Metformin Improves Recognition Memory, Attenuates Neuronal Damage, and Reduces Cerebellar Amyloid-like Deposits in Female Diabetic Mice

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been associated with cognitive impairment and an increased risk of dementia in women. This study examined the effects of subchronic metformin treatment on recognition memory and brain pathology in female diabetic mice. T2DM was induced by streptozotocin and nicotinamide injections. Then, the mice received metformin (50, 150, or 250 mg/kg) orally for 28 days. Recognition memory was assessed using the Novel Object Recognition Test (n = 72). Biochemical analyses of whole-brain homogenates evaluated insulin, tau, and insoluble Aβ42 (n = 4). Histological analyses evaluated neuronal damage and amyloid-like deposits in the hippocampal Cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) region, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum (n = 4). The diabetic mice exhibited hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, impaired recognition memory, and neuronal damage. Metformin reduced blood glucose levels and improved recognition memory. Metformin also normalized serum and brain insulin levels and reduced neuronal damage in the CA1 region, cortex, and cerebellum. Metformin reduced cerebellar Congo red-positive amyloid-like deposits and decreased insoluble Aβ42 levels in whole-brain homogenates. However, at 250 mg/kg, metformin increased total and phosphorylated tau levels. These results suggest that metformin mitigates recognition memory deficits, attenuates neuronal damage, and reduces cerebellar amyloid-like deposits in female mice.