The metabolic response of human trophoblasts derived from term placentas to metformin.
Jane L Tarry-AdkinsIndia G RobinsonLucas Carminatti PantaleãoJenna L ArmstrongBenjamin D ThackrayLorenz M W HolznerAlice E KnaptonSamuel VirtueBenjamin JenkinsAlbert KoulmanAndrew J MurraySusan E OzanneCatherine E AikenPublished in: Diabetologia (2023)
In primary trophoblasts derived from term placentas metformin treatment caused a reduction in oxidative phosphorylation through partial inactivation of complex I and potentially by other mechanisms. Metformin-treated trophoblasts accumulate lipids, particularly long- and very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Our findings raise clinically important questions about the balance of risk of metformin use during pregnancy, particularly in situations where the benefits are not clear-cut and alternative therapies are available.