of metformin treatment following SCI were not assessed.

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