Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs in the body, including the kidneys. A recent analysis of medical records suggested that individuals with SLE who were taking metformin had lower rates of lupus nephritis, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared to those not taking the drug. This finding highlights the potential protective effects of metformin in mitigating the progression of renal complications and cardiovascular events in individuals with SLE.
While metformin is primarily used as a hypoglycemic agent for people with type 2 diabetes, previous research has shown a wide range of other effects and clinical benefits associated with the drug. These include antitumor, anti-aging, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Metformin has also been shown to decrease immune cell activation, proinflammatory cytokine production, and oxidative stress. In animal studies, metformin has been shown to reduce renal damage in a mouse model of SLE, prompting further investigation into its potential benefits in humans.
The analysis included data from 88,000 SLE patients in an international records database, with 9,178 patients on metformin and 78,983 non-users. Propensity matching was performed to ensure comparability between the two groups in terms of demographics, lab parameters, comorbidities, and baseline medications. The results showed that individuals with SLE not taking metformin were at a higher risk of developing lupus nephritis, CKD, and MACE compared to those using the drug. These differences persisted even 5 years after SLE diagnosis, with consistently lower rates of complications in the metformin group.
The findings from this analysis provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of metformin in individuals with SLE. Further studies and clinical trials are needed to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed protective effects of metformin. While the study had limitations, including its retrospective design and reliance on administrative records, the results point to the need for considering metformin as a potential therapeutic option for individuals with SLE.
The analysis of medical records indicated that individuals with SLE who were taking metformin had lower rates of renal complications and cardiovascular events compared to those not using the drug. These results highlight the potential protective effects of metformin in individuals with SLE and suggest that further research is warranted to explore its full therapeutic potential in this patient population.
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