EFFECTS OF METFORMIN ON GLUCOSE AND LIPID METABOLISM AND REVERSAL OF RENAL FUNCTION INJURY IN PREGNANT RATS WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS

Shuyan Zhan^*, Liyuan Wang

Department of Obstetrics, Benxi Central Hospital, Benxi 117000, Liaoning Province, China

Objective: To analyze the effects of metformin on glucose and lipid metabolism and reverse renal function injury in pregnant rats with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). 

Methods: 32 female mice were randomly divided into a control group, model group, metformin A group (300 mg/kg/D metformin intragastric administration after modeling), and metformin B group (600 mg/kg/D metformin intragastric administration after modeling). Fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), blood lipid, urinary microprotein (mAlb), and serum β 2-microglobulin (β 2-mg) levels were observed, and the expressions of ERK, p38, and their phosphorylated proteins were detected. 

Results: The blood glucose level at each time point and weight of mice were significantly lower in metformin groups A and B than in the model group (P<0.05). The levels of fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR were significantly lower in metformin A and B groups than the model group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the metformin B group and the control group. The levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C were significantly lower in metformin A and B groups than the model group, while HDL-C was significantly higher in metformin A and B groups compared to the model group (P<0.05). The levels of mAlb, β 2-mg, p-ERK, and p-p38 were significantly lower in metformin A and B groups than in the model group (P<0.05). 

Conclusion: Metformin can reverse the damage of renal function induced by GDM in mice, and its mechanism may be related to effectively reducing blood glucose and regulating blood lipid level in GDM rats.