Metformin: A Potential Candidate for Targeting Aging Mechanisms

Aging is a universal phenomenon in all biological organisms, defined by the loss of reproductive capacity and a progressive decline in fitness. In humans, aging is further associated with an increased incidence of disease conditions. The current aging population has become a primary public burden of the 21st century. Therefore, to delay the aging process and maintain fitness in the aging population, the discovery of novel anti-aging drugs remains an urgent need. In recent years, metformin, a widely used hypoglycemic drug, has attracted growing attention in the field of anti-aging research. Reportedly, numerous studies have indicated that metformin regulates aging-related pathways, possibly delaying the aging process by modulating these pathways. The elucidation of these anti-aging effects may provide insights into the age-retarding potential of metformin. The present review focuses on the predominant molecular mechanisms associated with aging, as well as the anti-aging effects of metformin.

Automated summary

Aging is a universal phenomenon characterized by a loss of reproductive capacity and declining fitness in all biological organisms. In humans, aging is associated with an increased incidence of diseases, making the aging population a primary public burden of the 21st century. The discovery of novel anti-aging drugs is crucial to delay the aging process and maintain the fitness of the aging population, with metformin gaining attention in recent years for its potential anti-aging effects.