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Buczyńska A, Sidorkiewicz I, Krętowski AJ, Adamska A. Examining the clinical relevance of metformin as an antioxidant intervention. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1330797. [PMID: 38362157 PMCID: PMC10867198 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1330797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In physiological concentrations, reactive oxygen species play a vital role in regulating cell signaling and gene expression. Nevertheless, oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases and can inflict damage on diverse cell types and tissues. Thus, understanding the factors that mitigate the deleterious effects of oxidative stress is imperative for identifying new therapeutic targets. In light of the absence of direct treatment recommendations for reducing oxidative stress, there is a continuing need for fundamental research that utilizes innovative therapeutic approaches. Metformin, known for its multifaceted beneficial properties, is acknowledged for its ability to counteract the adverse effects of increased oxidative stress at both molecular and cellular levels. In this review, we delve into recent insights regarding metformin's antioxidant attributes, aiming to expand its clinical applicability. Our review proposes that metformin holds promise as a potential adjunctive therapy for various diseases, given its modulation of oxidative stress characteristics and regulation of diverse metabolic pathways. These pathways include lipid metabolism, hormone synthesis, and immunological responses, all of which may experience dysregulation in disease states, contributing to increased oxidative stress. Furthermore, our review introduces potential novel metformin-based interventions that may merit consideration in future research. Nevertheless, the necessity for clinical trials involving this drug remains imperative, as they are essential for establishing therapeutic dosages and addressing challenges associated with dose-dependent effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Buczyńska
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Iwona Sidorkiewicz
- Clinical Research Support Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Adam Jacek Krętowski
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Adamska
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
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2
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Bo T, Van Wijk K, Nakajima O. Heme Biosynthesis is Crucial for Cell Survival and Mitochondrial OXPHOS after X Irradiation. Radiat Res 2024; 201:48-54. [PMID: 37988802 DOI: 10.1667/rade-23-00035.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Heme is an essential component of the hemoproteins involved in the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). Cancer cells have been reported to display high heme levels and increased activity of heme-containing proteins. Consistently, inhibition of heme biosynthesis by the ALAD inhibitor succinylacetone (SA) has been shown to reduce tumor cell survival. These observations indicate that heme biosynthesis is essential for cancer cell proliferation. X irradiation has been shown to increase mitochondrial mass, membrane potential, oxygen consumption, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and ATP synthesis. This finding suggests that radiation activates mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). However, although heme is an essential component of the mitochondrial ETC, whether radiation influences heme biosynthesis remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated heme biosynthesis activity after X irradiation and examined the effects of heme biosynthesis inhibition by SA on cellular radiosensitivity and mitochondrial OXPHOS function. We demonstrated that X irradiation significantly increased ALAS1 mRNA levels and cellular heme content. Inhibition of heme biosynthesis by SA significantly decreased cellular heme content and sensitized cancer cells to radiation. We also showed that SA reduced cellular ATP levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial ROS production, suggesting mitochondrial OXPHOS dysfunction. SA decreased the expression of mitochondrial heme-related proteins COX2 and cytochrome c but did not influence COX1 and VDAC expression. These results indicate that inhibition of heme biosynthesis decreased mitochondrial ETC protein expression and OXPHOS activity, which triggered cellular ATP depletion and radiosensitization after X irradiation. In summary, heme biosynthesis is upregulated by X irradiation and is essential for mitochondrial OXPHOS and cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Bo
- Laboratory Animal Center, Institute for Promotion of Medical Science Research, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Japan
| | - Koen Van Wijk
- Research Center for Molecular Genetics, Institute for Promotion of Medical Science Research, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Japan
| | - Osamu Nakajima
- Research Center for Molecular Genetics, Institute for Promotion of Medical Science Research, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Japan
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3
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Cheki M, Mostafaei S, Hanafi MG, Farasat M, Talaiezadeh A, Ghasemi MS, Modava M, Abdollahi H. Radioproteomics modeling of metformin-enhanced radiosensitivity: an animal study. Jpn J Radiol 2023; 41:1265-1274. [PMID: 37204669 DOI: 10.1007/s11604-023-01445-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Metformin is considered as radiation modulator in both tumors and healthy tissues. Radiomics has the potential to decode biological mechanisms of radiotherapy response. The aim of this study was to apply radiomics analysis in metformin-induced radiosensitivity and finding radioproteomics associations of computed tomography (CT) imaging features and proteins involved in metformin radiosensitivity signaling pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 32 female BALB/c mice were used in this study and were subjected to injection of breast cancer cells. When tumors reached a mean volume of 150 mm3, mice were randomly divided into the four groups including Control, Metformin, Radiation, and Radiation + Metformin. Western blot analysis was performed after treatment to measure expression of proteins including AMPK-alpha, phospho-AMPK-alpha (Thr172), mTOR, phospho-mTOR (Ser2448), phospho-4EBP1 (Thr37/46), phospho-ACC (Ser79), and β-actin. CT imaging was performed before treatment and at the end of treatment in all groups. Radiomics features extracted from segmented tumors were selected using Elastic-net regression and were assessed in terms of correlation with expression of the proteins. RESULTS It was observed that proteins including phospho-mTOR, phospho-4EBP1, and mTOR had positive correlations with changes in tumor volumes in days 28, 24, 20, 16, and 12, while tumor volume changes at these days had negative correlations with AMPK-alpha, phospho-AMPK-alpha, and phospho-ACC proteins. Furthermore, median feature had a positive correlation with AMPK-alpha, phospho-ACC, and phospho-AMPK-alpha proteins. Also, Cluster shade feature had positive correlations with mTOR and p-mTOR. On the other hand, LGLZE feature had negative correlations with AMPK-alpha and phospho-AMPK-alpha. CONCLUSION Radiomics features can decode proteins that involved in response to metformin and radiation, although further studies are warranted to investigate the optimal way to integrate radiomics into biological experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Cheki
- Cancer Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Shayan Mostafaei
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Maryam Farasat
- Department of Radiology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | | | | | - Mohammad Modava
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hamid Abdollahi
- Department of Radiology Technology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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4
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Wang L, Yi S, Teng Y, Li W, Cai J. Role of the tumor microenvironment in the lymphatic metastasis of cervical cancer (Review). Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:486. [PMID: 37753293 PMCID: PMC10518654 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic metastasis is the primary type of cervical cancer metastasis and is associated with an extremely poor prognosis in patients. The tumor microenvironment primarily includes cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, immune and inflammatory cells, and blood and lymphatic vascular networks, which can promote the establishment of lymphatic metastatic sites within immunosuppressive microenvironments or promote lymphatic metastasis by stimulating lymphangiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. As the most important feature of the tumor microenvironment, hypoxia plays an essential role in lymph node metastasis. In this review, the known mechanisms of hypoxia, and the involvement of stromal components and immune inflammatory cells in the tumor microenvironment of lymphatic metastasis of cervical cancer are discussed. Additionally, a summary of the clinical trials targeting the tumor microenvironment for the treatment of cervical cancer is provided, emphasizing the potential and challenges of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lufang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Shuyan Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Yun Teng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Wenhan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Jing Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
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Buckley CE, O’Brien RM, Nugent TS, Donlon NE, O’Connell F, Reynolds JV, Hafeez A, O’Ríordáin DS, Hannon RA, Neary P, Kalbassi R, Mehigan BJ, McCormick PH, Dunne C, Kelly ME, Larkin JO, O’Sullivan J, Lynam-Lennon N. Metformin is a metabolic modulator and radiosensitiser in rectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1216911. [PMID: 37601689 PMCID: PMC10435980 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1216911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy, is a major challenge in the management of rectal cancer. Increasing evidence supports a role for altered energy metabolism in the resistance of tumours to anti-cancer therapy, suggesting that targeting tumour metabolism may have potential as a novel therapeutic strategy to boost treatment response. In this study, the impact of metformin on the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells, and the potential mechanisms of action of metformin-mediated radiosensitisation were investigated. Metformin treatment was demonstrated to significantly radiosensitise both radiosensitive and radioresistant colorectal cancer cells in vitro. Transcriptomic and functional analysis demonstrated metformin-mediated alterations to energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, cell cycle distribution and progression, cell death and antioxidant levels in colorectal cancer cells. Using ex vivo models, metformin treatment significantly inhibited oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in treatment naïve rectal cancer biopsies, without affecting the real-time metabolic profile of non-cancer rectal tissue. Importantly, metformin treatment differentially altered the protein secretome of rectal cancer tissue when compared to non-cancer rectal tissue. Together these data highlight the potential utility of metformin as an anti-metabolic radiosensitiser in rectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Croí E. Buckley
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rebecca M. O’Brien
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Timothy S. Nugent
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Surgery, Beacon Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Noel E. Donlon
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Surgery, Beacon Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Gastrointestinal Medicine and Surgery (GEMS) Directorate, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona O’Connell
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John V. Reynolds
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Adnan Hafeez
- Department of Surgery, Beacon Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Paul Neary
- Department of Surgery, Beacon Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Reza Kalbassi
- Department of Surgery, Beacon Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brian J. Mehigan
- Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Gastrointestinal Medicine and Surgery (GEMS) Directorate, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul H. McCormick
- Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Gastrointestinal Medicine and Surgery (GEMS) Directorate, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cara Dunne
- Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Gastrointestinal Medicine and Surgery (GEMS) Directorate, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael E. Kelly
- Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Gastrointestinal Medicine and Surgery (GEMS) Directorate, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John O. Larkin
- Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Gastrointestinal Medicine and Surgery (GEMS) Directorate, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jacintha O’Sullivan
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh Lynam-Lennon
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Karmanova E, Chernikov A, Usacheva A, Ivanov V, Bruskov V. Metformin counters oxidative stress and mitigates adverse effects of radiation exposure: An overview. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 36852652 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Metformin (1,1-dimethylbiguanidine hydrochloride) (MF) is a drug that has long been in use for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and recently is coming into use in the radiation therapy of cancer and other conditions. Exposure to ionizing radiation disturbs the redox homeostasis of cells and causes damage to proteins, membranes, and mitochondria, destroying a number of biological processes. After irradiation, MF activates cellular antioxidant and repair systems by signaling to eliminate the harmful consequences of disruption of redox homeostasis. The use of MF in the treatment of the negative effects of irradiation has great potential in medical patients after radiotherapy and in victims of nuclear accidents or radiologic terrorism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Karmanova
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia.,Institute of Cell Biophysics, Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research, Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
| | - Anatoly Chernikov
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
| | - Anna Usacheva
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
| | - Vladimir Ivanov
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
| | - Vadim Bruskov
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
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Metformin combined with local irradiation provokes abscopal effects in a murine rectal cancer model. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7290. [PMID: 35508498 PMCID: PMC9068771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11236-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although preoperative chemoradiation therapy can down-stage locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), it has little effect on distant metastases. Metformin exerts an anti-cancer effect partly through the activation of host immunity. LuM1, a highly lung metastatic subclone of colon 26, was injected subcutaneously (sc) in BALB/c mice and treated with metformin and/or local radiation (RT). Lung metastases and the primary tumors were evaluated and the phenotypes of immune cells in the spleen and lung metastases were examined with flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Local RT, but not metformin, partially delayed the growth of sc tumor which was augmented with metformin. Lung metastases were unchanged in metformin or RT alone, but significantly reduced in the combined therapy. The ratios of splenic T cells tended to be low in the RT group, which were increased by the addition of metformin. IFN-γ production of the splenic CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells was enhanced and CD49b (+) CD335(+) activated NK cells was increased after combined treatment group. Density of NK cells infiltrating in lung metastases was increased after combination treatment. Metformin effectively enhances local and abscopal effects of RT though the activation of cell-mediated immunity and might be clinically useful for LARC.
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Hutchinson ID, Ata A, DiCaprio MR. Is Metformin Use Associated with Prolonged Overall Survival in Patients with Soft Tissue Sarcoma? A SEER-Medicare Study. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2022; 480:735-744. [PMID: 34779790 PMCID: PMC8923596 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000002045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metformin, an oral drug used to treat patients with diabetes, has been associated with prolonged survival in patients with various visceral carcinomas. Although the exact mechanisms are unknown, preclinical translational studies demonstrate that metformin may impair tumor cellular metabolism, alter matrix turnover, and suppress oncogenic signaling pathways. Currently used chemotherapeutic agents have not been very successful in the adjuvant setting or for treating patients with metastatic sarcomas. We wanted to know whether metformin might be associated with improved survival in patients with a soft tissue sarcoma. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES In patients treated for a soft tissue sarcoma, we asked: (1) Is there an association between metformin use and longer survival? (2) How does this association differ, if at all, among patients with and without the diagnosis of diabetes? METHODS The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare (SEER-Medicare) database was used to identify patients with a diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma from 2007 to 2016. Concomitant medication use was identified using National Drug Codes using the Medicare Part D event files. This database was chosen because of the large number of captured sarcoma patients, availability of tumor characteristics, and longitudinal linkage of Medicare data. A total of 14,650 patients were screened for inclusion. Patients with multiple malignancies, diagnosis at autopsy, or discrepant linkage to the Medicare database were excluded. Overall, 4606 patients were eligible for the study: 598 patients taking metformin and 4008 patients not taking metformin. A hazard of mortality (hazard ratio) was analyzed comparing patients taking metformin with those patient groups not taking metformin and expressed in terms of a 95% confidence interval. Cox regression analysis was used to control for patient-specific, disease-specific, and treatment-specific covariates. RESULTS Having adjusted for disease-, treatment-, and patient-specific characteristics, patients taking metformin experienced prolonged survival compared with all patients not taking metformin (HR 0.76 [95% CI 0.66 to 0.87]). Associated prolonged survival was also seen when patients taking metformin were compared with those patients not on metformin irrespective of a diabetes diagnosis (HR 0.79 [95% CI 0.66 to 0.94] compared with patients with a diagnosis of diabetes and HR 0.77 [95% CI 0.67 to 0.89] compared with patients who did not have a diagnosis of diabetes). CONCLUSION Without suggesting causation, we found that even after controlling for confounding variables such as Charlson comorbidity index, tumor grade, size, stage, and surgical/radiation treatment modalities, there was an association between metformin use and increased survival in patients with soft tissue sarcoma. When considered separately, this association persisted in patients not on metformin with and without a diabetes diagnosis. Although metformin is not normally prescribed to patients who do not have a diabetes diagnosis, these data support further study, and if these findings are substantiated, it might lead to the performance of multicenter, prospective clinical trials about the use of metformin as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma in patients with and without a preexisting diabetes diagnosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, therapeutic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian D. Hutchinson
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Ashar Ata
- Department of Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Matthew R. DiCaprio
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
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9
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Buczyńska A, Sidorkiewicz I, Krętowski AJ, Zbucka-Krętowska M, Adamska A. Metformin Intervention—A Panacea for Cancer Treatment? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051336. [PMID: 35267644 PMCID: PMC8909770 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanism of action and the individual influence of various metabolic pathways related to metformin intervention are under current investigation. The available data suggest that metformin provides many advantages, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, otoprotective, radioprotective, and radio-sensitizing properties depending on cellular context. This literature review was undertaken to provide novel evidence concerning metformin intervention, with a particular emphasis on cancer treatment and prevention. Undoubtedly, the pleiotropic actions associated with metformin include inhibiting inflammatory processes, increasing antioxidant capacity, and improving glycemic and lipid metabolism. Consequently, these characteristics make metformin an attractive medicament to translate to human trials, the promising results of which were also summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Buczyńska
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland; (I.S.); (A.J.K.)
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (A.A.); Tel.: +48-85-746-8513 (A.B.); +48-85-746-8660 (A.A.)
| | - Iwona Sidorkiewicz
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland; (I.S.); (A.J.K.)
| | - Adam Jacek Krętowski
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland; (I.S.); (A.J.K.)
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Monika Zbucka-Krętowska
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Adolescent Gynecology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Adamska
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (A.A.); Tel.: +48-85-746-8513 (A.B.); +48-85-746-8660 (A.A.)
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10
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Hu A, Hu Z, Ye J, Liu Y, Lai Z, Zhang M, Ji W, Huang L, Zou H, Chen B, Zhong J. Metformin exerts anti-tumor effects via Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway by targeting AMPK in HepG2 cells. Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 100:142-151. [PMID: 34990285 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2021-0409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin, a traditional first-line pharmacologic treatment for type 2 diabetes, has recently been shown to impart anti-cancer effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the molecular mechanism of metformin on its antitumor activity is still not completely clear. The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is closely associated with the initiation and progression of HCC. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of metformin on the biological behavior of HCC and the underlying functional mechanism of metformin on the Shh pathway. The HCC cellular was induced in HepG2 cells by recombinant human Shh (rhShh). The effects of metformin on proliferation and metastasis were evaluated by proliferation, wound healing and invasion assays in vitro. The mRNA and protein expression levels of proteins related to the Shh pathway were measured by western blotting, quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence staining. Metformin inhibited rhShh-induced proliferation and metastasis. Furthermore, metformin decreased mRNA and protein expression of components of the Shh pathway including Shh, Ptch, Smo and Gli-1. Silencing of AMPK in the presence of metformin revealed that metformin could exert its inhibitory effect via AMPK. Our findings demonstrate that metformin can suppress the migration and invasion of HepG2 cells via AMPK-mediated inhibition of the Shh pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ang Hu
- Gannan Medical University, 74554, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Zeming Hu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China;
| | - Jianming Ye
- First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, 477808, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Yuwen Liu
- Gannan Medical University, 74554, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Zhonghong Lai
- Gannan Medical University, 74554, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Mi Zhang
- Gannan Medical University, 74554, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Weichao Ji
- Gannan Medical University, 74554, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Lili Huang
- Gannan Medical University, 74554, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Haohong Zou
- Gannan Medical University, 74554, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Bin Chen
- First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, 477808, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Jianing Zhong
- Gannan Medical University, 74554, Ganzhou, China, 341000;
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11
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Frontiers in Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery: Challenges and Perspectives of Metformin as Anti-Angiogenic Add-On Therapy in Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010112. [PMID: 35008275 PMCID: PMC8749852 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumor, with the highest incidence and the worst prognosis. Life expectancy from diagnosis remains dismal, at around 15 months, despite surgical resection and treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Given the aggressiveness of the tumor and the inefficiency of the treatments adopted to date, the scientific research investigates innovative therapeutic approaches. Importantly, angiogenesis represents one of the main features of glioblastoma, becoming in the last few years a major candidate for target therapy. Metformin, a well-established therapy for type 2 diabetes, offered excellent results in preventing and fighting tumor progression, particularly against angiogenic mechanisms. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss experimental evidence of metformin anti-cancer efficacy, with the aim of proposing this totally safe and tolerable drug as add-on therapy against glioblastoma. Abstract Glioblastoma is the most common primitive tumor in adult central nervous system (CNS), classified as grade IV according to WHO 2016 classification. Glioblastoma shows a poor prognosis with an average survival of approximately 15 months, representing an extreme therapeutic challenge. One of its distinctive and aggressive features is aberrant angiogenesis, which drives tumor neovascularization, representing a promising candidate for molecular target therapy. Although several pre-clinical studies and clinical trials have shown promising results, anti-angiogenic drugs have not led to a significant improvement in overall survival (OS), suggesting the necessity of identifying novel therapeutic strategies. Metformin, an anti-hyperglycemic drug of the Biguanides family, used as first line treatment in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), has demonstrated in vitro and in vivo antitumoral efficacy in many different tumors, including glioblastoma. From this evidence, a process of repurposing of the drug has begun, leading to the demonstration of inhibition of various oncopromoter mechanisms and, consequently, to the identification of the molecular pathways involved. Here, we review and discuss metformin’s potential antitumoral effects on glioblastoma, inspecting if it could properly act as an anti-angiogenic compound to be considered as a safely add-on therapy in the treatment and management of glioblastoma patients.
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Ferreira MR, Sands CJ, Li JV, Andreyev JN, Chekmeneva E, Gulliford S, Marchesi J, Lewis MR, Dearnaley DP. Impact of Pelvic Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer on Global Metabolic Profiles and Microbiota-Driven Gastrointestinal Late Side Effects: A Longitudinal Observational Study. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021; 111:1204-1213. [PMID: 34352290 PMCID: PMC8609156 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.07.1713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiation therapy to the prostate and pelvic lymph nodes (PLNRT) is part of the curative treatment of high-risk prostate cancer. Yet, the broader influence of radiation therapy on patient physiology is poorly understood. We conducted comprehensive global metabolomic profiling of urine, plasma, and stools sampled from patients undergoing PLNRT for high-risk prostate cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS Samples were taken from 32 patients at 6 timepoints: baseline, 2 to 3 and 4 to 5 weeks of PLNRT; and 3, 6, and 12 months after PLNRT. We characterized the global metabolome of urine and plasma using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and ultraperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and of stools with nuclear magnetic resonance. Linear mixed-effects modeling was used to investigate metabolic changes between timepoints for each biofluid and assay and determine metabolites of interest. RESULTS Metabolites in urine, plasma and stools changed significantly after PLNRT initiation. Metabolic profiles did not return to baseline up to 1 year post-PLNRT in any biofluid. Molecules associated with cardiovascular risk were increased in plasma. Pre-PLNRT fecal butyrate levels directly associated with increasing gastrointestinal side effects, as did a sharper fall in those levels during and up to 1 year postradiation therapy, mirroring our previous results with metataxonomics. CONCLUSIONS We showed for the first time that an overall metabolic effect is observed in patients undergoing PLNRT up to 1 year posttreatment. These metabolic changes may effect on long-term morbidity after treatment, which warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel R Ferreira
- Academic Radiotherapy Department, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom; Clinical Oncology Department, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; Clinical Oncology Department, Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Caroline J Sands
- National Phenome Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jia V Li
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jervoise N Andreyev
- Gastroenterology Department, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Chekmeneva
- National Phenome Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Gulliford
- Academic Radiotherapy Department, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom; Radiotherapy Department, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julian Marchesi
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew R Lewis
- National Phenome Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David P Dearnaley
- Academic Radiotherapy Department, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom; Clinical Oncology Department, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Datta A, West C, O'Connor JPB, Choudhury A, Hoskin P. Impact of hypoxia on cervical cancer outcomes. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2021; 31:1459-1470. [PMID: 34593564 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2021-002806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The annual global incidence of cervical cancer is approximately 604 000 cases/342 000 deaths, making it the fourth most common cancer in women. Cervical cancer is a major healthcare problem in low and middle income countries where 85% of new cases and deaths occur. Secondary prevention measures have reduced incidence and mortality in developed countries over the past 30 years, but cervical cancer remains a major cause of cancer deaths in women. For women who present with Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique (FIGO 2018) stages IB3 or upwards, chemoradiation is the established treatment. Despite high rates of local control, overall survival is less than 50%, largely due to distant relapse. Reducing the health burden of cervical cancer requires greater individualization of treatment, identifying those at risk of relapse and progression for modified or intensified treatment. Hypoxia is a well known feature of solid tumors and an established therapeutic target. Low tumorous oxygenation increases the risk of local invasion, metastasis and treatment failure. While meta-analyses show benefit, many individual trials targeting hypoxia failed in part due to not selecting patients most likely to benefit. This review summarizes the available hypoxia-targeted strategies and identifies further research and new treatment paradigms needed to improve patient outcomes. The applications and limitations of hypoxia biomarkers for treatment selection and response monitoring are discussed. Finally, areas of greatest unmet clinical need are identified to measure and target hypoxia and therefore improve cervical cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anubhav Datta
- Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK
- Clinical Radiology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Catharine West
- Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK
| | - James P B O'Connor
- Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Ananya Choudhury
- Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK
- Clinical Oncology, The Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter Hoskin
- Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK
- Clinical Oncology, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, Middlesex, UK
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Deguchi T, Hosoya K, Kim S, Murase Y, Yamamoto K, Bo T, Yasui H, Inanami O, Okumura M. Metformin preferentially enhances the radio-sensitivity of cancer stem-like cells with highly mitochondrial respiration ability in HMPOS. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 22:143-151. [PMID: 34514095 PMCID: PMC8413836 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Metformin has many anti-cancer effects, alone or in combination with radiation. However, the mechanism underlying its radio-sensitized effect is still unclear, especially for cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). Here, the radio-sensitized effect of metformin was investigated, and its mechanism was revealed in CSCs derived from canine osteosarcoma cell line (HMPOS), a canine osteosarcoma cell line. Spheroid cells (SCs) were used as CSCs-rich cells derived from sphere formation, and SCs were compared with normal adherent culture cells (ACs). The radio-sensitizing effect of metformin using clonogenic assay and tumor growth in mice xenograft model were evaluated, and the mechanism of its radio-sensitization focusing on mitochondrial function was revealed. Metformin significantly enhanced radio-sensitivity of SCs through its inhibition of the mitochondrial function, as shown by decreased oxygen consumption, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and decreased ATP production. Additionally, SCs had a higher ability of mitochondrial respiration than ACs, which may have caused difference of their sensitivity of metformin and irradiation. In conclusion, mitochondrial function might play an important role in the sensitivity of metformin and irradiation, and drugs that target mitochondrial respiration, such as metformin, are promising radio-sensitizers to target CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Deguchi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9 Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Kenji Hosoya
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9 Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Shango Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9 Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yusuke Murase
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9 Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Kumiko Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Radiation Biology, Department of Applied Veterinary Science, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9 Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Tomoki Bo
- Laboratory of Radiation Biology, Department of Applied Veterinary Science, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9 Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Hironobu Yasui
- Laboratory of Radiation Biology, Department of Applied Veterinary Science, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9 Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Osamu Inanami
- Laboratory of Radiation Biology, Department of Applied Veterinary Science, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9 Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Mahiro Okumura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9 Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
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Elsayed M, Wagstaff W, Behbahani K, Villalobos A, Bercu Z, Majdalany BS, Akce M, Schuster DM, Mao H, Kokabi N. Improved Tumor Response in Patients on Metformin Undergoing Yttrium-90 Radioembolization Segmentectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2021; 44:1937-1944. [PMID: 34312687 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-021-02916-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Metformin is associated with improved outcomes after external radiation and chemotherapy but has not been studied for Y-90 radiation segmentectomy (RS). This study evaluates the effect of metformin on tumor response after Y-90 RS in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS AND MATERIALS A retrospective analysis of patients with HCC who underwent Y-90 RS between 2014-2018 was performed. Comparisons were made between all patients taking and not taking metformin, and diabetic patients taking and not taking metformin. Tumor response was analyzed with logistic regression to compare absolute and percent change in total tumor diameter (TTD) and modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). Overall survival (OS) was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier estimation and log-rank analysis. RESULTS A total of 106 patients underwent 112 Y-90 RS, of which 40 were diabetic (38.8%) and 19 (18.4%) were on metformin. At baseline, the two groups of patients on metformin and not on metformin had no significant difference in age, Child-Pugh score, MELD score, ALBI grade, total tumor diameter, and size of dominant tumor. The only significant baseline difference was ECOG status. Uni- and multivariate analysis demonstrated a larger reduction in TTD and objective response by mRECIST criteria for patients undergoing Y-90 RS on metformin compared to those not on metformin. OS was similar between patients taking and not taking metformin (p = 0.912). CONCLUSION Metformin may be associated with increased tumor response after Y-90 RS in patients with HCC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III, Retrospective Study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Elsayed
- Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - William Wagstaff
- Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Keywan Behbahani
- Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alexander Villalobos
- Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zachary Bercu
- Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bill S Majdalany
- Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mehmet Akce
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David M Schuster
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hui Mao
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nima Kokabi
- Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Wong CS, Chu W, Ashamalla S, Fenech D, Berry S, Kiss A, Koritzinsky M. Metformin with neoadjuvant chemoradiation to improve pathologic response in rectal cancer: A pilot phase I/II trial. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2021; 30:60-64. [PMID: 34401534 PMCID: PMC8350187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A prospective pilot phase I/II study on metformin given concurrently with neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) in non-diabetic rectal cancer patients. Three patients had a clinical complete response (cCR) and did not have surgical resection. Of the 12 patients who underwent surgery, there were two pCRs. For the combined pCR/cCR rate of 33% (95% CI 19–47%), a total of 85 patients will be required to yield a 95% CI with a 10% margin of error. These pilot results are encouraging, and will serve to refine the design and conduct of a future phase 2 trial to determine whether adding metformin to CRT improves pCR/cCR rates.
Purpose Neoadjuvant radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy decreases the risk of local recurrence after surgery for rectal cancer. Emerging data suggest that diabetic patients on metformin may have improved cancer outcome after radiotherapy. A single institutional pilot study was performed to determine if metformin given concurrently with long course chemoradiation (CRT) may improve pathologic complete response (pCR) in non-diabetic rectal cancer patients. The study was designed to construct a confidence interval (CI) for the pCR rate to determine the sample size for a phase 2 trial. Methods Non-diabetic patients with biopsy confirmed rectal cancer deemed candidates for long course neoadjuvant CRT were invited to participate. Radiation consisted of 50.4 Gy in 28 daily fractions with concurrent daily capecitabine (825 mg/m2 twice daily). Participants self-administered metformin (500 mg of twice daily) 2 weeks prior to, during and for 4 weeks after CRT. Results A total of 16 patients were accrued. One patient withdrew from the study. Only grade 1 or 2 adverse events were observed. Three patients had a clinical complete response (cCR) and did not undergo surgery. Of the 12 patients who underwent surgery, there were two pCRs. For the combined pCR/cCR rate of 33% (95% CI 19–47%), a total of 85 patients will be required to yield a 95% CI with a 10% margin of error. Conclusions Adding metformin to neoadjuvant CRT for rectal cancer does not appear to enhance toxicities. These results will be used to refine the design and conduct of a future phase 2 trial to determine whether adding metformin to CRT improves pCR/cCR rates.
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Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- CBC, complete blood counts
- CI, confidence interval
- CRT, chemoradiation
- CT, computerized tomography
- CTCAE, Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events
- ICF, Informed Consent Form
- IHC-GCP, International Conference on Harmonization Good Clinical Practice
- MRI, magnetic resonance imaging
- Metformin
- Neoadjuvant chemoradiation
- Pathologic response
- REB, Research Ethics Board
- Rectal cancer
- TME, total mesorectal excision
- cCR, clinical complete response
- pCR, pathological complete response
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Wong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - W Chu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - S Ashamalla
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - D Fenech
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - S Berry
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Kiss
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Koritzinsky
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Incorporation of Sulfonamide Moiety into Biguanide Scaffold Results in Apoptosis Induction and Cell Cycle Arrest in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115642. [PMID: 34073245 PMCID: PMC8198066 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin, apart from its glucose-lowering properties, has also been found to demonstrate anti-cancer properties. Anti-cancer efficacy of metformin depends on its uptake in cancer cells, which is mediated by plasma membrane monoamine transporters (PMAT) and organic cation transporters (OCTs). This study presents an analysis of transporter mediated cellular uptake of ten sulfonamide-based derivatives of metformin in two breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). Effects of these compounds on cancer cell growth inhibition were also determined. All examined sulfonamide-based analogues of metformin were characterized by greater cellular uptake in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, and stronger cytotoxic properties than those of metformin. Effective intracellular transport of the examined compounds in MCF-7 cells was accompanied by high cytotoxic activity. For instance, compound 2 with meta-methyl group in the benzene ring inhibited MCF-7 growth at micromolar range (IC50 = 87.7 ± 1.18 µmol/L). Further studies showed that cytotoxicity of sulfonamide-based derivatives of metformin partially results from their ability to induce apoptosis in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells and arrest cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase. In addition, these compounds were found to inhibit cellular migration in wound healing assay. Importantly, the tested biguanides are more effective in MCF-7 cells at relatively lower concentrations than in MDA-MB-231 cells, which proves that the effectiveness of transporter-mediated accumulation in MCF-7 cells is related to biological effects, including MCF-7 cell growth inhibition, apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest. In summary, this study supports the hypothesis that effective transporter-mediated cellular uptake of a chemical molecule determines its cytotoxic properties. These results warrant a further investigation of biguanides as putative anti-cancer agents.
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Jiang S, Lu Q. A new contribution for an old drug: Prospect of metformin in colorectal oncotherapy. J Cancer Res Ther 2021; 17:1608-1617. [DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1824_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Metformin: A Possible Option in Cancer Chemotherapy. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2020; 2020:7180923. [PMID: 32399389 PMCID: PMC7201450 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7180923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin has been used for a long time as an antidiabetic medication for type 2 diabetes. It is used either as a monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic medications. The drug came into prominence in diabetes and other conditions with cardiovascular risk after the landmark study of 1995 by the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study which emphasized its importance. However, the drug has been used in experimental trials in various aspects of medicine and pharmacology such as in reproductive medicine, cancer chemotherapy, metabolic diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. It has been in use in the treatment of polycystic ovarian disease and obesity and is being considered in type 1 diabetes. This study seeks to evaluate the relevance of metformin in cancer management. Different mechanisms have been proposed for its antitumor action which involves the following: (a) the activation of adenosine monophosphate kinase, (b) modulation of adenosine A1 receptor (ADORA), (c) reduction in insulin/insulin growth factors, and (d) the role of metformin in the inhibition of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS); and its resultant damage to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecule is another paramount antitumor mechanism.
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Chatterjee A, Kosmacek EA, Shrishrimal S, McDonald JT, Oberley-Deegan RE. MnTE-2-PyP, a manganese porphyrin, reduces cytotoxicity caused by irradiation in a diabetic environment through the induction of endogenous antioxidant defenses. Redox Biol 2020; 34:101542. [PMID: 32361681 PMCID: PMC7200317 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation is a common anticancer therapy for many cancer patients, including prostate cancer. Diabetic prostate cancer patients suffer from increased lymph node metastasis, tumor recurrence and decreased survival as compared to non-diabetic prostate cancer patients. These patients are also at increased risk for enhanced radiation-induced normal tissue damage such as proctitis. Diabetics are oxidatively stressed and radiation causes additional oxidative damage. We and others have reported that, MnTE-2-PyP, a manganese porphyrin, protects normal prostate tissue from radiation damage. We have also reported that, in an in vivo mouse model of prostate cancer, MnTE-2-PyP decreases tumor volume and increases survival of the mice. In addition, MnTE-2-PyP has also been shown to reduce blood glucose and inhibits pro-fibrotic signaling in a diabetic model. Therefore, to investigate the role of MnTE-2-PyP in normal tissue protection in an irradiated diabetic environment, we have treated human prostate fibroblast cells with MnTE-2-PyP in an irradiated hyperglycemic environment. This study revealed that hyperglycemia causes increased cell death after radiation as compared to normo-glycemia. MnTE-2-PyP protects against hyperglycemia-induced cell death after radiation. MnTE-2-PyP decreases expression of NOX4 and α-SMA, one of the major oxidative enzymes and pro-fibrotic molecules respectively. MnTE-2-PyP obstructs NF-κB activity by decreasing DNA binding of the p50-p50 homodimer in the irradiated hyperglycemic environment. MnTE-2-PyP increases NRF2 mediated cytoprotection by increasing NRF2 protein expression and DNA binding. Therefore, we are proposing that, MnTE-2-PyP protects fibroblasts from irradiation and hyperglycemia damage by enhancing the NRF2- mediated pathway in diabetic prostate cancer patients, undergoing radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Kosmacek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Shashank Shrishrimal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - J Tyson McDonald
- Department of Physics & Cancer Research Center, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, 23668, USA
| | - Rebecca E Oberley-Deegan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Mazurek M, Litak J, Kamieniak P, Kulesza B, Jonak K, Baj J, Grochowski C. Metformin as Potential Therapy for High-Grade Glioma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E210. [PMID: 31952173 PMCID: PMC7016983 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin (MET), 1,1-dimethylbiguanide hydrochloride, is a biguanide drug used as the first-line medication in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The recent years have brought many observations showing metformin in its new role. The drug, commonly used in the therapy of diabetes, may also find application in the therapy of a vast variety of tumors. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in colon, breast, prostate, pancreatic cancer, leukemia, melanoma, lung and endometrial carcinoma, as well as in gliomas. This is especially important in light of the poor options offered to patients in the case of high-grade gliomas, which include glioblastoma (GBM). A thorough understanding of the mechanism of action of metformin can make it possible to discover new drugs that could be used in neoplasm therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Mazurek
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (J.L.); (P.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Jakub Litak
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (J.L.); (P.K.); (B.K.)
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Kamieniak
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (J.L.); (P.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Bartłomiej Kulesza
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (J.L.); (P.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Katarzyna Jonak
- Department of Foregin Languages, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jacek Baj
- Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Cezary Grochowski
- Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
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Metformin Protects the Rat Small Intestine Against Radiation Enteritis. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2019. [DOI: 10.5812/jjnpp.67352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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De Bruycker S, Vangestel C, Staelens S, Wyffels L, Detrez J, Verschuuren M, De Vos WH, Pauwels P, Van den Wyngaert T, Stroobants S. Effects of metformin on tumor hypoxia and radiotherapy efficacy: a [ 18F]HX4 PET imaging study in colorectal cancer xenografts. EJNMMI Res 2019; 9:74. [PMID: 31375940 PMCID: PMC6677842 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-019-0543-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In a colorectal cancer xenograft model, we investigated the therapeutic effect of metformin on tumor hypoxia with [18F]flortanidazole ([18F]HX4) small-animal positron emission tomography (μPET). We also assessed the additive effect of metformin on long-term radiotherapy outcome and we studied the potential of [18F]HX4 as a predictive and/or prognostic biomarker within this setup. Methods Colo205-bearing mice (n = 40) underwent a baseline [18F]HX4 hypoxia μPET/computed tomography (CT) scan. The next day, mice received 100 mg/kg metformin or saline intravenously (n = 20/group) and [18F]HX4 was administered intravenously 30 min later, whereupon a second μPET/CT scan was performed to assess changes in tumor hypoxia. Two days later, mice were further divided into four therapy groups (n = 10/group): control (1), metformin (2), radiotherapy (3), and metformin + radiotherapy, i.e., combination (4). Then, they received a second dose of metformin (groups 2 and 4) or saline (groups 1 and 3), followed by a single radiotherapy dose of 15 Gy (groups 3 and 4) or sham irradiation (groups 1 and 2) 30 min later. Tumor growth was followed three times a week by caliper measurements to assess the therapeutic outcome. Results [18F]HX4 uptake decreased in metformin-treated tumors with a mean intratumoral reduction in [18F]HX4 tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) from 2.53 ± 0.30 to 2.28 ± 0.26 (p = 0.04), as opposed to saline treatment (2.56 ± 0.39 to 3.08 ± 0.39; p = 0.2). The median tumor doubling time (TDT) was 6, 8, 41, and 43 days in the control, metformin, radiotherapy and combination group, respectively (log-rank p < 0.0001), but no metformin-specific therapy effects could be detected. Baseline [18F]HX4 TBR was a negative prognostic biomarker for TDT (hazard ratio, 2.39; p = 0.02). Conclusions Metformin decreased [18F]HX4 uptake of Colo205-tumors, but had no additive effect on radiotherapy efficacy. Nevertheless, [18F]HX4 holds promise as a prognostic imaging biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven De Bruycker
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Christel Vangestel
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Wilrijkstraat 10, Edegem, 2650, Belgium
| | - Steven Staelens
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Leonie Wyffels
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Jan Detrez
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium.,Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Wilrijkstraat 10, Edegem, 2650, Belgium
| | - Tim Van den Wyngaert
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Wilrijkstraat 10, Edegem, 2650, Belgium
| | - Sigrid Stroobants
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium. .,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Wilrijkstraat 10, Edegem, 2650, Belgium.
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Xiong ZS, Gong SF, Si W, Jiang T, Li QL, Wang TJ, Wang WJ, Wu RY, Jiang K. Effect of metformin on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion in A172 glioma cells and its mechanisms. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:887-894. [PMID: 31173255 PMCID: PMC6625203 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of metformin on the inhibition of proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration of A172 human glioma cells in vitro and determine the underlying mechanism. The effects of metformin at different concentrations (0, 0.1, 1 and 10 mmol/l) on the inhibition of A172 cell proliferation were detected using a 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Caspase‑3 activity was analyzed by spectrophotometry. The invasion and migration of cells were detected by Transwell assays. The levels of Bcl‑2‑associated X protein (Bax), B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2), AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated‑(p)AMPK and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein expression were detected by western blot analysis, and changes in the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined. Compared with the control group, metformin significantly increased the inhibition of proliferation and apoptosis, and significantly reduced the invasion and migration of A172 cells in dose‑ and time‑dependent manners (P<0.05). In addition, compared with the control group, metformin significantly enhanced the activity of caspase‑3, increased the expression of AMPK/pAMPK/Bax proteins and reduced the expression of mTOR/Bcl‑2 proteins (P<0.05). Metformin increased the MDA content and reduced the activity of SOD in a dose‑dependent manner (P<0.05). Metformin may inhibit glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promote its apoptosis; the effects may be associated with the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Sheng Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Longhua District Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518110, P.R. China
| | - Song Feng Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Wen Si
- Department of Neurosurgery, Longhua District Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518110, P.R. China
| | - Taipeng Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Qing Long Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Longhua District Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518110, P.R. China
| | - Tie Jun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Longhua District Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518110, P.R. China
| | - Wen Jie Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Longhua District Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518110, P.R. China
| | - Rui Yue Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Longhua District Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518110, P.R. China
| | - Kun Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Longhua District Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518110, P.R. China
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25
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Saraei P, Asadi I, Kakar MA, Moradi-Kor N. The beneficial effects of metformin on cancer prevention and therapy: a comprehensive review of recent advances. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:3295-3313. [PMID: 31114366 PMCID: PMC6497052 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s200059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a widely used drug in today’s prescriptions by physicians due to its specific effects in treating and curing type II diabetes. Diabetes is a common disease that may occur throughout human life, and can increase the likelihood of the occurrence of various types of cancer, such as colon, rectum, pancreas and liver cancers, compared to non-diabetic patients. Metformin inhibits mTOR activity by activating ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated) and LKB1 (liver kinase B1) and then adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase
(AMPK), and thus prevents protein synthesis and cell growth. Metformin can activate p53 by activating
AMPK and thereby ultimately stop the cell cycle. Given the potential of metformin in the treatment of cancer, it can be used in radiotherapy, chemotherapy and to improve the response to treatment in
androgen derivatives (ADT), and also, according to available evidence, metformin can also be used to prevent various types of cancers. Generally, metformin can: 1) reduce the incidence of cancers, 2) reduce the mortality from cancers, 3) increase the response to treatment in cancer cells when using radiotherapy and chemotherapy, 4) optimize tumor movement and reduce the malignancy, 5) reduce the likelihood of relapse, and 6) reduce the damaging effects of ADT. Therefore, this drug can be used as a complementary therapeutic agent for cancer treatment and prevention. In this review, we have summarized the data from various experimental and clinical studies and highlight the possible potential effects of metformin on cancer therapeutic responses. ![]()
Point your SmartPhone at the code above. If you have a QR code reader the video abstract will appear. Or use: https://youtu.be/bfZuNyIztZA
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouya Saraei
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ilia Asadi
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Muhammad Azam Kakar
- Director Planning and Development, L&DD Department, Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan
| | - Nasroallah Moradi-Kor
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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Rao M, Gao C, Guo M, Law BYK, Xu Y. Effects of metformin treatment on radiotherapy efficacy in patients with cancer and diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:4881-4890. [PMID: 30425579 PMCID: PMC6205529 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s174535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Metformin is a key pharmaceutical for patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Metformin also can enhance tumor radiosensitivity in vitro and in vivo. Some retrospective cohort studies have indicated that metformin can improve the efficacy of radiotherapy in patients with cancer and DM. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the radiotherapy efficacy of metformin in patients with cancer and DM. Methods Multiple databases were queried for studies that address the efficacy of metformin in radiotherapy of patients with cancer and DM. Studies were included that involved comparisons of the short-term tumor responses and long-term survival outcomes of these patients who were managed with or without metformin as well as of nondiabetic patients without metformin. The OR and HR with accompanying 95% CI were assessed in a random effects model. The main endpoints were 2-year and 5-year overall survival (2y-OS and 5y-OS, respectively). Results The database search yielded 17 cohort studies that met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that the tumor response was higher in patients who also were treated with metformin than in those who were not (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.22-1.07; P=0.07) and nondiabetic (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.07-0.98; P=0.05). Moreover, patients who received metformin had survival benefits compared with patients not treated with metformin (2y-OS: OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.29-0.80; P=0.005; 5y-OS: OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.25-0.56; P<0.00001). The metformin-related HRs of OS values were not significantly different. Conclusion Metformin appears to improve the tumor response to radiotherapy in patients with cancer and DM and partly yield survival benefits. Despite the apparent advantages provided by metformin treatment on 2y-OS and 5y-OS, these retrospective data are at risk of bias and should be interpreted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Rao
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, China, , .,Department of Endocrinology, .,Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Chenlin Gao
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, China, , .,Department of Endocrinology,
| | - Man Guo
- Department of Endocrinology,
| | - Betty Yuen Kwan Law
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, China, , .,State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, China,
| | - Yong Xu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, China, , .,Department of Endocrinology,
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27
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Yahyapour R, Amini P, Saffar H, Rezapoor S, Motevaseli E, Cheki M, Farhood B, Nouruzi F, Shabeeb D, Eleojo Musa A, Najafi M. Metformin Protects Against Radiation-Induced Heart Injury and Attenuates the Upregulation of Dual Oxidase Genes Following Rat's Chest Irradiation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR MEDICINE 2018; 7:193-202. [PMID: 31565651 PMCID: PMC6744616 DOI: 10.22088/ijmcm.bums.7.3.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Radiation-induced heart toxicity is one of the serious side effects after a radiation disaster or radiotherapy for patients with chest cancers, leading to a reduction in the quality of life of the patients. Evidence has shown that infiltration of inflammatory cells plays a key role in the development of functional damages to the heart via chronic upregulation of some pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These changes are associated with continuous free radical production and increased stiffness of heart muscle. IL-4 and IL-13 are two important pro-fibrotic cytokines which contribute to the side effects of ionizing radiation exposure. Recent studies have proposed that IL-4 through upregulation of DUOX2, and IL-13 via stimulation of DUOX1 gene expression, are involved in the development of radiation late effects. In the present study, we aimed to detect changes in the expression of these pathways following irradiation of rat’s heart. Furthermore, we evaluated the possible protective effect of metformin on the development of these abnormal changes. 20 male rats were divided into 4 groups (control, radiation, metformin treated, metformin + radiation). These rats were irradiated with 15 Gy 60Co gamma rays, and sacrificed after 10 weeks for evaluation of the changes in the expression of IL4R1, IL-13R2a, DUOX1 and DUOX2. In addition, the levels of IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines, as well as infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes were detected. Results showed an upregulation of both DUOX1 and DUOX2 pathways in the presence of metformin, while the level of IL-13 did not show any significant change. This was associated with infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes. Also, treatment with metformin could significantly attenuate accumulation of inflammatory cells, and upregulate these pathways. Therefore, suppression of dual oxidase genes by metformin may be a contributory factor to its protective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Yahyapour
- School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Peyman Amini
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hana Saffar
- Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Rezapoor
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Motevaseli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Cheki
- Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Bagher Farhood
- Departments of Medical Physics and Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Farzad Nouruzi
- Department of Medical Radiation Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Dheyauldeen Shabeeb
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (International Campus), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Misan, Misan, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Eleojo Musa
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (International Campus), Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (International Campus), Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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De Bruycker S, Vangestel C, Van den Wyngaert T, Pauwels P, Wyffels L, Staelens S, Stroobants S. 18F-Flortanidazole Hypoxia PET Holds Promise as a Prognostic and Predictive Imaging Biomarker in a Lung Cancer Xenograft Model Treated with Metformin and Radiotherapy. J Nucl Med 2018; 60:34-40. [PMID: 29980581 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.118.212225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin may improve tumor oxygenation and thus radiotherapy response, but imaging biomarkers for selection of suitable patients are still under investigation. First, we assessed the effect of acute metformin administration on non-small cell lung cancer xenograft tumor hypoxia using PET imaging with the hypoxia tracer 18F-flortanidazole. Second, we verified the effect of a single dose of metformin before radiotherapy on long-term treatment outcome. Third, we examined the potential of baseline 18F-flortanidazole as a prognostic or predictive biomarker for treatment response. Methods: A549 tumor-bearing mice underwent a 18F-flortanidazole PET/CT scan to determine baseline tumor hypoxia. The next day, mice received a 100 mg/kg intravenous injection of metformin. 18F-flortanidazole was administered intravenously 30 min later, and a second PET/CT scan was performed to assess changes in tumor hypoxia. Two days later, the mice were divided into 3 therapy groups: controls (group 1), radiotherapy (group 2), and metformin + radiotherapy (group 3). Animals received saline (groups 1-2) or metformin (100 mg/kg; group 3) intravenously, followed by a single radiotherapy dose of 10 Gy (groups 2-3) or sham irradiation (group 1) 30 min later. Tumor growth was monitored triweekly by caliper measurement, and tumor volume relative to baseline was calculated. The tumor doubling time (TDT), that is, the time to reach twice the preirradiation tumor volume, was defined as the endpoint. Results: Thirty minutes after metformin treatment, 18F-flortanidazole demonstrated a significant change in tumor hypoxia, with a mean intratumoral reduction in 18F-flortanidazole tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) from 3.21 ± 0.13 to 2.87 ± 0.13 (P = 0.0001). Overall, relative tumor volume over time differed across treatment groups (P < 0.0001). Similarly, the median TDT was 19, 34, and 52 d in controls, the radiotherapy group, and the metformin + radiotherapy group, respectively (log-rank P < 0.0001). Both baseline 18F-flortanidazole TBR (hazard ratio, 2.0; P = 0.0004) and change from baseline TBR (hazard ratio, 0.39; P = 0.04) were prognostic biomarkers for TDT irrespective of treatment, and baseline TBR predicted metformin-specific treatment effects that were dependent on baseline tumor hypoxia. Conclusion: Using 18F-flortanidazole PET imaging in a non-small cell lung cancer xenograft model, we showed that metformin may act as a radiosensitizer by increasing tumor oxygenation and that baseline 18F-flortanidazole shows promise as an imaging biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven De Bruycker
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Christel Vangestel
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; and
| | - Tim Van den Wyngaert
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; and
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Leonie Wyffels
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; and
| | - Steven Staelens
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sigrid Stroobants
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium .,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; and
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Melnik S, Dvornikov D, Müller-Decker K, Depner S, Stannek P, Meister M, Warth A, Thomas M, Muley T, Risch A, Plass C, Klingmüller U, Niehrs C, Glinka A. Cancer cell specific inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by forced intracellular acidification. Cell Discov 2018; 4:37. [PMID: 29977599 PMCID: PMC6028397 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-018-0033-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Use of the diabetes type II drug Metformin is associated with a moderately lowered risk of cancer incidence in numerous tumor entities. Studying the molecular changes associated with the tumor-suppressive action of Metformin we found that the oncogene SOX4, which is upregulated in solid tumors and associated with poor prognosis, was induced by Wnt/β-catenin signaling and blocked by Metformin. Wnt signaling inhibition by Metformin was surprisingly specific for cancer cells. Unraveling the underlying specificity, we identified Metformin and other Mitochondrial Complex I (MCI) inhibitors as inducers of intracellular acidification in cancer cells. We demonstrated that acidification triggers the unfolded protein response to induce the global transcriptional repressor DDIT3, known to block Wnt signaling. Moreover, our results suggest that intracellular acidification universally inhibits Wnt signaling. Based on these findings, we combined MCI inhibitors with H+ ionophores, to escalate cancer cells into intracellular hyper-acidification and ATP depletion. This treatment lowered intracellular pH both in vitro and in a mouse xenograft tumor model, depleted cellular ATP, blocked Wnt signaling, downregulated SOX4, and strongly decreased stemness and viability of cancer cells. Importantly, the inhibition of Wnt signaling occurred downstream of β-catenin, encouraging applications in treatment of cancers caused by APC and β-catenin mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svitlana Melnik
- 1Division of Epigenetics and Cancer Risks Factors, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany.,2DNA vectors, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany
| | - Dmytro Dvornikov
- 3Division of Systems Biology and Signal Transduction, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany.,4Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karin Müller-Decker
- 5Tumor Models Unit, Center for Preclinical Research, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany
| | - Sofia Depner
- 3Division of Systems Biology and Signal Transduction, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany
| | - Peter Stannek
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Allianz, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany
| | - Michael Meister
- 4Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,7Translational Research Unit, Thoraxklinik at University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, D-69126 Germany
| | - Arne Warth
- 4Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,8Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, 69120 Germany
| | - Michael Thomas
- 4Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,7Translational Research Unit, Thoraxklinik at University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, D-69126 Germany
| | - Tomas Muley
- 4Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,7Translational Research Unit, Thoraxklinik at University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, D-69126 Germany
| | - Angela Risch
- 1Division of Epigenetics and Cancer Risks Factors, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany.,4Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,9Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, 5020 Austria.,Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, 5020 Austria
| | - Christoph Plass
- 1Division of Epigenetics and Cancer Risks Factors, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany.,4Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ursula Klingmüller
- 3Division of Systems Biology and Signal Transduction, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany.,4Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christof Niehrs
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Allianz, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany.,11Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, 55128 Germany
| | - Andrey Glinka
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Allianz, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany
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30
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Lettieri-Barbato D, Aquilano K. Pushing the Limits of Cancer Therapy: The Nutrient Game. Front Oncol 2018; 8:148. [PMID: 29868472 PMCID: PMC5951973 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The standard cancer treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or their combination, which are generally associated with a multitude of side effects ranging from discomfort to the development of secondary tumors and severe toxicity to multiple systems including immune system. Mounting evidence has highlighted that the fine-tuning of nutrients may selectively sensitize cancer cells to conventional cancer therapies, while simultaneously protecting normal cells from their side effects. Nutrient modulation through diet also improves cancer immunesurveillance in a way that severe immunosuppression could be avoided or even the immune response or immune-based cancer therapies be potentiated also through patient microbiota remodeling. Here, we review recent advances in cancer therapy focusing on the effects of adjuvant dietary interventions (e.g., ketogenic diets, fasting) on the metabolic pathways within cancer cells and tumor environment (e.g., microbiota, immune system, tumor microenvironment) that are involved in cancer progression and resistance as well as cancer cell death. Finally, based on the overall literature data, we designed a nutritional intervention consisting in a plant-based moderate ketogenic diet that could be exploited for future preclinical research in cancer therapy.
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