Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 13, 2026 57 minutes ago
Medical News: Researchers from Mugla Sıtkı Koçman University and Mugla Training and Research Hospital have found that metformin, a common diabetes drug, may help protect blood vessels from inflammation triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The findings add to growing evidence that COVID-19 is not just a respiratory illness but also a disease that can severely affect the vascular system.
Common diabetes drug metformin shows promise in reducing dangerous blood vessel inflammation linked to the
COVID-19 spike protein
Spike Protein Linked to Blood Vessel Inflammation
The study focused on the spike protein subunit 1, also known as S1, which is part of the virus responsible for attaching to human cells. Scientists exposed human umbilical vein endothelial cells, or HUVECs, to the S1 protein to better understand how blood vessel lining cells react during infection.
The researchers discovered that the S1 protein increased inflammatory activity inside endothelial cells. It also reduced the activity of AMPK, an important enzyme that helps maintain healthy cellular energy balance and protects blood vessels from stress and damage. At the same time, the spike protein boosted NF-κB signaling, a major pathway involved in inflammation and immune overreaction.
This
Medical News report highlights that the spike protein alone may be enough to trigger harmful vascular changes even without the presence of the full virus.
Metformin Showed Strong Protective Effects
The team tested metformin and phenformin, two drugs belonging to the biguanide class. Metformin, especially at higher concentrations, significantly restored AMPK activity while lowering NF-κB activation. It also reduced monocyte adhesion, a process strongly linked to inflammation, clot formation, and vascular injury.
Phenformin produced similar effects but was noticeably weaker than metformin. Researchers believe metformin’s ability to regulate the AMPK/NF-κB signaling pathway could explain its protective role against endothelial dysfunction caused by the spike protein.
Why the Findings Matter
Damage to blood vessels has been associated with severe COVID-19 complications including clotting disorders, heart problems, and organ injury. The new findings suggest that metformin could potentially help reduce some of these dangerous inflammatory effects.
The researchers concluded that metformin may offer meaningful vascular protection against spike protein-induced inflammation, although larger and more advanced studies are still needed before any clinical recommendations can be confirmed.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08923973.2026.2671721
<
br />
For the latest COVID-19 news, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/long-covid
Medical Disclaimer: All content published by Thailand Medical News is based on scientific research and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers must not attempt to use, apply, or experiment with any protocols, compounds, or therapies mentioned without first consulting a qualified and licensed medical doctor. Many findings discussed are experimental or preliminary, and only a licensed healthcare professional can determine what is safe and appropriate for an individual’s specific medical condition.
Share
Tweet
Share
