Metformin Inhibits the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species from NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase to Limit Induction of Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and Boosts Interleukin-10 (IL-10) in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated Macrophages

Metformin, a frontline treatment for type II diabetes mellitus, decreases production of the pro-form of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in response to LPS in macrophages. We found that it specifically inhibited pro-IL-1β production, having no effect on TNF-α. Furthermore, metformin boosted induction of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in response to LPS. We ruled out a role for AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the effect of metformin because activation of AMPK with A769662 did not mimic metformin here. Furthermore, metformin was still inhibitory in AMKPα1- or AMPKβ1-deficient cells. The activity of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) was inhibited by metformin. Another complex I inhibitor, rotenone, mimicked the effect of metformin on pro-IL-1β and IL-10. LPS induced reactive oxygen species production, an effect inhibited by metformin or rotenone pretreatment. MitoQ, a mitochondrially targeted antioxidant, decreased LPS-induced IL-1β without affecting TNF-α. These results, therefore, implicate complex I in LPS action in macrophages. Background: The antidiabetic drug and mitochondrial NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) inhibitor metformin has anti-inflammatory activity. Results: Complex I inhibition decreases LPS-induced IL-1β and boosts IL-10. Mitochondrial ROS may be a signal driving LPS-induced IL-1β. Conclusion: Complex I has a role in the induction of cytokines by LPS. Significance: This study provides insight into the anti-inflammatory action of metformin and reveals a role for complex I dysfunction in inflammatory signaling.