Metformin Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Diabetic Osteoporosis by Regulating Autophagy.

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Patients with diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) face significant challenges in bone defect repair and regeneration. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been widely used in bone tissue engineering due to their accessibility and multi-potency. However, DOP-ASCs exhibit lower capacity for osteogenic differentiation compared to control ASCs (CON-ASCs). In this study, we explored the effects of metformin (Met) on the autophagy and osteogenic capacity of DOP-ASCs. DOP mouse model was established with a high-fat and high-glucose diet combined with streptozotocin injection. After treating DOP-ASCs with Met and 3-methyladenine (3-MA), changes in autophagy levels and osteogenic differentiation capacity were observed by western blot analysis, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), immunofluorescence, alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red staining, and GFP-LC3 fluorescence labeling analysis. DOP-ASCs were cocultured with the Biphasic Calcium Phosphate (BCP), and implanted into the cranial defect area of DOP mice. The mice then received oral Met and intraperitoneal 3-MA injections for 3 months. The implanted BCP was assessed by micro-CT, HE and Masson staining. We observed a significantly reduced autophagic levels and capacity for osteogenic differentiation in DOP-ASCs, as compared to CON-ASCs. Met activated autophagy in DOP-ASCs and improved their osteogenic differentiation capacity. Howeve

Evidence level

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

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