Popis: |
There is a well-established link between depression and aging-related inflammation, where depression can spur inflammation and affect physical health. Previous animal trials have shown compelling evidence that the use of metformin, the first line of treatment for diabetes, can offset inflammation. These findings have not yet been extended to human samples. This study examined the association between depression and inflammation, specifically the moderating role of metformin usage in middle-aged and older adults. We predicted that metformin would attenuate the link between depression and inflammation. Participants in Project 4 of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Study (n=1255, Mage = 57) provided data on medication use, depressive symptoms, and inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Controlling for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and comorbidity burden, metformin use moderated the association of depressive symptoms with IL-6 and CRP, but not TNF-α. Higher levels of depressive symptoms were significantly associated with higher interleukin 6 (IL-6) (p |