Influence of Metformin on T-cell mRNA Expression
Abstract
Obesity has become a serious public health concern worldwide, being the fifth leading risk for global deaths. It has been associated with multiple health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. In 2009, it was identified as an independent risk factor for influenza morbidity and mortality. Studies have demonstrated that obese individuals have an impaired T-cell response, resulting in twice the risk of influenza infection despite vaccination. With vaccination being the best method of protection, it is paramount to understand why T-cell impairment is present. The link between T-cell function and metabolism has led to research that indicates that T-cells of obese individuals are in an activated metabolic state without being stimulated. It has been suggested that chronic exposure to this activated state may be impairing the immune response. The metabolic drug Metformin may have the potential to shift T-cells back to a resting metabolic state because of its influence on T-cell metabolism and function. This study was designed to assess the influence of Metformin on the mRNA expression of key metabolic indicators by T-cells. We show that Metformin influences mRNA expression and that it maintains expression levels of key indicators after influenza exposure. This study elaborates on the potential for Metformin to serve as an immunoenhancing agent in order to reduce the risk of influenza infection in obese individuals.
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