Conclusions
Metformin prevents VSMC and vascular senescence by promoting autolysosome formation.
Methods
Animal models established by angiotensin II (Ang II) induction and physiological aging and senescent primary VSMCs from the aortas of elderly patients were treated with metformin. Cellular and vascular senescence were assessed by measuring the amounts of senescence-associated β-galactosidase and senescence markers, including p21 and p53. Autophagy levels were assessed by autophagy-related protein expression, transmission electron microscope, and autolysosome staining. In order to explore the underlying mechanism of the anti-senescence effects of metformin, 4D label-free quantitative proteomics and bioinformatic analyses were conducted, with subsequent experiments validating these findings.
Results
Ang II-dependent senescence was suppressed by metformin in VSMCs and vascular tissues. Metformin also significantly improved arterial stiffness and alleviated structural changes in aged arteries, reduced senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and improved proliferation and migration of senescent VSMCs. Mechanistically, the proteomic analysis indicated that autophagy might contribute to metformin's anti-senescence effects. Reduced autophagic flux was observed in Ang II-induced cellular and vascular senescence; this reduction was reversed by metformin. Specifically, metformin enhanced the autophagic flux at the autophagosome-lysosome fusion level, whereas blockade of autophagosome-lysosome fusion inhibited the anti-senescence effects of metformin. Conclusions: Metformin prevents VSMC and vascular senescence by promoting autolysosome formation.