Metformin muscle ache
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Metformin and Muscle Ache: Insights from Recent Research
Metformin and Statin-Associated Muscle Pain
Statin Muscle Pain Reduction
Statins are commonly prescribed to manage cholesterol levels but often cause muscle pain, limiting their use. A study analyzing data from the ACCORD trial found that metformin might reduce statin-associated muscle pain. Patients using both statins and metformin reported fewer muscle cramps (35%) and leg/calve pain while walking (40%) compared to those using only statins (42% and 47%, respectively). Multivariable regression analysis showed a significant reduction in the odds of experiencing muscle cramps (22%) and leg/calve pain (29%) with metformin use, suggesting that metformin could be beneficial in managing statin-induced muscle symptoms .
Metformin's Analgesic Effects in Neuropathic Pain
Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain
Research on rats has shown that metformin can alleviate neuropathic pain induced by the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel. In this study, metformin significantly reduced pain levels, particularly at higher doses (400 mg/kg). The findings suggest that metformin could be a promising treatment for neuropathic pain in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy .
Sex-Specific Effects in Neuropathic Pain
Another study explored metformin's effects on neuropathic pain in mice, revealing that metformin effectively prevented and reversed pain in male mice but not in female mice. This effect was linked to reduced microglial activation in the spinal cord, highlighting a potential sex-specific mechanism in pain modulation .
Metformin and Pain Perception in PCOS
Pressure Pain Threshold in PCOS
A study involving lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) found that metformin therapy increased the pressure pain threshold (PPT) in muscles such as the deltoid and trapezius. After six months of metformin treatment, significant increases in PPT were observed, suggesting that metformin may enhance pain tolerance in this population without affecting plasma β-endorphin levels .
Metformin's Broader Implications in Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain and Comorbidities
Metformin's potential as a treatment for chronic pain extends beyond specific conditions. It has been shown to reduce pain in various chronic pain models, including neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Additionally, metformin may alleviate comorbid conditions associated with chronic pain, such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment, by modulating pathways like AMPK and mTORC1 signaling .
Metformin and Muscle Hypertrophy
Impact on Resistance Training
While metformin has several benefits, it may negatively impact muscle hypertrophy in older adults undergoing progressive resistance exercise training (PRT). A study found that participants taking metformin gained less lean body mass and thigh muscle mass compared to those on a placebo. This suggests that while metformin can reduce inflammation, it might also blunt the muscle growth response to resistance training .
Conclusion
Metformin shows promise in reducing muscle pain associated with statin use and neuropathic pain, particularly in specific populations like cancer patients and individuals with PCOS. However, its impact on muscle hypertrophy during resistance training in older adults warrants caution. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and optimize the use of metformin in pain management and muscle health.
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