The alleviative effects of metformin for lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury rat model and its underlying mechanism

For patients who have sepsis, acute lung injury (ALI) causes most of death. Metformin (Met) is an anti-hyperglycemic agent and it has extensive pharmacological properties. This study aimed to analyze the influence of Met on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced ALI. Met (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg) were injected and LPS was injected 30 min later. The data suggested Met can reduce release of inflammatory cytokines and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein expression, reduce lung wet/dry ratio, and significantly improve LPS-induced lung destruction during ALI. In addition, Met inhibits LPS-induced neutrophil and macrophage infiltration, reduces MPO activity, and promotes AMPK-α1 expression in lung tissues. Our data suggested that metformin alleviates capillary injury during ALI via AMPK-α1. Keywords: Metformin, Sepsis, Acute respiratory distress syndrome