Metformin extends the chronological lifespan of fission yeast by altering energy metabolism and stress resistance capacity

The antiaging properties of metformin used for the treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus have been studied extensively, but there is more to discover regarding underlying mechanisms. Here, we show that metformin significantly prolongs the chronological lifespan (CLS) of Schizosaccharomyces pombe through mechanisms similar to those observed in mammalian cells and other model organisms. While the presence of metformin in the medium caused an increase in carbohydrate consumption and ATP production, it reduced reactive oxygen species production and alleviate oxidative damage parameters such as lipid peroxidation and carbonylated proteins. We also tested whether the effect of metformin changed with the time it was added to the medium and observed that the lifespan-prolonging effect of metformin was related to the glucose concentration in the medium and did not prolong lifespan when added after glucose was completely depleted in the medium. On the other hand, cells inoculated in glucose-free medium containing metformin also showed extended lifespan suggesting that mechanisms other than that solely depend on glucose availability may be involved in extending the lifespan. These results suggest that metformin prolongs lifespan especially affecting energy metabolism and stress resistance capacity and that fission yeast can be effectively used when investigating the antiaging mechanisms of metformin. Metformin increases the lifespan of fission yeast, as seen in various organisms, by increasing glucose consumption and energy production, reducing oxidative damage and providing resistance to stress, and it also shows this effect in glucose-free medium.

Automated summary

The antiaging properties of metformin have been extensively studied, showing that it prolongs the lifespan of fission yeast by affecting energy metabolism, reducing oxidative damage, and providing stress resistance. The effect of metformin on lifespan is related to glucose availability in the medium, and it also shows similar effects in glucose-free medium.