Metformin - The Drug for the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases; A New Use of a Known Anti-Diabetic Drug.

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the production of autoantibodies directed against specific organs of own organism. Additional common traits of autoimmune diseases are chronic inflammation due to generation of inflammatory mediators, and disorders of redox processes. The pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases is still unknown. Treatment is based only on relieving the symptoms and improving the quality of patients lives. Metformin, which is used in treatment of type 2 diabetes, has properties which are desirable for autoimmune disease therapy, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and the ability to regenerate the endothelium.