ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effect of metformin on inflammatory response around the hematoma after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in mice. Methods A total of 60 male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups:Sham group, model group and metformin group, 20 mice for each group. The model group and metformin group were injected bacterial collagenase (1 μL, 0.075 U) into the striatum. The Sham group was injected 1 μL saline into the striatum. The metformin group was treated with metformin (gavage administration, 100 mg/kg) 6 h after ICH and for 7 consecutive days. The model group was given equal saline orally. The expression levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the calcium binding protein 1 (Iba-1) around the hematoma (microglia) were detected by immunohistochemical staining at 3 days and 7 days after ICH. Interleukin-1β and TNF-α were detected by Western blot assay at 3 days after ICH. Results Results of immunohistochemical staining showed that the positive expression levels of MPO and Iba-1 were significantly lower than those in model group 3 days and 7 days after treatment (P<0.05). The expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly lower in metformin group than those in model group 3 days after treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion Metformin can reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory cells and the excessive activation of microglia after ICH in mice.