The effect of the anti-diabetic drug metformin on behavioral manifestations associated with ovariectomy in mice.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-diabetic drug metformin (Met) effects on the anxiety and cognitive impairment in ovariectomized mice. Thirty-two female adult mice were distributed into four groups: control, sham ovariectomy, ovariectomy + Met 7 mg/kg and ovariectomy + Met 15 mg/kg. The vaginal cytology was used to confirm the ovariectomy surgery. Anxiety was monitored using elevated plus maze test and cognitive function was assessed by novel object recognition task. Animal's brains were analyzed for the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Our results demonstrated that ovariectomy caused cognitive impairments and anxiety, as well as decreased BDNF levels. Moreover, administration of Met improves ovariectomy-related disorders such as cognitive impairments and anxiety, as well as increased BDNF levels. The results of the present study suggest that Met could be used as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ovariectomy-related conditions.