Can inhibition of the respiratory chain be beneficial?

摘要

Although respiratory chain inhibition is often viewed as undesirable, several observations have suggested that the consequences can be beneficial in certain situations. Metformin, the most commonly prescribed oral medication for type 2 diabetes mellitus, inhibits complex I. This bioenergetic effect is thought to contribute to metformin's inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis~(95). Lactic acidosis is a known - although infrequent - side effect of metformin treatment, highlighting the fine balance between therapeutic and toxic effects of respiratory chain inhibition.