A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of metformin on myocardial efficiency in insulin-resistant chronic heart failure patients without diabetes

• AimsThe present study tested the hypothesis that metformin treatment may increase myocardial efficiency (stroke work/myocardial oxygen consumption) in insulin-resistant patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) without diabetes. Methods and resultsThirty-six HFrEF patients (ejection fraction 378%; median age 66years) were randomised to metformin (n = 19) or placebo (n = 17) for 3months in addition to standard heart failure therapy. The primary endpoint was change in myocardial efficiency expressed as the work metabolic index (WMI), assessed by C-11-acetate positron emission tomography and transthoracic echocardiography. Compared with placebo, metformin treatment (1450 +/- 550 mg/day) increased WMI [absolute mean difference, 1.0mmHg.mL.m(-2).10(6); 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1 to 1.8; P = 0.03], equivalent to a 20% relative efficiency increase. Patients with above-median plasma metformin levels displayed greater WMI increase (25% vs. -4%; P = 0.02). Metformin reduced myocardial oxygen consumption (-1.6mL O-2.100 g(-1).min(-1); P = 0.014). Cardiac stroke work was preserved (-2J; 95% CI -11 to 7; P = 0.69). Metformin reduced body weight (-2.2kg; 95% CI -3.6 to -0.8; P = 0.003) and glycated haemoglobin levels (-0.2%; 95% CI -0.3 to 0.0; P = 0.02). Changes in resting and exercise ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain, and exercise capacity did not differ between groups. ConclusionMetformin treatment in non-diabetic HFrEF patients improved myocardial efficiency by reducing myocardial oxygen consumption. Measurement of circulating metformin levels differentiated responders from non-responders. These energy-sparing effects of metformin encourage further large-scale investigations in heart failure patients without diabetes.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kardiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Endokrinologi och diabetes (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Endocrinology and Diabetes (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Metformin

Heart failure

Myocardial efficiency

Myocardial oxygen consumption

Insulin resistance

Mitochondrial function

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