IMPACT OF METFORMIN ON LENS EPITHELIAL CELL PROLIFERATION IN DIABETIC PATIENTS
Published 2025 - 29th ESCRS Winter Meeting
Reference: PO097 | Type: Free Paper | DOI: 10.82333/0neb-fe25
Authors: Christoph Spartalis* 1 , Manuel Ruiss 1 , Martin Kronschläger 1 , Thomas Dechat 2 , Oliver Findl 1
1Vienna Institute for Research in Ocular Surgery,Vienna,Austria, 2Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology,Vienna,Austria
Purpose
PCO develops in about 20-30% of patients after cataract surgery. The cause are residual lens epithelial cells (LECs). Metformin is a often used drug for treatment in type II diabetics. Experimental studies showed an inhibition of PCO formation by metformin. Lower Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates have also been reported.
To our knowledge it remains unclear which impact the intake of metformin in humans suffering from type II diabetics has on LEC proliferation in vitro. Moreover, it is unknown which concentration of metformin can be expected in the human lens capsule, when systemically applied. Our purpose was to determine the concentration of metformin in LECs and proliferation rates of LECs under its influence.
Setting
Vienna Institute for Research in Ocular Surgery (VIROS)
Hanusch Hospital
Department of Ophthalmology
Methods
The concentration of metformin in the lens capsule and serum have been evaluated in 20 patients with type II diabetes. Concentrations in the lens capsules and blood serum have been determined by high performance liquid chromatography in a high and low dose group (daily metformin intake of <1000mg or >1000mg). The proliferation rates of LECs have been determined using CYTOSmart Omni FL microscope, which allows "live cell imaging". The area mesured was 50mm2 over 11 days. The current study was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the local ethics committee of Vienna, Austria (EK 22-192-0922).
Results
Metformin was detected in the lens capsule and the blood serum. The concentration of metformin in the low-dose group averaged 0.765 pg/µl in the lens capsule and 885.5 pg/µl in the blood serum. In the high-dose group, the concentrations averaged 0.726 pg/µl in the lens capsule and 303.8 pg/µl in the blood serum. The HbA1c was 7.0% and 6.9% in the low-dose and high-dose groups, respectively. There was a positive correlation between the metformin concentration in the lens capsule and in the blood serum. The profliferation rate is lower (15% of covered area vs. 20% of covered area within 11 days) in LECs treatet with low dose metformin (0,75 pg/μl), however not significant. Higher effects are expected in high dose gropus.
Conclusion
Metformin can be detected in the lens capsule and blood serum using high-performance liquid chromatography. There was a positive correlation between the metformin concentration in the lens capsule and in the blood serum. Low dose Metformin tends to lead to an inhibition of LECs proliferation. Whether this can also be confirmed in higher concentrations in vitro will be shown by the ongoing proliferation experiments. To our knowledge this is the first study which shows the impact of metfomin in human lens epithelial cells. The current and future results may lead to a better understanding of the development of PCO, its risk factors and prevention.