Beneficial effects of metformin treatment on memory impairment.

Memory issues are a prevalent symptom in different neurodegenerative diseases and can also manifest in certain psychiatric conditions. Despite limited medications approved for treating memory problems, research suggests a lack of sufficient options in the market. Studies indicate that a significant percentage of elderly individuals experience various forms of memory disorders. Metformin, commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes, has shown neuroprotective properties through diverse mechanisms. This study explores the potential of metformin in addressing memory impairments. The current research gathered its data by conducting an extensive search across electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Previous research suggests that metformin enhances brain cell survival and memory function in both animal and clinical models by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death while increasing beneficial neurotrophic factors. The findings of the research revealed that metformin is an effective medication for enhancing various types of memory problems in numerous studies. Given the rising incidence of memory disorders, it is plausible to utilize metformin, which is an affordable and accessible drug. It is often recommended as a treatment to boost memory.

Optimal Frequency to Screen Celiac Disease amongst Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Multicenter Study.

AIMS: Celiac disease (CD) is frequent amongst patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Since there is a disagreement on the optimal interval and frequency to perform screening tests for CD among diabetic patients, this study aimed to evaluate these issues amongst patients with T1DM. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in seven referral diabetic centers in different cities of Iran from January 2020 to January 2021. Data belonging to 106 patients who were affected by both T1DM and CD was collected. The time interval between CD diagnosis and diabetes (IBCD), the age of diabetes onset, and any associated diseases, symptoms, and family history of T1DM and CD were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Results show that 45% of the patients with CD were diagnosed during the first year of diabetes onset; furthermore, 18% and 16% of the patients with CD were diagnosed in the second or third year after being diagnosed with diabetes. In addition, another 18% of patients with CD were diagnosed during the fourth till the eighth year after diabetes onset. Moreover, there was a negative relationship between the age of T1DM diagnosis and IBCD. Most participants were asymptomatic at the time of CD diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Screening tests to detect CD amongst patients with T1DM should continue for at least eight years after the initial T1DM diagnosis, especially those affected at a younger age.

Safety and efficacy of Berberis integerrima root extract in patients with type 2 diabetes. A parallel intervention based triple blind clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of methanol extract of Berberis integerrima root on type 2 diabetes compared to metformin. METHODS: In a parallel triple blind clinical trial, 80 type 2 diabetic patients,, were randomized into two groups (treated with Berberis integerrima root, 480 mg (oral), compared to control group treated with metformin 1000 mg daily). Efficacy was evaluated by fasting and prandial glucose and HbA1c and side effects confirmed by physical examination, biology and hematology tests and urinalysis on days 15, 45 and 90. They were followed for 3 months. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighteen patients were recruited and 80 (55female and 25 male) patients randomized in two groups and 60 patient were analysed. The mean age of patients was 51.8 ± 9.3 and 46.5 ± 10 in the experimental (Berberis integerrima ) and control (metformin) groups respectively (P = 0.02). The mean HbA1c at baseline was 8.1 ± 1.6% and 7.9 ± 1.6% for B. integerrima and metformin group respectively (P = 0.53), and there was no significant difference between the two groups (7.5 vs. 7.2) after 3 months (P = 0.34).Weight loss was observed in both groups compared to baseline.No adverse event led to preventing the study was reported. CONCLUSION: Berberis integerrima root not only was effective as much as metformin in reducing blood glucose and controlling type 2 diabetes but also, no specific side effect was reported (in short term).So, it might be an effective and safe complementary therapy in diabetic patients.Iranian Research and Clinical Trial (IRCT) registeration number; 201,207,191,774 N5.Funding: Vice chancellor for research, Physiology Research Center of Kerman University of Medical Sciences and the Exir pharmaceutical company.