Efficacy and Potential Molecular Mechanism of Metformin in Treating
Cutaneous Disorders
Abstract
The treatment of skin diseases has entered a new era, and several
biologics have been approved to treat dermatosis. However, biologics are
expensive and inconvenient to preserve and inject. Therefore, safe,
effective, and inexpensive treatments have never stopped being
developed. Metformin is the most commonly used drug in treating type 2
Diabetes Mellitus (DM), which has a wide range of pharmacological
effects. In recent years, studies on metformin’s anti-inflammatory and
anti-tumor effects have become more promising. Metformin is efficacious
against inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis, acne,
hidradenitis suppurativa, and allergic contact dermatitis. It also
demonstrated anti-tumor properties in keratinocyte carcinoma and
melanoma. In addition, metformin has displayed therapeutic efficacy in
cutaneous disorders associated with endocrine, including hirsutism,
acanthosis nigricans, and eruptive xanthomas. Finally, metformin is
expected to contribute to the improvement of skin pigmentation,
uvb-induced skin damage, alopecia and wound healing This paper presents
a narrative review through PubMed to determine the role of metformin in
skin diseases. We also offer an outlook on nanoparticles combined with
conventional drugs such as metformin for precisely targeted therapy.