METFORMIN INCREASES CIRCULATING TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR α LEVELS IN NON-OBESE NON-DIABETIC PATIENTS WITH CORONARY HEART DISEASE

Abstract Metformin reduces insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia, as well as lipid levels and body weight. The mechanisms behind these effects are likely to involve intracellular insulin signalling. Recent evidence implicates tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) as a modulatory factor on insulin resistance. The present investigation was undertaken to clarify whether metformin affects TNF-α and soluble TNF receptor levels. Sixty non-diabetic men with coronary heart disease were treated with diet and lifestyle advice and lovastatin 40 mg/day during a 4-week run-in period. During this period TNF-α and soluble TNF receptor p75 remained unchanged, whereas soluble TNF receptor p55 increased by 8% ( P P P P