Metformin and the Host Response to Tuberculosis

Metformin downregulated release of inflammatory cytokines and upregulated release of reactive oxygen species and genes involved in endocytosis in cells stimulated with mycobacterial antigens.

While diabetes is known to worsen outcomes in tuberculosis, treatment of diabetic patients with metformin has been associated with both a lower risk for developing tuberculosis as well as improved tuberculosis treatment outcomes. To explore these phenomena further, investigators in the Netherlands conducted in vivo and in vitro tests of the effects of metformin in blood samples from healthy donors without tuberculosis or diabetes.

Metformin intake in the healthy volunteers led to significant decreases in the release of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-17 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis lysate, an effect that persisted for up to 21 days. Addition of metformin to P…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Metformin and the Host Response to Tuberculosis

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Reviewing Author