Metformin in SARS-CoV-2 infection: A hidden path – from altered inflammation to reduced mortality. A review from the literature

Ana Realista Pedrosa, Diana Cruz Martins, Manfredi Rizzo, José Silva-Nunes

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)
43 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 infection has been a major threat to human health and a huge challenge to Medicine. In only two years, COVID-19 affected >350 million people, causing >5.6 million deaths. Chronic inflammatory states, such as diabetes or obesity, are known risk factors for COVID-19 poorest outcomes, with higher risk for disease severity and greater mortality. Metformin remains on the first line of the management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes. Through its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mechanisms, metformin appears as an opportunity to control the dysregulated cytokine storm secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recent studies point towards a potential protective role of metformin in the course of COVID-19, showing that current or previous treatment with metformin associates with better outcomes.

Original languageEnglish
Article number108391
JournalJournal of Diabetes and Its Complications
Volume37
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2023

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • Diabetes
  • Metformin
  • Mortality
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Severity

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