Metformin Influences Bile Acids to Improve the Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Rats with Streptozotocin-induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is characterized by an increased blood glucose concentration, insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction has reached epidemic proportions worldwide and represents an important threat to global public health systems [1]. On the basis of available clinical evidence, metformin has been affirmed as the first-line therapy for patients with T2DM [2]. Although a few pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed to explain these beneficial clinical effects of metformin, detailed mechanisms of action of metformin are still not fully understood, especially its relationship with bile acids.