The AMPK Modulator Metformin as a Novel Adjunct to Conventional Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

The AMPK Modulator Metformin as a Novel Adjunct to Conventional Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

The AMPK Modulator Metformin as a Novel Adjunct to Conventional Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Proof-of-Concept, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Metformin, a traditional antidiabetic medication, exerts glucose lowering effects by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a critical enzyme involved in the lipid and glucose metabolism. In addition to the antidiabetic effect, metformin has been shown to inhibit Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation (LPS)-induced inflammation by suppress NF-κB production, which is also regulated by AMPK. These regulatory effects of AMPK on the inflammation, immune and fibroblast-like synovial cells have prompted the investigation on the effects of metformin on rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, multisystem inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. It is characterized by polyarthritis and systemic inflammation. The inflammation in the hyperplastic synovium can destruct the structure of affected joints. Although the exact molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of RA remains unknown, it is suggested that T helper cell (Th) 17 plays a central role. Interleukin (IL)-17, mostly secreted by Th17, has synergistic effects with tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-α), IL-1β and IL-6 in cases of RA. Metformin, a traditional antidiabetic medication, exerts glucose lowering effects by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a critical enzyme involved in the lipid and glucose metabolism. In addition to the antidiabetic effect, metformin has been shown to inhibit Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation (LPS)-induced inflammation by suppress NF-κB production, which is also regulated by AMPK . In addition, metformin activated AMPK may inhibit mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which then regulate the differentiation of T cells in vitro and in vivo. In particular, AMPK has been reported to be associated with the inhibition of TH17 cells through suppressing the phosphorylation of mTOR and its downstream signal transducers, suggesting the therapeutic potential of AMPK agonists. Besides the imbalance between Th17 cells and Treg cells is responsible for the chronic inflammation in RA, synovium hyperplasia also plays a central role in the joint destruction. It has been reported that rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR, is able to significantly reduce fibroblastlike synovial cell invasion in RA via suppressing mTOR signaling pathway. These regulatory effects of AMPK on the inflammation, immune and fibroblast-like synovial cells have prompted the investigation on the effects of metformin on rheumatoid arthritis.

based on tender and swollen joint counts, patient's assessment of pain, patient and physician global assessment of arthritis, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ DI), and CRP level

based on tender and swollen joint counts, patient's assessment of pain, patient and physician global assessment of arthritis, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ DI), and CRP level

Scale assessing severity of rheumatoid arthritis based on number of tender, swollen joints, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels, and patient self-assessment of his condition (global health assessment). Whereas "28" describes the number of different joints including in the measurement: proximal interphalangeal joints (10 joints), metacarpophalangeal joints (10), wrists (2), elbows (2), shoulders (2), knees (2).

HAQ-DI (Health Assessment Score- Disability index), in which patients are asked to rate their capacity to perform 20 activities of daily living (ADL). Scoring within each section is from 0 (without any difficulty) to 3 (unable to do). For each section the score given to that section is the worst score within the section

Adverse effect incidence: adverse effect will be reported by patients or their caregivers and recorded by investigator.

Inclusion Criteria: Patients with active rheumatoid arthritis based on DAS28 score. Patients received the standard therapy (i.e. one or more conventional DMARDs) for at least three months. Exclusion Criteria: Known hypersensitivity to metformin. Patients who have a prior diagnosis with diabetes mellitus. Patients receive metformin for any other indications. Patients with congestive heart failure. Patients with a history of myocardial infarction. Patients with severe anemia. Patients with active infections or other inflammatory diseases. Patients receiving biological therapy. Pregnancy or lactation. Patients with impaired liver functions. Patients with impaired kidney functions (serum creatinine concentrations ≥1.5 and ≥1.4 mg/dL in males and females respectively). Patients with malignancies.

Abdallah MS, Alarfaj SJ, Saif DS, El-Naggar ME, Elsokary MA, Elsawah HK, Abdelsattar Zaki S, Wahsh EA, Abo Mansour HE, Mosalam EM. The AMPK modulator metformin as adjunct to methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A proof-of-concept, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Int Immunopharmacol. 2021 Jun;95:107575. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107575. Epub 2021 Mar 24.