Figure 1.

Model: metformin’s regulation of mitochondrial respiratory complex activity and homeostatic processes such as autophagy and mitophagy prevent cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and release of mitochondrial DNA, resulting in lower proinflammatory cytokine production and improved cellular health (figure created with Biorender.com). AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase; BNIP3, BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3; LAMP1, lysosomal associated membrane protein 1; LC3, light chain protein 3; mTOR, mechanistic target of rapamycin; PINK1, PTEN-induced putative kinase 1; p62, protein 62/sequestosome 1.