Evaluation of protective effect of metformin in rats with experimental osteoarthritis

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate metformin proposed protective effect against the development of osteoarthritis (OA) in rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 male Sprague–Dawley rats were included, divided into four groups: negative control (n = 10), positive control (OA induced by monoiodoacetate [MIA]) (n = 10), metformin 200mg/kg group (n = 10) preinduction of OA, and metformin 200 mg/kg group (n = 10) postinduction of OA. Serum C-telopeptide type II collagen (CTX-II), inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated for each group. For data analysis, SPSS version 26.00 was used. Results: Metformin-treated groups showed a significant reduction in inflammatory biomarkers and CTX-II serum levels compared with OA group (P < 0.05). Pretreatment with 200 mg/kg metformin imparted extra cartilage protective effect and further decreased inflammatory cytokines compared to posttreated (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Metformin produced a beneficial protective effect in experimental OA in rats. It attenuates the inflammatory reactions progression by preventing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats with experimental OA. Furthermore, metformin reduced cartilage degradation evidenced by lowering CTX-II serum levels experimental OA in rats.