The Association Between Metformin and Folate Cycle Intermediates in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Authors: Colin McCarthy, Katie Edwards, Kaitlyn Park

SUNY Campus: Binghamton University

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: UU 111

Presentation #: 75

Timeslot: Session D 3:00-4:00 PM

Abstract: The rise of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) continues to be a significant public health crisis with metformin being the most commonly prescribed first line medication for managing this condition. While metformin is widely recognized for its ability to regulate blood glucose levels, emerging evidence suggests it may also influence metabolic pathways such as the folate cycle. The folate cycle itself is crucial for various cellular processes that benefit from one-carbon unit transfers, including DNA synthesis as well as amino acid synthesis. This study investigates the potential association between metformin use and changes in the intermediates and end products of the folate cycle in individuals with T2DM. The prominent intermediates and end products being investigated include serum total folate, 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate, 5-formyl-tetrahydrofolate, tetrahydrofolate, 5,10-methenyl-tetrahydrofolate, and mefox oxidation product. The data for this analysis was extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) which is a cross-sectional complex survey that provides information about the health status of the U.S. population collected every 2 years. Up to now, there has been an overall limited focus and emphasis placed on the relationship between metformin and individual folate cycle intermediates, despite its potential implications for patient health. By utilizing R programming in accordance with the guidelines and recommendations set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the biostatistical analysis of this association is explored in great depth. The levels of intermediates are expected to be lowered as metformin’s mechanism of action could have suppressive effects on the folate cycle.