Monkeys Given Metformin for 40 Months Show Brain Aging Clock Set Back About 6 Years
When male cynomolgus monkeys were given metformin for 40 months, brain aging was set back by about 6 years on a multi-omics aging clock.
A result showing that metformin, a type 2 diabetes drug, slows markers of aging in primates was published in Cell. Guang-Hui Liu's team at the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and colleagues gave adult male cynomolgus monkeys metformin for 40 months and analyzed aging changes throughout the body.
Building a monkey aging clock from molecular data across tissues
The researchers collected physiological tests, brain imaging and tissue examinations, along with transcriptome, DNA methylation, plasma proteome and metabolome data from multiple tissues. Based on these, they built a new aging clock for monkeys and estimated the biological age of the treated group.
As a result, several aging markers slowed significantly, and in the brain in particular, a setback equivalent to about 6 years on the aging clock was observed. The treated group had preserved brain structure and improved cognitive ability. Part of the neuroprotective effect was analyzed as occurring through activation of Nrf2, a transcription factor with antioxidant function.
The study is significant in evaluating aging at multiple levels over a long period in a primate close to humans. However, it is an animal experiment in male monkeys only, and the aging clock is a measure the researchers developed themselves, so independent validation is needed. There is as yet no evidence that it slows aging in healthy people.
- Adult male cynomolgus monkeys were given metformin for 40 months, with physiological, imaging, tissue and molecular measures evaluated together
- An aging clock for monkeys was built from the transcriptome, DNA methylation, proteome and metabolome, and brain aging was set back by about 6 years
- Brain structure preserved and cognition improved; part of the neuroprotective effect was mediated by Nrf2 activation
Limitations This is an animal study in male monkeys, measured with an aging clock the researchers developed themselves, so separate clinical evidence is needed for application to people.
Original Research
- Yang Y, et al. · Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Metformin decelerates aging clock in male monkeys. Cell. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.08.021
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