Metformin Ameliorates Senescence of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Attenuates Osteoarthritis Progression via the AMPK-Dependent Autophagy Pathway

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most serious age-related diseases worldwide that drastically affects the quality of life of patients. Despite advancements in the treatment of arthritis, especially with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs), senescence-induced alterations in ADSCs negatively affect the treatment outcomes. This study was aimed at mechanistically exploring whether metformin could ameliorate the senescence of ADSCs and at exploring the effect of metformin-preconditioned ADSCs in an experimental OA mouse model. In this study, an H₂O₂-induced mouse ADSC senescent model was established. Cell proliferation, senescence, and Autophagy were investigated in vitro. Moreover, the effects of intra-articular injection of metformin-preconditioned ADSCs were investigated in vivo. Metformin could promote Autophagy and activate the AMPK/mTOR pathway in ADSCs. The metformin-enhanced Autophagy could improve the survival and reduce the senescence of ADSCs. The protective effects of metformin against senescence were partially blocked by 3-methyladenine and compound C. Injection of metformin-preconditioned ADSCs slowed OA progression and reduced OA pain in mice. The results suggest that metformin activates the AMPK/mTOR-dependent Autophagy pathway in ADSCs against H₂O₂-induced senescence, while metformin-preconditioned ADSCs can potentially inhibit OA progression.