Metformin to protect lungs from cigarette smoke by improving fatty acid metabolism
Protective effects of metformin against cigarette smoke-induced lung pathologies via regulation of fatty acids metabolism
['FUNDING_R01'] · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11141786
This project explores using the diabetes medicine metformin to help lung repair cells resist damage from cigarette smoke in people with emphysema and smoking-related lung problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11141786 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are studying whether the diabetes medicine metformin helps protect the lung's repair cells (alveolar type 2 cells) from cigarette smoke damage by improving how they burn fatty acids and support mitochondria. The team will use cigarette-smoke exposure models in mice and examine human emphysema lung samples to track changes in cell metabolism, oxidative stress, and survival. Laboratory experiments will probe metformin's interaction with mitochondrial complex I and measure fatty acid oxidation in isolated alveolar cells. The researchers aim to link these lab findings to human disease to inform possible future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who are current or former smokers with emphysema-dominant COPD who are willing to provide clinical samples or take part in related clinical visits.
Not a fit: People without smoking-related emphysema, such as those with asthma or breathing problems from non-smoking causes, are unlikely to benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to using metformin to slow or prevent smoke-related emphysema and help preserve lung function in affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies and observational human data have shown lung-protective signals for metformin, but mechanistic and controlled human trials remain limited.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: POLVERINO, FRANCESCA — BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: POLVERINO, FRANCESCA
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus