Effects of metformin on SGLT1, GLUT2, and GLUT5 hexose transporter gene expression in small intestine from rats

The effect of the antihyperglycaemic agent metformin was studied on gene expression of the energy-dependent sodium-hexose cotransporter (SGLT1) and the facilitative hexose transporters GLUT2 and GLUT5 in rat intestine. Metformin treatment (125 mg/kg body wt. twice daily for a period of 3 days) significantly increased SGLT1 gene expression in duodenum and jejunum. GLUT5 gene expression was increased by metformin treatment only in the jejunum; Gene expression of GLUT2 in the intestine was not significantly affected by metformin treatment. This increase in transporter gene expression offers the potential for increases in hexose uptake at the brush border membrane, and may compensate for other effects of the drug that have been suggested to decrease glucose uptake by SGLT1, as well as for metformin stimulation of glucose utilization by the intestinal mucosa.