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Mahmoudi G, Ehteshaminia Y, Kokhaei P, Jalali SF, Jadidi-Niaragh F, Pagheh AS, Enderami SE, Kenari SA, Hassannia H. Enhancement of targeted therapy in combination with metformin on human breast cancer cell lines. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:10. [PMID: 38167105 PMCID: PMC10763326 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01446-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer remains a primary global health concern due to its limited treatment options, frequent disease recurrence, and high rates of morbidity and mortality. Thereby, there is a need for more effective treatment approaches. The proposal suggests that the combination of targeted therapy with other antitumoral agents could potentially address drug resistance. In this study, we examined the antitumoral effect of combining metformin, an antidiabetic drug, with targeted therapies, including tamoxifen for estrogen receptor-positive (MCF-7), trastuzumab for HER2-positive (SKBR-3), and antibody against ROR1 receptor for triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231). METHODS Once the expression of relevant receptors on each cell line was confirmed and appropriate drug concentrations were selected through cytotoxicity assays, the antitumor effects of both monotherapy and combination therapy on colony formation, migration, invasion were assessed in in vitro as well as tumor area and metastatic potential in ex ovo Chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) models. RESULTS The results exhibited the enhanced effects of tamoxifen when combined with targeted therapy. This combination effectively inhibited cell growth, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Additionally, it significantly reduced tumor size and metastatic potential in an ex ovo CAM model. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that a favorable strategy to enhance the efficacy of breast cancer treatment would be to combine metformin with targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazal Mahmoudi
- Student Research Committee, Amol School of Paramedical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Yahya Ehteshaminia
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parviz Kokhaei
- Department of Immunology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Farzaneh Jalali
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Abdol Sattar Pagheh
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Science, Birjand, Iran
| | - Seyed Ehsan Enderami
- Immunogenetics Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Saeid Abedian Kenari
- Immunogenetics Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hadi Hassannia
- Immunogenetics Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Department of Paramedicine, Amol School of Paramedical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Kim JS, Kim MY, Hong S. Synergistic Effects of Metformin and Trastuzumab on HER2 Positive Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4768. [PMID: 37835462 PMCID: PMC10571931 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of HER2 amplification in advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GC) reportedly ranges between 10% and 20%, depending on the population studied and the geographical region. Trastuzumab (Tmab) is the standard treatment for GCs with HER2 amplification. Metformin, a widely used antidiabetic drug, is an activator of AMP kinase that can affect the mTOR signaling pathway. The following GC cells were evaluated: HER2+ NCI-N87, YCC-19, YCC-38, OE19, OE33, and HER2- AGS. The effects of Tmab and metformin on these cell lines were assessed as single agents and in combination using cell viability assays, Western blotting, and xenograft models. Metformin induced phosphorylation of AMP kinase in all tested GC cells and dephosphorylation of mTOR in Tmab-sensitive GC cells. We observed that treatment with Tmab in combination with metformin induced a significant decrease in the number of colonies formed on soft agar by N87, YCC-19, YCC-38, and OE19 cells (88%, 95%, 73%, and 98%, respectively), in comparison to the number formed by control cells or cells in the single-treatment groups. No growth inhibition was detected in OE33 cells treated with Tmab alone. Combination with metformin resulted in decreased phosphorylation of HER2 and its downstream targets, AKT and ERK, in Tmab-sensitive HER2+ cells. Phospho-receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) arrays were used to profile the phospho-proteome, which demonstrated a synergistic decrease in phosphorylation of EGFR, HER2, and HER3. Furthermore, the combination of Tmab and metformin exhibited enhanced antitumor effects in a xenograft model. Collectively, these data suggest that Tmab and metformin act synergistically in HER2+ GC cells. Since metformin is widely used and relatively non-toxic, its addition to the therapeutic regimen along with Tmab could enhance the clinical efficacy in patients with HER2+ GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Soo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 07061, Republic of Korea;
| | - Mi Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 07061, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sungyoul Hong
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea;
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Lao C, Gurney J, Stanley J, Krebs J, Meredith I, Campbell I, Teng A, Sika-Paotonu D, Koea J, Lawrenson R. Association of diabetes and breast cancer characteristics at diagnosis. Cancer Causes Control 2023; 34:103-111. [PMID: 36409455 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-022-01654-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to examine the association of diabetes and breast cancer characteristics at diagnosis in Aotearoa/New Zealand. METHODS Patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2005 and 2020 were identified from the National Breast Cancer Register. Logistic regression modeling was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of having stage III-IV cancer and the OR of having stage IV cancer for women with diabetes compared to those without diabetes. The adjusted OR of having screen-detected breast cancers for patients aged 45-69 years with diabetes compared to patients without diabetes was estimated. RESULTS 26,968 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, with 3,137 (11.6%) patients having diabetes at the time of cancer diagnosis. The probability of co-occurrence of diabetes and breast cancer increased with time. Māori, Pacific and Asian women were more likely to have diabetes than European/Others. The probability of having diabetes also increased with age. For patients with diabetes, the probability of being diagnosed with stage III-IV cancer and stage IV cancer was higher than for patients without diabetes (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-1.27; and 1.17, 95% CI 1.00-1.38). Women aged 45-69 years with diabetes were more likely to have screen-detected cancer than those without diabetes (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02-1.26). CONCLUSIONS The co-occurrence of diabetes and breast cancer is becoming more common. Overall there is a small but significant adverse impact of having advanced disease for women with diabetes that is found at the time of breast cancer diagnosis, and this may contribute to other inequities that occur in the treatment pathway that may impact on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhuan Lao
- Medical Research Centre, The University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand.
| | - Jason Gurney
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - James Stanley
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jeremy Krebs
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Ineke Meredith
- General Surgery, Wakefield Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Ian Campbell
- General Surgery, Wakefield Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
- School of Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrea Teng
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Dianne Sika-Paotonu
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan Koea
- General Surgery, Wakefield Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
- Medical Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ross Lawrenson
- Medical Research Centre, The University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
- Strategy and Funding, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand
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Barakat HE, Hussein RRS, Elberry AA, Zaki MA, Elsherbiny Ramadan M. Factors influencing the anticancer effects of metformin on breast cancer outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2022; 22:415-436. [PMID: 35259320 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2022.2051482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several clinical trials have attempted to find evidence that supports the use of metformin as an anticancer treatment. However, the observed effects on various breast cancer (BC) outcomes have been heterogeneous. AREAS COVERED Based on the outcomes of previous clinical trials, this review discusses the patients' characteristics, cancer intrinsic subtypes, cancer stage, and anticancer treatments that may influence the anticancer effect of metformin on BC outcomes. Additionally, the safety and tolerability of metformin addition to various anticancer regimens are reviewed. EXPERT OPINION Metformin is a challenging anticancer agent in BC cohorts, besides being safe and well-tolerated at antidiabetic doses. Survival benefits of metformin have been observed in BC patients with: hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 overexpression, and high insulin like growth factor-1 receptor expression on the tumor surface. Moreover, patients with diabetes receiving metformin experienced better survival outcomes compared to diabetic patients not receiving metformin. Additionally, metformin has anti-proliferative activity in patients with BC who have high insulin resistance and high body mass index. Besides, metformin has been shown to decrease metastatic events, and enhance the level of metabolic- and insulin-related biomarkers associated with carcinogenesis. Finally, most adverse events following metformin treatment were low-grade GIT toxicities.
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Metformin and Breast Cancer: Where Are We Now? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052705. [PMID: 35269852 PMCID: PMC8910543 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. Type 2 diabetes–associated metabolic traits such as hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, inflammation, oxidative stress, and obesity are well-known risk factors for breast cancer. The insulin sensitizer metformin, one of the most prescribed oral antidiabetic drugs, has been suggested to function as an antitumoral agent, based on epidemiological and retrospective clinical data as well as preclinical studies showing an antiproliferative effect in cultured breast cancer cells and animal models. These benefits provided a strong rationale to study the effects of metformin in routine clinical care of breast cancer patients. However, the initial enthusiasm was tempered after disappointing results in randomized controlled trials, particularly in the metastatic setting. Here, we revisit the current state of the art of metformin mechanisms of action, critically review past and current metformin-based clinical trials, and briefly discuss future perspectives on how to incorporate metformin into the oncologist’s armamentarium for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
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El-Khayat SM, Abouegylah M, Abdallah D, Geweil AG, Elenbaby AM, Zahra OS. The effect of metformin when combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Med Oncol 2021; 39:1. [PMID: 34739637 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01599-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Metformin has been used to treat type 2 Diabetes Mellitus since long time. It has two proposed anti-neoplastic mechanisms, direct (insulin-independent) and indirect (insulin-dependent) actions. To assess the effect of Metformin on pathological response when combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. A prospective study included stage II, III non-diabetic breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy in our center during the period from May 2017 to March 2019. 59 patients met our inclusion criteria and completed the study, 27 patients received 850 mg Metformin every 12 h with chemotherapy (group A), and 32 patients received chemotherapy without Metformin (group B). Pathological response was assessed by Chevallier classification and residual cancer burden score (RCB). Both groups were well balanced regarding baseline characteristics. The results of our study showed that the rate of pathological complete response (pCR) was 14.8% in group (A) vs. 6.3% in group (B) with a P value of 0.39. RCB class 3 was 40.7% in group (A) vs. 68.8% in group (B) which was statistically significant with a (P value of 0.031). Patients with triple-positive histology who had RCB class 3 were only (14.3%) in group (A) versus (60%) in group B. Patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 who had RCB 3 were 40% and 66.7% in group (A) and (B), respectively. Metformin may increase the pCR especially in patients with BMI ≥ 25 and patients with triple-positive histology, a larger phase III study is needed to confirm this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa M El-Khayat
- Clinical Oncology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 169 El-hureya Street, Qism Bab Sharqi, Alexandria, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Abouegylah
- Clinical Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Dina Abdallah
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Gaber Geweil
- Clinical Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - A M Elenbaby
- Clinical Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Omar Shebl Zahra
- Clinical Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Zhang F, de Haan-Du J, Sidorenkov G, Landman GWD, Jalving M, Zhang Q, de Bock GH. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Clinicopathological Tumor Characteristics in Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194992. [PMID: 34638475 PMCID: PMC8508341 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Poor prognosis caused by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in women with breast cancer is conferred, while the association between T2DM and breast tumor aggressiveness is still a matter of debate. This study aimed to clarify the differences in breast cancer characteristics, including stage, size, lymph node status, grade, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor (Her2), between patients with and without pre-existing T2DM. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for studies from 1 January 2010 to 2 July 2021. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled by using a random effects model. T2DM was significantly associated with tumor stages III/IV versus cancers in situ and stages I/II (pooled ORs (pOR), 95% CI: 1.19; 1.04-1.36, p = 0.012), tumor size >20 versus ≤20 mm (pOR, 95% CI: 1.18; 1.04-1.35, p = 0.013), and lymph node invasion versus no involvement (pOR, 95% CI: 1.26; 1.05-1.51, p = 0.013). These findings suggest that women with T2DM are at a higher risk of late-stage tumors, large tumor sizes, and invasive lymph nodes at breast cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.Z.); (J.d.H.-D.); (G.H.d.B.)
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China;
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Jing de Haan-Du
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.Z.); (J.d.H.-D.); (G.H.d.B.)
| | - Grigory Sidorenkov
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.Z.); (J.d.H.-D.); (G.H.d.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Gijs W. D. Landman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gelre Hospital, 7334 DZ Apeldoorn, The Netherlands;
| | - Mathilde Jalving
- Department of Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Qingying Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China;
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Geertruida H. de Bock
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.Z.); (J.d.H.-D.); (G.H.d.B.)
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8
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Cao W, Ma X, Fischer JV, Sun C, Kong B, Zhang Q. Immunotherapy in endometrial cancer: rationale, practice and perspectives. Biomark Res 2021; 9:49. [PMID: 34134781 PMCID: PMC8207707 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00301-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy has attracted more and more attention nowadays, and multiple clinical trials have confirmed its effect in a variety of solid tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), cancer vaccines, adoptive cell transfer (ACT), and lymphocyte-promoting cytokines are the main immunotherapy methods. Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most frequent tumors in women and the prognosis of recurrent or metastatic EC is poor. Since molecular classification has been applied to EC, immunotherapy for different EC subtypes (especially POLE and MSI-H) has gradually attracted attention. In this review, we focus on the expression and molecular basis of the main biomarkers in the immunotherapy of EC firstly, as well as their clinical application significance and limitations. Blocking tumor immune checkpoints is one of the most effective strategies for cancer treatment in recent years, and has now become the focus in the field of tumor research and treatment. We summarized clinical date of planned and ongoing clinical trials and introduced other common immunotherapy methods in EC, such as cancer vaccine and ACT. Hormone aberrations, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and p53 mutant and that affect the immunotherapy of endometrial cancer will also be discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China.,Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Xinyue Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China.,Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Jean Victoria Fischer
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern Medicine, Gynecologic Pathology Fellow, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Chenggong Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China.,Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Beihua Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China.,Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China. .,Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China.
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9
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Tang Z, Tang N, Jiang S, Bai Y, Guan C, Zhang W, Fan S, Huang Y, Lin H, Ying Y. The Chemosensitizing Role of Metformin in Anti-Cancer Therapy. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 21:949-962. [PMID: 32951587 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200918102642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chemoresistance, which leads to the failure of chemotherapy and further tumor recurrence, presents the largest hurdle for the success of anti-cancer therapy. In recent years, metformin, a widely used first-line antidiabetic drug, has attracted increasing attention for its anti-cancer effects. A growing body of evidence indicates that metformin can sensitize tumor responses to different chemotherapeutic drugs, such as hormone modulating drugs, anti-metabolite drugs, antibiotics, and DNA-damaging drugs via selective targeting of Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs), improving the hypoxic microenvironment, and by suppressing tumor metastasis and inflammation. In addition, metformin may regulate metabolic programming, induce apoptosis, reverse Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), and Multidrug Resistance (MDR). In this review, we summarize the chemosensitization effects of metformin and focus primarily on its molecular mechanisms in enhancing the sensitivity of multiple chemotherapeutic drugs, through targeting of mTOR, ERK/P70S6K, NF-κB/HIF-1 α, and Mitogen- Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, as well as by down-regulating the expression of CSC genes and Pyruvate Kinase isoenzyme M2 (PKM2). Through a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of chemosensitization provided in this review, the rationale for the use of metformin in clinical combination medications can be more systematically and thoroughly explored for wider adoption against numerous cancer types.>.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Tang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology and Department of Pathophysiology, Schools of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Nan Tang
- Nanchang Joint Program, Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Shanshan Jiang
- Institute of Hematological Research, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xian 710000, China
| | - Yangjinming Bai
- Nanchang Joint Program, Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Chenxi Guan
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology and Department of Pathophysiology, Schools of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Wansi Zhang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology and Department of Pathophysiology, Schools of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Shipan Fan
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Yonghong Huang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology and Department of Pathophysiology, Schools of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology and Department of Pathophysiology, Schools of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Ying Ying
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology and Department of Pathophysiology, Schools of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
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10
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Heregulin Drives Endocrine Resistance by Altering IL-8 Expression in ER-Positive Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207737. [PMID: 33086721 PMCID: PMC7589856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustained HER2/HER3 signaling due to the overproduction of the HER3 ligand heregulin (HRG) is proposed as a key contributor to endocrine resistance in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. The molecular mechanisms linking HER2 transactivation by HRG-bound HER3 to the acquisition of a hormone-independent phenotype in ER+ breast cancer is, however, largely unknown. Here, we explored the possibility that autocrine HRG signaling drives cytokine-related endocrine resistance in ER+ breast cancer cells. We used human cytokine antibody arrays to semi-quantitatively measure the expression level of 60 cytokines and growth factors in the extracellular milieu of MCF-7 cells engineered to overexpress full-length HRGβ2 (MCF-7/HRG cells). Interleukin-8 (IL-8), a chemokine closely linked to ER inaction, emerged as one the most differentially expressed cytokines. Cytokine profiling using structural deletion mutants lacking both the N-terminus and the cytoplasmic-transmembrane region of HRGβ2-which is not secreted and cannot transactivate HER2-or lacking a nuclear localization signal at the N-terminus-which cannot localize at the nucleus but is actively secreted and transactivates HER2-revealed that the HRG-driven activation of IL-8 expression in ER+ cells required HRG secretion and transactivation of HER2 but not HRG nuclear localization. The functional blockade of IL-8 with a specific antibody inversely regulated ERα-driven transcriptional activation in endocrine-sensitive MCF-7 cells and endocrine-resistant MCF-7/HRG cells. Overall, these findings suggest that IL-8 participates in the HRG-driven endocrine resistance program in ER+/HER2- breast cancer and might illuminate a potential clinical setting for IL8- or CXCR1/2-neutralizing antibodies.
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Calle-Guisado V, Gonzalez-Fernandez L, Martin-Hidalgo D, Garcia-Marin LJ, Bragado MJ. Metformin inhibits human spermatozoa motility and signalling pathways mediated by protein kinase A and tyrosine phosphorylation without affecting mitochondrial function. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:787-795. [PMID: 30562475 DOI: 10.1071/rd18256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a leading antidiabetic drug that is used worldwide in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. This biguanide exerts metabolic and pleiotropic effects in somatic cells, although its invitro actions on human spermatozoa remain unknown. The present study investigated the effects of metformin on human sperm function. Human spermatozoa were incubated in the presence or absence of 10mM metformin for 8 or 20h, and motility was measured by computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA); other parameters were evaluated by flow cytometry. Metformin significantly reduced the percentage of motile, progressive and rapid spermatozoa and significantly decreased sperm velocity. Metformin did not affect viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) or mitochondrial superoxide anion generation of human spermatozoa at any time studied. However, metformin clearly inhibited the protein kinase (PK) A pathway and protein tyrosine phosphorylation at 8 and 20h, key regulatory pathways for correct sperm function. In summary, metformin treatment of human spermatozoa had a detrimental effect on motility and inhibited essential sperm signalling pathways, namely PKA and protein tyrosine phosphorylation, without affecting physiological parameters (viability, MMP, mitochondrial superoxide anion generation). Given the growing clinical use of metformin in different pathologies in addition to diabetes, this study highlights an adverse effect of metformin on spermatozoa and its relevance in terms of human fertility in patients who potentially could be treated with metformin in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Calle-Guisado
- Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), Avda Universidad, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain
| | - L Gonzalez-Fernandez
- Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), Avda Universidad, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain
| | - D Martin-Hidalgo
- Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), Avda Universidad, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain
| | - L J Garcia-Marin
- Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), Avda Universidad, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain
| | - M J Bragado
- Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), Avda Universidad, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain
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12
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Martin-Castillo B, Pernas S, Dorca J, Álvarez I, Martínez S, Pérez-Garcia JM, Batista-López N, Rodríguez-Sánchez CA, Amillano K, Domínguez S, Luque M, Stradella A, Morilla I, Viñas G, Cortés J, Cuyàs E, Verdura S, Fernández-Ochoa Á, Fernández-Arroyo S, Segura-Carretero A, Joven J, Pérez E, Bosch N, Garcia M, López-Bonet E, Saidani S, Buxó M, Menendez JA. A phase 2 trial of neoadjuvant metformin in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy in women with early HER2-positive breast cancer: the METTEN study. Oncotarget 2018; 9:35687-35704. [PMID: 30479698 PMCID: PMC6235018 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The METTEN study assessed the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of adding metformin to neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus trastuzumab in early HER2-positive breast cancer (BC). Women with primary, non-metastatic HER2-positive BC were randomized (1:1) to receive metformin (850 mg twice-daily) for 24 weeks concurrently with 12 cycles of weekly paclitaxel plus trastuzumab, followed by four cycles of 3-weekly FE75C plus trastuzumab (arm A), or equivalent regimen without metformin (arm B), followed by surgery. Primary endpoint was the rate of pathological complete response (pCR) in the per-protocol efficacy population. pCR rate was numerically higher in the metformin-containing arm A (19 of 29 patients [65.5%, 95% CI: 47.3-80.1]) than in arm B (17 of 29 patients [58.6%, 95% CI: 40.7-74.5]; OR 1.34 [95% CI: 0.46-3.89], P = 0.589). The rate of breast-conserving surgery was 79.3% and 58.6% in arm A and B (P = 0.089), respectively. Blood metformin concentrations (6.2 μmol/L, 95% CI: 3.6-8.8) were within the therapeutic range. Seventy-six percent of patients completed the metformin-containing regimen; 13% of patients in arm A dropped out because of metformin-related gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common adverse events (AEs) of grade ≥3 were neutropenia in both arms and diarrhea in arm A. None of the serious AEs was deemed to be metformin-related. Addition of anti-diabetic doses of metformin to a complex neoadjuvant regimen was well tolerated and safe. Because the study was underpowered relative to its primary endpoint, the efficacy data should be interpreted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonia Pernas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Breast Unit, Catalan Institute of Oncology-Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge-Bellvitge Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Dorca
- Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Girona, Spain
| | - Isabel Álvarez
- Medical Oncology Service, Hospital Universitario Donostia, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Susana Martínez
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital de Mataró, Mataró, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Norberto Batista-López
- Medical Oncology Service, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - César A. Rodríguez-Sánchez
- Medical Oncology Service, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Kepa Amillano
- Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan, Reus, Spain
| | - Severina Domínguez
- Medical Oncology Service, Hospital Universitario Araba, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Maria Luque
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Agostina Stradella
- Department of Medical Oncology, Breast Unit, Catalan Institute of Oncology-Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge-Bellvitge Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Idoia Morilla
- Department of Medical Oncology, Breast Unit, Catalan Institute of Oncology-Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge-Bellvitge Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Viñas
- Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Girona, Spain
| | - Javier Cortés
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisabet Cuyàs
- Metabolism and Cancer Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute, Girona, Spain
| | - Sara Verdura
- Metabolism and Cancer Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute, Girona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Fernández-Ochoa
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Research and Development of Functional Food Centre (CIDAF), Health Science Technological Park, Granada, Spain
| | - Salvador Fernández-Arroyo
- Unitat de Recerca Biomèdica, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Antonio Segura-Carretero
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Research and Development of Functional Food Centre (CIDAF), Health Science Technological Park, Granada, Spain
| | - Jorge Joven
- Unitat de Recerca Biomèdica, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Elsa Pérez
- Department of Radiology-IDI, Dr. Josep Trueta Hospital of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Neus Bosch
- Unit of Clinical Research, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Girona, Spain
- Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain
| | - Margarita Garcia
- Clinical Research Unit, Catalan Institute of Oncology, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eugeni López-Bonet
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Dr. Josep Trueta Hospital of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Samiha Saidani
- Unit of Clinical Research, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Girona, Spain
- Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain
| | - Maria Buxó
- Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain
| | - Javier A. Menendez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Metabolism and Cancer Group, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Girona, Spain
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13
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Zhao Y, Sun H, Feng M, Zhao J, Zhao X, Wan Q, Cai D. Metformin is associated with reduced cell proliferation in human endometrial cancer by inbibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Gynecol Endocrinol 2018; 34:428-432. [PMID: 29182407 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2017.1409714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin recently gained traction as potential anti-endometrial cancer agent for its new applications. However, the underlying mechanisms of the anti-cancer effect of metformin in the endometrial cancer have not yet been fully elucidated. Sixty-five patients diagnosed as endometrial carcinoma were grouped into (n = 33) and non-treatment mixed (n = 32) for analysis. Thirty healthy donors were recruited as controls. We attempt to investigate the effect of metformin on Ki-67, PI3K, p-AKT, p-S6K1, and p-4EBP1 staining in human endometrial cancer by immunohistochemical staining. We found that increased Ki-67 expression in women with endometrial cancer, which were reversed by conventional anti-diabetic doses of metformin in present work. In parallel, the reduced PI3K, p-AKT, p-S6K1, and p-4EBP1 staining induced by metformin appeared to play an important role for the anti-proliferative effects of metformin in endometrial cancer patients. Metformin significantly decreased proliferation in human endometrial cancer may by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Our present results add to the growing body of evidence supporting metformin as a potential anti-cancer agent in endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , Shaanxi , PR China
| | - Hongli Sun
- b Shaanxi Institute of Pediatric Diseases , The Affiliated children's hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , Shaanxi , PR China
| | - Minjuan Feng
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , Shaanxi , PR China
| | - Jinyan Zhao
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , Shaanxi , PR China
| | - Xiaogui Zhao
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , Shaanxi , PR China
| | - Qiuyuan Wan
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , Shaanxi , PR China
| | - Dongge Cai
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , Shaanxi , PR China
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14
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Yagi T, Kubota E, Koyama H, Tanaka T, Kataoka H, Imaeda K, Joh T. Glucagon promotes colon cancer cell growth via regulating AMPK and MAPK pathways. Oncotarget 2018. [PMID: 29535833 PMCID: PMC5828215 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major causes of death in diabetic patients, and an association between antidiabetic drugs and cancer risk has been reported. Such evidence implies a strong connection between diabetes and cancer. Recently, glucagon has been recognized as a pivotal factor implicated in the pathophysiology of diabetes. Glucagon acts through binding to its receptor, glucagon receptor (GCGR), and cross-talk between GCGR-mediated signals and signaling pathways that regulate cancer cell fate has been unveiled. In the current study, expression of GCGR in colon cancer cell lines and colon cancer tissue obtained from patients was demonstrated. Glucagon significantly promoted colon cancer cell growth, and GCGR knockdown with small interfering RNA attenuated the proliferation-promoting effect of glucagon on colon cancer cells. Molecular assays showed that glucagon acted as an activator of cancer cell growth through deactivation of AMPK and activation of MAPK in a GCGR-dependent manner. Moreover, a stable GCGR knockdown mouse colon cancer cell line, CMT93, grew significantly slower than control in a syngeneic mouse model of type 2 diabetes with glycemia and hyperglucagonemia. The present observations provide experimental evidence that hyperglucagonemia in type 2 diabetes promotes colon cancer progression via GCGR-mediated regulation of AMPK and MAPK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yagi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Eiji Kubota
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Koyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Hiromi Kataoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Kenro Imaeda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Takashi Joh
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
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15
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Tsai HH, Lai HY, Chen YC, Li CF, Huang HS, Liu HS, Tsai YS, Wang JM. Metformin promotes apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma through the CEBPD-induced autophagy pathway. Oncotarget 2017; 8:13832-13845. [PMID: 28099155 PMCID: PMC5355142 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin, as an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, can activate autophagy. A study showed that metformin decreased the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in diabetic patients. However, the detailed mechanism in the metformin-mediated anticancer effect remains an open question. Transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta (CEBPD) has been suggested to serve as a tumor suppressor and is responsive to multiple anticancer drugs in HCC. In this study, we found that CEBPD and autophagy are involved in metformin-induced cell apoptosis in Huh7 cells. The underlying mechanisms in this process included a reduction in Src-mediated CEBPD protein degradation and an increase in CEBPD-regulated LC3B and ATG3 gene transcription under metformin treatment. We also found that AMPK is involved in metformin-induced CEBPD expression. Combined treatment with metformin and rapamycin can enhance autophagic cell death through the AMPK-dependent and AMPK-independent pathway, respectively. Taken together, we provide a new insight and therapeutic approach by targeting autophagy in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Hwa Tsai
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Biosignal Transduction, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Yue Lai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Chiu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Feng Li
- Department of Pathology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Huei-Sheng Huang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Sheng Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yau-Sheng Tsai
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Ming Wang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Biosignal Transduction, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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16
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Kim J, Lee J, Jang SY, Kim C, Choi Y, Kim A. Anticancer effect of metformin on estrogen receptor-positive and tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cell lines. Oncol Rep 2016; 35:2553-60. [PMID: 26986571 PMCID: PMC4811404 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.4675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquisition of tamoxifen resistance (TR) during anti-estrogenic therapy using tamoxifen is a major obstacle in the treatment of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. As a biguanide derivative, metformin is commonly used to treat type II diabetes. It has recently emerged as a potential anticancer agent. The objective of the present study was to investigate the anticancer activity of metformin in relation to ERα expression and its signaling pathway in ERα-positive MCF-7 and MDA-MB-361 breast cancer cells as well as TR MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Metformin inhibited both protein and mRNA levels of ERα in the presence or absence of estrogen (E2) in the MCF-7, TR MCF-7 and MDA-MB-361 cells. Metformin repressed E2-inducible estrogen response element (ERE) luciferase activity, protein levels and mRNA levels of E2/ERα-regulated genes [including c-Myc, cyclin D1, progesterone receptor (PR) and pS2] to a greater degree than tamoxifen, resulting in inhibition of cell proliferation of MCF-7, TR MCF-7 and MDA-MB-361 cells. Collectively, our results suggest that one of the anticancer mechanisms of metformin could be attributable to the repression of expression and transcriptional activity of ERα. Metformin may be a good therapeutic agent for treating ERα-positive breast cancer by inhibiting the expression and function of ERα. In addition, metformin may be useful to treat tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinkyoung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Guro-gu, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyun Lee
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Young Jang
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Chungyeul Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Guro-gu, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoojin Choi
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Guro-gu, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Aeree Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Guro-gu, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
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