Novel mechanistic insights of the potential role of gasotransmitters and autophagy in the protective effect of metformin against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

Metformin exerts antidiabetic and pleiotropic effects. This study investigated the function and mechanisms of gasotransmitters and autophagy in the metformin-induced protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI). According to measurements of serum hepatic function indicators and histopathological evaluation, metformin protected against hepatic I/RI-induced impairment of liver function and structure.