ИСТИНА

Metformin is widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Many positive effects of this drug include inhibition of gluconeogenesis in the liver and kidneys, stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase, and anticancer action. Surprisingly, metformin has been shown to block cellular transporters of thiamine – a vitamin essential for the oxidative metabolism of glucose. Competition for transporters has also been observed for thiamine and amprolium, which is used as an antiparasitic agent in animals. Accordingly, long-term administration of metformin and amprolium may impair thiamine metabolism and cause the dysfunction of thiamine-dependent enzymes. Our study aimed to examine the effects of metformin and amprolium on the thiamine-dependent metabolism in the rat brain. To achieve this goal, we quantified thiamine coenzyme derivative, and the activation levels of thiamine-dependent cytoplasmic and mitochondrial enzymes.