Metformin reverses fatty liver disease in obese, leptin-deficient mice |
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Authors: | Lin H Z Yang S Q Chuckaree C Kuhajda F Ronnet G Diehl A M |
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Institution: | Department of Medicine, Bldg AA, Room 154-A, 4940 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA. |
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Abstract: | There is no known treatment for fatty liver, a ubiquitous cause of chronic liver disease. However, because it is associated with hyperinsulinemia and insulin-resistance, insulin-sensitizing agents might be beneficial. To evaluate this possibility, insulin-resistant ob/ob mice with fatty livers were treated with metformin, an agent that improves hepatic insulin-resistance. Metformin improved fatty liver disease, reversing hepatomegaly, steatosis and aminotransferase abnormalities. The therapeutic mechanism likely involves inhibited hepatic expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha and TNF-inducible factors that promote hepatic lipid accumulation and ATP depletion. These findings suggest a mechanism of action for metformin and identify novel therapeutic targets in insulin-resistant states. |
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