Metformin protects against carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity in mice

In the present study, the hepatoprotective effect of metformin (Met), a dimethylbiguanide anti-hyperglycemic, was examined in a mouse model of liver damage induced by chronic repeated administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (5 mul/kg, twice a week for 12 weeks). Met, when given orally in drinking water at an estimated daily dose of 25 or 50 mg /kg for 10 weeks starting 2 weeks after CCl4 challenge, protected against CCl4 hepatotoxicity. The results indicate that the hepatoprotection afforded by Met treatment at a dose of 25 mg/kg against CCl4 toxicity may at least in part be mediated by the enhancement of mitochondrial glutathione redox status.