Metformin Attenuates Silica-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Activating Autophagy the AMPK-mTOR Signaling Pathway.

Long-term exposure to crystalline silica particles leads to silicosis characterized by persistent inflammation and progressive fibrosis in the lung. So far, there is no specific treatment to cure the disease other than supportive care. In this study, we examined the effects of metformin, a prescribed drug for type || diabetes on silicosis and explored the possible mechanisms in an established rat silicosis model , and an co-cultured model containing human macrophages cells (THP-1) and human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC).