LAUSR

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate beneficial effects of metformin on membrane bound enzymes (Na+ K+ ATPse,) and antioxidant enzymes (superoxidase dismutase), lipid peroxidation, expression of glucose transporter(Glut4), DNA degradation in brain and liver of diabetic aging female rats. Methods Young (3 months) adult (12 months) and aged (24 months) rats were made diabetic by using alloxan monohydrate. Metformin was administered i.p. at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day for 30 days to both control and diabetic aging rats. Learning was tested in a Morris water maze. A detailed study was carried on membrane linked enzymes, membrane fluidity, expression of Glut4, antioxidant enzymes and DNA degradation to identify the antidiabetic and antiaging role of metformin using biochemical, molecular and histochemical study. Results Present study shows that there was a similar pattern of increased lipid peroxidation, neurolipofuscin, DNA degradation and monoamine oxidase activity and a decrease in expression of Glut4, membrane fluidity, Na+ K+ ATPse, antioxidant enzymes activities in brain and liver of both aging and diabetes. Metformin was found to be an effective treatment in stabilizing and normalizing the membrane functions; therefore, this therapy can be considered an alternative.