Common Diabetes Drug Can Also Treat Liver Cirrhosis, Study Suggests

Newswise — Bethesda, Md. (July 15, 2015)—The diabetes drug metformin continues to expand beyond its treatment for type 2 diabetes. In addition to its potential use in treating age-related health problems, metformin can treat portal hypertension—high blood pressure in the liver resulting from cirrhosis, according to a new study in American Journal of Physiology—Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. The study found that metformin reduced blood pressure in the liver, liver scarring and inflammation after one week of use in cirrhotic rats. Combining metformin with propranolol, which is commonly used to treat portal hypertension, further lowered liver blood pressure. This drug combination may be a more effective therapy for portal hypertension and warrants further clinical evaluation, the researchers wrote.

The article “Metformin reduces hepatic resistance and portal pressure in cirrhotic rats” is published ahead-of-print in American Journal of Physiology—Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology.

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: To schedule an interview with a member of the research team, please contact the APS Communications Office: [email protected] or 301-634-7209. Find more research highlights at www.the-aps.org/press.

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About the American Physiological SocietyPhysiology is the study of how molecules, cells, tissues and organs function in health and disease. Established in 1887, the American Physiological Society (APS) was the first U.S. society in the biomedical sciences field. The Society represents more than 11,000 members and publishes 14 peer-reviewed journals with a worldwide readership.