title: Metformin - The Drug for the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases; A New Use of a Known Anti-Diabetic Drug.
abstract: Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the production of autoantibodies directed against specific organs of own organism. Additional common traits of autoimmune diseases are chronic inflammation due to generation of inflammatory mediators, and disorders of redox processes. The pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases is still unknown. Treatment is based only on relieving the symptoms and improving the quality of patients lives. Metformin, which is used in treatment of type 2 diabetes, has properties which are desirable for autoimmune disease therapy, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and the ability to regenerate the endothelium.
authors.forename: Malgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tomczynska
authors.affiliation: Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland. mbijak@biol.uni.lodz.pl.
authors.forename: Michal
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bijak
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Saluk
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D058492:Drug Repositioning / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D008687:Metformin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000975:Antioxidants; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin