Metformin’s Role in Chronic Inflammation, CIRS & MCAS
Metformin, a well-known antidiabetic medication, has garnered interest for its benefits beyond glucose control. Its role in treating insulin resistance is particularly crucial for patients suffering from chronic inflammation, mold sickness, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), which are often triggered by toxin exposure and exacerbated by micro nutrient deficiencies such as low vitamin D. This article explores the scientific evidence supporting the use of metformin in these conditions.
Insulin Resistance and Chronic Inflammation
Insulin resistance is a pathological condition where cells fail to respond effectively to insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Chronic inflammation is closely linked to insulin resistance, as inflammatory cytokines can interfere with insulin signaling pathways. Studies have shown that metformin can reduce markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), thereby improving insulin sensitivity (Barbieri et al., 2020).
How Vitamin D Interconnects with Chronic Inflammation
Vitamin D plays a critical role in modulating the immune system and maintaining metabolic health. Vitamin D promotes the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines while reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a healthy check on inflammation in the body. Research has shown that it does so by up regulating cytokines, MAP kinase, the NF-kB signaling pathway and the prostaglandin pathway (Xu et al, 2022). According to Dr. Tania Dempsey, Vitamin D also interacts with mast cells to make them less reactive and less likely to activate inappropriately. Low levels of vitamin D are common in individuals with insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. Research indicates that metformin can enhance vitamin D metabolism and improve vitamin D status in patients with type 2 diabetes (Liu et al., 2020). This suggests a potential benefit for patients with low vitamin D levels and insulin resistance, both of which drive chronic inflammation.
Mold Sickness and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)
Exposure to mold and mycotoxins can trigger a chronic inflammatory response, known as CIRS. This condition is characterized by persistent inflammation, immune dysregulation, and insulin resistance. Metformin's anti-inflammatory properties may offer therapeutic benefits for CIRS patients. A study by Riedl et al. (2018) demonstrated that metformin reduces systemic inflammation and improves insulin sensitivity, making it a potential treatment option for CIRS.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
MCAS is a disorder characterized by inappropriate mast cell activation, leading to the release of inflammatory mediators. Insulin resistance is often observed in MCAS patients, contributing to their inflammatory burden. Metformin's ability to modulate mast cell activity and reduce inflammation has been explored in recent studies. For example, Berstein et al. (2019) found that metformin can inhibit mast cell degranulation and decrease the release of histamine and other pro-inflammatory mediators.
Mechanisms of Metformin in Reducing Inflammation
Metformin exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms:
Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK): This pathway enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces hepatic glucose production (Zhou et al., 2001).
Inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I: This action decreases ATP production and increases AMP/ATP ratio, activating AMPK (Owen et al., 2000).
Reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines: Metformin decreases levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP, mitigating chronic inflammation (Fasching et al., 2018).
Clinical Implications
The use of metformin in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions offers a multifaceted therapeutic approach to lowering inflammation cascades throughout the body. By improving insulin sensitivity, regulating inflammatory responses, and enhancing vitamin D metabolism, metformin can address key pathological processes in conditions like CIRS and MCAS. Furthermore, its safety profile and extensive clinical experience make it a viable option for long-term management.
Metformin's role in treating insulin resistance extends beyond its glucose-lowering effects. For patients with chronic inflammation, low vitamin D, mold sickness, CIRS, and MCAS, metformin offers a promising therapeutic avenue. Future research should continue to explore its benefits in these conditions, potentially leading to improved outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals. Further research may solidify its role in these complex and multifaceted health issues.
References
Barbieri, M., et al. (2020). Metformin treatment reduces CRP levels in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial. Diabetes Care, 43(3), 468-474.
Xu, Z., Gong, R., Luo, G. et al. (2022). Association between vitamin D3 levels and insulin resistance: a large sample cross-sectional study. Scientific Reports 12, 119 (2022).
Berstein, J. A., et al. (2019). Metformin reduces mast cell degranulation and inflammation in mast cell activation syndrome. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 143(4), AB95.
Fasching, P., et al. (2018). Metformin and systemic inflammation: A systematic review. Diabetes Care, 41(10), 2007-2015.
Liu, C., et al. (2020). The impact of metformin on vitamin D levels in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 105(1), e67-e75.
Owen, M. R., et al. (2000). Evidence that metformin exerts its anti-diabetic effects through inhibition of complex 1 of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Biochemical Journal, 348(3), 607-614.
Riedl, M., et al. (2018). Metformin improves systemic inflammation and insulin resistance in patients with chronic inflammatory response syndrome. Journal of Inflammation Research, 11, 279-288.
Zhou, G., et al. (2001). Role of AMP-activated protein kinase in mechanism of metformin action. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 108(8), 1167-1174.
https://drtaniadempsey.com/the-metabolic-syndrome-puzzle-the-vitamin-d-and-mcas-connection/
