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Systematic Review Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Ppublish 42 citations

PubMed: 37696355 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101805

Effects of metformin on the gut microbiota: A systematic review.

Mol Metab 77:101805

Authors: Pavlo Petakh, Iryna Kamyshna, Aleksandr Kamyshnyi

Affiliations

  • Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Uzhhorod National University, Uzhhorod, Ukraine; Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine.
  • Department of Medical Rehabilitation, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine.
  • Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine.

Abstract

BACKGROUND

The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in human health and disease. Metformin, a commonly prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes, has been studied for its potential impact on the gut microbiota in preclinical models. However, the effects of metformin on the gut microbiota in humans remain uncertain.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

We conducted a systematic review of clinical trials and observational studies to assess the existing knowledge on the impact of metformin on the gut microbiota in humans. The review focused on changes in bacterial composition and diversity following metformin treatment.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Thirteen studies were included in the analysis. The results revealed alterations in the abundance of bacterial genera from various phyla, suggesting that metformin may selectively influence certain groups of bacteria in the gut microbiota. However, the effects on gut microbiota diversity were inconsistent across populations, with conflicting findings on changes in alpha and beta diversity measures. Overall, the use of metformin was associated with changes in the abundance of specific bacterial genera within the gut microbiota of human populations. However, the effects on gut microbiota diversity were not consistent, highlighting the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and clinical significance of these changes.

MeSH

Bacteria, Microbiota, Diabetes Mellitus, Metformin, Gastrointestinal Microbiome

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