+44 330 818 7254Dr. Oriaifo Stephen E Dr. Nicholas Oriaifo Prof. Omogbai E.K.I
A catalogue of evidence shows that the cardiometabolic disorders of diabetes mellitus and hypertension are related to other age-related diseases which shorten life. Data also mount that they are linked to environmental factors inducing alterations in genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, for example, telomerase expression. Calorie restriction and the biguanide metformin have been acquitted as plausible agents for extending health span and lifespan for they suppress age-related disorders. Their mode of action appear to converge on AMPK, micro RNAs and purinergic mechanisms and, through these, modulation of matrix metalloproteinases and its down-stream target, glycogen synthase kinase-3 β. A retrospective report also shows that metformin and calorie restriction more effectively suppress deterioration in cardiac function compared to other hypoglycaemic agents such as insulin and sulphonylureas in a Nigerian population. More research is needed to discover agents that may possess the pharmacologic actions of metformin, to further elucidate the mechanisms of action of metformin and calorie restriction and whether and how their beneficial effects hold fort in all races and in all climes.
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