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Chaudhary S, Kulkarni A. Metformin: Past, Present, and Future. Curr Diab Rep 2024; 24:119-130. [PMID: 38568468 DOI: 10.1007/s11892-024-01539-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides the most recent update of metformin, a biguanide oral antihyperglycemic drug used as a first-line treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus. RECENT FINDINGS Metformin continues to dominate in the world of antidiabetics, and its use will continue to rise because of its high efficiency and easy availability. Apart from type 2 diabetes, research is exploring its potential in other conditions such as cancer, memory loss, bone disorders, immunological diseases, and aging. Metformin is the most prescribed oral antidiabetic worldwide. It has been in practical use for the last six decades and continues to be the preferred drug for newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus. It reduces glucose levels by decreasing hepatic glucose production, reducing intestinal glucose absorption, and increasing insulin sensitivity. It can be used as monotherapy or combined with other antidiabetics like sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors, or insulin, improving its efficacy. Metformin can be used once or twice daily, depending on requirements. Prolonged usage of metformin may lead to abdominal discomfort, deficiency of Vitamin B12, or lactic acidosis. It should be used carefully in patients with renal impairment. Recent studies have explored additional benefits of metformin in polycystic ovarian disease, gestational diabetes mellitus, cognitive disorders, and immunological diseases. However, more extensive studies are needed to confirm these additional benefits.
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Adamyan L, Pivazyan L, Isaeva S, Shapovalenko R, Zakaryan A. Metformin and progestins in women with atypical hyperplasia or endometrial cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:2289-2305. [PMID: 38503850 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07416-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess metformin's effectiveness in adding it to progestin-based hormone therapy for treating atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) and early endometrial cancer (EEC). METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines (registration number CRD42023399094). We searched databases for studies up to March 2023, including randomized and non-randomized clinical trials in English. RESULTS Out of 280 studies, 9 studies (1104 patients) were eligible. A total of 408 patients were allocated to receive metformin, and 696 patients entered the control group. Primary analysis focused on evaluating the CR showed a significant difference in patients with AEH treated with metformin (RR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.20, p = 0.02). Relapse rate (RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.33-1.17, p = 0.14) was also evaluated. Secondary analysis indicated higher pregnancy rates (RR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.04-1.57, p = 0.02) with no significant difference in live birth rates (RR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.29-1.10, p = 0.09). CONCLUSION Combined therapy is effective. Metformin shows superiority to the standard regimen in achieving better CR rate in patients with AEH and benefits pregnancy rates but not recurrence or live birth rates. Therefore, the ideal fertility-sparing treatment for EC has not yet been determined and further clinical trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Adamyan
- Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry Named After A.I. Evdokimov, 127473, Moscow, Russia
- FSBI «National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov» Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Laura Pivazyan
- FSBI «National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov» Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Sapiyat Isaeva
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119048, Moscow, Russia
| | - Roman Shapovalenko
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119048, Moscow, Russia
| | - Araksya Zakaryan
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119048, Moscow, Russia
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3
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Orang A, Marri S, McKinnon RA, Petersen J, Michael MZ. Restricting Colorectal Cancer Cell Metabolism with Metformin: An Integrated Transcriptomics Study. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2055. [PMID: 38893174 PMCID: PMC11171104 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16112055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metformin is a first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes as it disrupts cellular metabolism. Despite the association between metformin and lower cancer incidence, the anti-tumour activity of the drug in colorectal cancer (CRC) is incompletely understood. This study identifies underlying molecular mechanisms by which metformin slows colorectal cancer cell proliferation by investigating metformin-associated microRNA (miRNA) and target gene pairs implicated in signalling pathways. METHODS The present study analysed changes in miRNAs and the coding transcriptome in CRC cells treated with a sublethal dose of metformin, followed by the contextual validation of potential miRNA-target gene pairs. RESULTS Analyses of small RNA and transcriptome sequencing data revealed 104 miRNAs and 1221 mRNAs to be differentially expressed in CRC cells treated with metformin for 72 h. Interaction networks between differentially expressed miRNAs and putative target mRNAs were identified. Differentially expressed genes were mainly implicated in metabolism and signalling processes, such as the PI3K-Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways. Further validation of potential miRNA-target mRNA pairs revealed that metformin induced miR-2110 and miR-132-3p to target PIK3R3 and, consequently, regulate CRC cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. Metformin also induced miR-222-3p and miR-589-3p, which directly target STMN1 to inhibit CRC cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. CONCLUSIONS This study identified novel changes in the coding transcriptome and small non-coding RNAs associated with metformin treatment of CRC cells. Integration of these datasets highlighted underlying mechanisms by which metformin impedes cell proliferation in CRC. Importantly, it identified the post-transcriptional regulation of specific genes that impact both metabolism and cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayla Orang
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (A.O.); (S.M.); (R.A.M.); (J.P.)
| | - Shashikanth Marri
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (A.O.); (S.M.); (R.A.M.); (J.P.)
| | - Ross A. McKinnon
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (A.O.); (S.M.); (R.A.M.); (J.P.)
| | - Janni Petersen
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (A.O.); (S.M.); (R.A.M.); (J.P.)
- Nutrition and Metabolism, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Michael Z. Michael
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (A.O.); (S.M.); (R.A.M.); (J.P.)
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
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Galal MA, Al-Rimawi M, Hajeer A, Dahman H, Alouch S, Aljada A. Metformin: A Dual-Role Player in Cancer Treatment and Prevention. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4083. [PMID: 38612893 PMCID: PMC11012626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer continues to pose a significant global health challenge, as evidenced by the increasing incidence rates and high mortality rates, despite the advancements made in chemotherapy. The emergence of chemoresistance further complicates the effectiveness of treatment. However, there is growing interest in the potential of metformin, a commonly prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as an adjuvant chemotherapy agent in cancer treatment. Although the precise mechanism of action of metformin in cancer therapy is not fully understood, it has been found to have pleiotropic effects, including the modulation of metabolic pathways, reduction in inflammation, and the regulation of cellular proliferation. This comprehensive review examines the anticancer properties of metformin, drawing insights from various studies conducted in vitro and in vivo, as well as from clinical trials and observational research. This review discusses the mechanisms of action involving both insulin-dependent and independent pathways, shedding light on the potential of metformin as a therapeutic agent for different types of cancer. Despite promising findings, there are challenges that need to be addressed, such as conflicting outcomes in clinical trials, considerations regarding dosing, and the development of resistance. These challenges highlight the importance of further research to fully harness the therapeutic potential of metformin in cancer treatment. The aims of this review are to provide a contemporary understanding of the role of metformin in cancer therapy and identify areas for future exploration in the pursuit of effective anticancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Ahmed Galal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.G.); (M.A.-R.); (H.D.); (S.A.)
- Department of Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK
| | - Mohammed Al-Rimawi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.G.); (M.A.-R.); (H.D.); (S.A.)
| | | | - Huda Dahman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.G.); (M.A.-R.); (H.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Samhar Alouch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.G.); (M.A.-R.); (H.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Ahmad Aljada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.G.); (M.A.-R.); (H.D.); (S.A.)
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Xie H, Li M, Zheng Y. Associations of metformin therapy treatment with endometrial cancer risk and prognosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 182:15-23. [PMID: 38246042 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several abstract studies have demonstrated that metformin may be beneficial for preventing and treating endometrial cancer (EC), while the results have been inconsistent and inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between metformin use and the incidence and mortality of endometrial cancer in diabetic patients. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed in Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP from inception to November 2022. The outcome measures were hazard ratios (HRs) comparing the EC incidence and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on metformin and non-metformin. A random or fixed-effects model was applied for data analysis, and subgroup analysis was performed to look for factors of heterogeneity. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) assessed the evidence's certainty. RESULTS Eleven studies reported data on EC incidence. The pooled results suggested that the use of metformin was associated with a significantly higher incidence of EC (HR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.09-1.26, P < 0.0001). Further, seventeen studies were included for survival analysis. The pooled data showed that metformin could significantly decrease all-cause mortality (HR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.52-0.74, P < 0.00001) and endometrial cancer-specific mortality (HR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.90, 1.00, P = 0.03). Finally, we noted that metformin was associated with significantly improving the progression-free survival (PFS) of EC patients with T2DM (HR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.44, 0.68, P < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis did not prove that metformin was beneficial for preventing EC. However, metformin could reduce their mortality risk and prolong the progression-free survival time of EC patients with T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xie
- The First Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Muhan Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuling Zheng
- The First Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China.
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Arioka M, Seto-Tetsuo F, Inoue T, Miura K, Ishikane S, Igawa K, Tomooka K, Takahashi-Yanaga F, Sasaguri T. Differentiation-inducing factor-1 reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 by suppressing mTORC1-S6K signaling in vascular endothelial cells. Life Sci 2023; 335:122278. [PMID: 37981227 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Differentiation-inducing factor-1 (DIF-1), a compound in Dictyostelium discoideum, exhibits anti-cancer effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and motility of various mammalian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, DIF-1 suppresses lung colony formation in a mouse model, thus impeding cancer metastasis. However, the precise mechanism underlying its anti-metastatic effect remains unclear. In the present study, we aim to elucidate this mechanism by investigating the adhesion of circulating tumor cells to blood vessels using in vitro and in vivo systems. MAIN METHODS Melanoma cells (1.0 × 105 cells) were injected into the tail vein of 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice after administration of DIF-1 (300 mg/kg per day) and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS: 2.5 mg/kg per day). To investigate cell adhesion and molecular mechanisms, cell adhesion assay, western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry were performed. KEY FINDINGS Intragastric administration of DIF-1 suppressed lung colony formation. DIF-1 also substantially inhibited the adhesion of cancer cells to human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Notably, DIF-1 did not affect the expression level of adhesion-related proteins in cancer cells, but it did decrease the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells by suppressing its mRNA-to-protein translation through inhibition of mTORC1-p70 S6 kinase signaling. SIGNIFICANCE DIF-1 reduced tumor cell adhesion to blood vessels by inhibiting mTORC1-S6K signaling and decreasing the expression of adhesion molecule VCAM-1 on vascular endothelial cells. These findings highlight the potential of DIF-1 as a promising compound for the development of anti-cancer drugs with anti-metastatic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Arioka
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Fumi Seto-Tetsuo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Microbiology and Oral Infection, Graduate School of Biochemical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
| | - Takeru Inoue
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Koichi Miura
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shin Ishikane
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.
| | - Kazunobu Igawa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
| | - Katsuhiko Tomooka
- Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu University, Kasuga, Japan.
| | - Fumi Takahashi-Yanaga
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.
| | - Toshiyuki Sasaguri
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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Elmetwalli A, Kamosh NH, El Safty R, Youssef AI, Salama MM, Abd El-Razek KM, El-Sewedy T. Novel phloretin-based combinations targeting glucose metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma through GLUT2/PEPCK axis of action: in silico molecular modelling and in vivo studies. Med Oncol 2023; 41:12. [PMID: 38078989 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02236-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is commonly associated with disturbances in glucose metabolism and enhanced glycolysis. However, a controversial role for gluconeogenesis was reported to be tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressive. We investigated novel anti-HCC treatments through either the simultaneous inhibition of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis by "phloretin" and "sodium meta-arsenite", respectively (Combination 1); or the concurrent inhibition of glycolysis and induction of gluconeogenesis by phloretin and dexamethasone, respectively, (combination 2). A total of 110 Swiss albino mice were divided into eleven groups, HCC was induced by N, N-dimethyl-4-aminoazobenzene. We have measured the expression of the glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinases (PEPCK), Caspase-3, Beclin 1, Cyclin D1, and cytokeratin 18 genes; blood glucose and ATP levels; alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities. Furthermore, in silico molecular docking was performed to investigate the potential drug-receptor interactions. Histologically, the phloretin-based combinations resulted in a significant regression of malignant tissue compared to various treatments. GLUT2 and PEPCK mRNA analysis indicated successful off/on modulation of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. Docking confirmed the potent binding between phloretin, sodium meta-arsenite, and dexamethasone with GLUT2, PEPCK, and Retinoid X Receptor Alpha, respectively. Molecularly, Combination 2 resulted in the highest reduction in cyclin D1, cytokeratin 18, and Beclin 1 expression contemporaneously with the upregulation in Caspase-3 levels. Biochemically, both combinations caused a significant reduction in ATP levels, ALT, and AST activity compared to the other groups. In conclusion, we propose two novel phloretin-based combinations that can be used in treating HCC through the regulation of glucose metabolism and ATP production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Elmetwalli
- Department of Clinical Trial Research Unit and Drug Discovery, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt.
- Microbiology Division, Higher Technological Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt.
| | | | | | - Amany I Youssef
- Department of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohammed M Salama
- Department of Histochemistry and Cell Biology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Khaled M Abd El-Razek
- Experimental Animal Unit, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Tarek El-Sewedy
- Department of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Zhang G, Xie XX, Zhang SE, Zhang FL, Li CX, Qiao T, Dyce PW, Feng XL, Lin WB, Sun QC, Shen W, Cheng SF. Induced differentiation of primordial germ cell like cells from SOX9 + porcine skin derived stem cells. Theriogenology 2023; 212:129-139. [PMID: 37717516 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms behind porcine primordial germ cell like cells (pPGCLCs) development, differentiation, and gametogenesis is crucial in the treatment of infertility. In this study, SOX9+ skin derived stem cells (SOX9+ SDSCs) were isolated from fetal porcine skin and a high-purity SOX9+ SDSCs population was obtained. The SOX9+ SDSCs were induced to transdifferentiate into PGCLCs during 8 days of cultured. The results of RNA-seq, western blot and immunofluorescence staining verified SDSCs have the potential to transdifferentiate into PGCLCs from aspects of transcription factor activation, germ layer differentiation, energy metabolism, and epigenetic changes. Both adherent and suspended cells were collected. The adherent cells were found to be very similar to early porcine primordial germ cells (pPGCs). The suspended cells resembled late stage pPGCs and had a potential to enter meiotic process. This SDSCs culture-induced in vitro model is expected to provide suitable donor cells for stem cell transplantation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geng Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Xin-Xiang Xie
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Shu-Er Zhang
- Animal Husbandry General Station of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250010, China
| | - Fa-Li Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018, China
| | - Chun-Xiao Li
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Tian Qiao
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Paul W Dyce
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Xin-Lei Feng
- Shandong Animal Products Quality and Safety Center, Jinan, 250010, China
| | - Wei-Bo Lin
- Animal Husbandry Development Center of Changyi City, Weifang, 261300, China
| | - Qi-Cheng Sun
- School of Finance, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
| | - Shun-Feng Cheng
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
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Petrasca A, Hambly R, Kearney N, Smith CM, Pender EK, Mac Mahon J, O'Rourke AM, Ismaiel M, Boland PA, Almeida JP, Kennedy C, Zaborowski A, Murphy S, Winter D, Kirby B, Fletcher JM. Metformin has anti-inflammatory effects and induces immunometabolic reprogramming via multiple mechanisms in hidradenitis suppurativa. Br J Dermatol 2023; 189:730-740. [PMID: 37648653 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljad305] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeting immunometabolism has shown promise in treating autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving painful lesions in apocrine gland-bearing skin. Therapeutic options for HS are limited and often ineffective; thus, there is a pressing need for improved treatments. To date, metabolic dysregulation has not been investigated in HS. As HS is highly inflammatory, we hypothesized that energy metabolism is dysregulated in these patients. Metformin, an antidiabetic drug, which is known to impact on cellular metabolic and signalling pathways, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in cancer and arthritis. While metformin is not licensed for use in HS, patients with HS taking metformin show improved clinical symptoms. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect and mechanism of action of metformin in HS. METHODS To assess the effect of metformin in vivo, we compared the immune and metabolic profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with HS taking metformin vs. those not taking metformin. To examine the effect of metformin treatment ex vivo, we employed a skin explant model on skin biopsies from patients with HS not taking metformin, which we cultured with metformin overnight. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, multiplex cytokine assays and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to measure inflammatory markers, and Seahorse flux technology and quantitative RT-PCR to assess glucose metabolism. RESULTS We showed that metabolic pathways are dysregulated in the PBMCs of patients with HS vs. healthy individuals. In metformin-treated patients, these metabolic pathways were restored and their PBMCs had reduced inflammatory markers following long-term metformin treatment. In the skin explant model, we found that overnight culture with metformin reduced inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and glycolytic genes in lesions and tracts of patients with HS. Using in vitro assays, we found that metformin may induce these changes via the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which is linked to glycolysis and protein synthesis. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides insight into the mechanisms of action of metformin in HS. The anti-inflammatory effects of metformin support its use as a therapeutic agent in HS, while its effects on immunometabolism suggest that targeting metabolism is a promising therapeutic option in inflammatory diseases, including HS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Petrasca
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Roisin Hambly
- Department of Dermatology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh Kearney
- Department of Dermatology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Conor M Smith
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emily K Pender
- Department of Dermatology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Julie Mac Mahon
- Department of Dermatology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aoife M O'Rourke
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mohamed Ismaiel
- Department of Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Jose P Almeida
- Department of Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Czara Kennedy
- Department of Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Siun Murphy
- Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Blackrock Clinic, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Desmond Winter
- Department of Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brian Kirby
- Department of Dermatology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jean M Fletcher
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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10
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Iske J, Cao Y, Roesel MJ, Shen Z, Nian Y. Metabolic reprogramming of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the context of organ transplantation. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:789-797. [PMID: 37204374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2023.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are naturally occurring leukocytes that develop from immature myeloid cells under inflammatory conditions that were discovered initially in the context of tumor immunity. Because of their robust immune inhibitory activities, there has been growing interest in MDSC-based cellular therapies for transplant tolerance induction. Indeed, various pre-clinical studies have introduced in vivo expansion or adoptive transfer of MDSC as a promising therapeutic strategy leading to a profound extension of allograft survival due to suppression of alloreactive T cells. However, several limitations of cellular therapies using MDSCs remain to be addressed, including their heterogeneous nature and limited expansion capacity. Metabolic reprogramming plays a crucial role for differentiation, proliferation and effector function of immune cells. Notably, recent reports have focused on a distinct metabolic phenotype underlying the differentiation of MDSCs in an inflammatory microenvironment representing a regulatory target. A better understanding of the metabolic reprogramming of MDSCs may thus provide novel insights for MDSC-based treatment approaches in transplantation. In this review, we will summarize recent, interdisciplinary findings on MDSCs metabolic reprogramming, dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms and discuss the relevance for potential treatment approaches in solid-organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Iske
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC), Berlin, Germany; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yu Cao
- Research Institute of Transplant Medicine, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Maximilian J Roesel
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC), Berlin, Germany; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zhongyang Shen
- Research Institute of Transplant Medicine, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yeqi Nian
- Research Institute of Transplant Medicine, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
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Hua Y, Zheng Y, Yao Y, Jia R, Ge S, Zhuang A. Metformin and cancer hallmarks: shedding new lights on therapeutic repurposing. J Transl Med 2023; 21:403. [PMID: 37344841 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04263-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a well-known anti-diabetic drug that has been repurposed for several emerging applications, including as an anti-cancer agent. It boasts the distinct advantages of an excellent safety and tolerability profile and high cost-effectiveness at less than one US dollar per daily dose. Epidemiological evidence reveals that metformin reduces the risk of cancer and decreases cancer-related mortality in patients with diabetes; however, the exact mechanisms are not well understood. Energy metabolism may be central to the mechanism of action. Based on altering whole-body energy metabolism or cellular state, metformin's modes of action can be divided into two broad, non-mutually exclusive categories: "direct effects", which induce a direct effect on cancer cells, independent of blood glucose and insulin levels, and "indirect effects" that arise from systemic metabolic changes depending on blood glucose and insulin levels. In this review, we summarize an updated account of the current knowledge on metformin antitumor action, elaborate on the underlying mechanisms in terms of the hallmarks of cancer, and propose potential applications for repurposing metformin for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yiran Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Ai Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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12
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Dong Y, Qi Y, Jiang H, Mi T, Zhang Y, Peng C, Li W, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Zang Y, Li J. The development and benefits of metformin in various diseases. Front Med 2023; 17:388-431. [PMID: 37402952 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-0998-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Metformin has been used for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus for decades due to its safety, low cost, and outstanding hypoglycemic effect clinically. The mechanisms underlying these benefits are complex and still not fully understood. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory-chain complex I is the most described downstream mechanism of metformin, leading to reduced ATP production and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Meanwhile, many novel targets of metformin have been gradually discovered. In recent years, multiple pre-clinical and clinical studies are committed to extend the indications of metformin in addition to diabetes. Herein, we summarized the benefits of metformin in four types of diseases, including metabolic associated diseases, cancer, aging and age-related diseases, neurological disorders. We comprehensively discussed the pharmacokinetic properties and the mechanisms of action, treatment strategies, the clinical application, the potential risk of metformin in various diseases. This review provides a brief summary of the benefits and concerns of metformin, aiming to interest scientists to consider and explore the common and specific mechanisms and guiding for the further research. Although there have been countless studies of metformin, longitudinal research in each field is still much warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yingbei Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Haowen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Tian Mi
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yunkai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wanchen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yongmei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Yubo Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528400, China.
| | - Yi Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
| | - Jia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Open Studio for Druggability Research of Marine Natural Products, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, 266237, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, 264117, China.
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Lange C, Brüggemann J, Thüner T, Jauckus J, Strowitzki T, Germeyer A. Changes in the expression of cancer- and metastasis-related genes and proteins after metformin treatment under different metabolic conditions in endometrial cancer cells. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16678. [PMID: 37313172 PMCID: PMC10258389 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Research question Hyperinsulinemia and elevated estrogen levels are known risk factors for endometrial cancer (EC) development and are associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), insulin resistance, among others. Metformin, an insulin-sensitizing drug, displays anti-tumor effects in cancer patients, including EC, but the mechanism of action is still not completely understood. In the present study, the effects of metformin on gene and protein expression were investigated in pre- and postmenopausal EC in vitro models in order to identify candidates that are potentially involved in the drug's anti-cancer mechanism. Design After treating the cells with metformin (0.1 and 1.0 mmol/L), changes in the expression of >160 cancer- and metastasis-related gene transcripts were evaluated with RNA arrays. A total of 19 genes and 7 proteins were selected for a follow-up expression analysis, including further treatment conditions, in order to evaluate the influence of hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia on metformin-induced effects. Results Changes in the expression of BCL2L11, CDH1, CDKN1A, COL1A1, PTEN, MMP9 and TIMP2 were analyzed on gene and protein level. The consequences resulting from the detected expression changes as well as the influence of varying environmental influences are discussed in detail. With the presented data, we contribute to a better understanding of the direct anti-cancer activity of metformin as well as its underlying mechanism of action in EC cells. Conclusions Although further research will be necessary to confirm the data, the influence of different environmental settings on metformin-induced effects could be highlighted with the presented data. Additionally, gene and protein regulation were not similar in the pre- and postmenopausal in vitro models.
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Fatima Z, Abonofal A, Stephen B. Targeting Cancer Metabolism to Improve Outcomes with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOTHERAPY AND PRECISION ONCOLOGY 2023; 6:91-102. [PMID: 37214204 PMCID: PMC10195018 DOI: 10.36401/jipo-22-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment paradigm of several cancers. However, not all patients respond to treatment. Tumor cells reprogram metabolic pathways to facilitate growth and proliferation. This shift in metabolic pathways creates fierce competition with immune cells for nutrients in the tumor microenvironment and generates by-products harmful for immune cell differentiation and growth. In this review, we discuss these metabolic alterations and the current therapeutic strategies to mitigate these alterations to metabolic pathways that can be used in combination with checkpoint blockade to offer a new path forward in cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Fatima
- Department of Hospice and Palliative Care, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Abdulrahman Abonofal
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Bettzy Stephen
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Semertzidou A, Grout-Smith H, Kalliala I, Garg A, Terzidou V, Marchesi J, MacIntyre D, Bennett P, Tsilidis K, Kyrgiou M. Diabetes and anti-diabetic interventions and the risk of gynaecological and obstetric morbidity: an umbrella review of the literature. BMC Med 2023; 21:152. [PMID: 37072764 PMCID: PMC10114404 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02758-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in recent years with serious health ramifications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the strength and validity of associations between diabetes and anti-diabetic interventions and the risk of any type of gynaecological or obstetric conditions. METHODS Design: Umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, manual screening of references. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational and interventional studies investigating the relationship between diabetes and anti-diabetic interventions with gynaecological or obstetric outcomes. Meta-analyses that did not include complete data from individual studies, such as relative risk, 95% confidence intervals, number of cases/controls, or total population were excluded. DATA ANALYSIS The evidence from meta-analyses of observational studies was graded as strong, highly suggestive, suggestive or weak according to criteria comprising the random effects estimate of meta-analyses and their largest study, the number of cases, 95% prediction intervals, I2 heterogeneity index between studies, excess significance bias, small study effect and sensitivity analysis using credibility ceilings. Interventional meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials were assessed separately based on the statistical significance of reported associations, the risk of bias and quality of evidence (GRADE) of included meta-analyses. RESULTS A total of 117 meta-analyses of observational cohort studies and 200 meta-analyses of randomised clinical trials that evaluated 317 outcomes were included. Strong or highly suggestive evidence only supported a positive association between gestational diabetes and caesarean section, large for gestational age babies, major congenital malformations and heart defects and an inverse relationship between metformin use and ovarian cancer incidence. Only a fifth of the randomised controlled trials investigating the effect of anti-diabetic interventions on women's health reached statistical significance and highlighted metformin as a more effective agent than insulin on risk reduction of adverse obstetric outcomes in both gestational and pre-gestational diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Gestational diabetes appears to be strongly associated with a high risk of caesarean section and large for gestational age babies. Weaker associations were demonstrated between diabetes and anti-diabetic interventions with other obstetric and gynaecological outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION Open Science Framework (OSF) (Registration https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/9G6AB ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Semertzidou
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Harriet Grout-Smith
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ilkka Kalliala
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Akanksha Garg
- Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea - Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Vasso Terzidou
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea - Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Julian Marchesi
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - David MacIntyre
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Phillip Bennett
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea - Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Konstantinos Tsilidis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Kyrgiou
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea - Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.
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Donadon LGF, Salata GC, Gonçalves TP, Matos LDC, Evangelista MCP, da Silva NS, Martins TS, Machado-Neto JA, Lopes LB, Garcia MTJ. Monoolein-based nanodispersions for cutaneous co-delivery of methylene blue and metformin: Thermal and structural characterization and effects on the cutaneous barrier, skin penetration and cytotoxicity. Int J Pharm 2023; 633:122612. [PMID: 36642349 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122612] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the potential of monoolein (MO)-based nanodispersions to promote the cutaneous co-delivery of metformin (MET) and methylene blue (MB) for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer. MO-based nanodispersions were obtained using Kolliphor® P407 (KP) and/or sodium cholate (CH), and characterized concerning the structure, thermal stability, ability to disrupt the skin barrier, cutaneous permeation and retention of MB and MET. Additionally, the cytotoxic effect of MO nanodispersions-mediated combination therapy using MET and MB in A431 cells was evaluated. The nanodispersions exhibited nanometric size (<200 nm) and thermal and physical stability. Small angle X-ray scattering studies revealed multiple structures depending on composition. They were able to interact with stratum corneum lipid structure, increasing its fluidity. The effect of MO-nanodispersions on topical/transdermal delivery of MB and MET was composition-dependent. Nanodispersions with low MO content (5 %) and stabilized with KP and CH (0.05-0.10 %) were the most promising, enhancing the cutaneous delivery of MB and MET by 1.9 to 2.2-fold and 1.4 to 1.7-fold, respectively, compared to control. Cytotoxic studies revealed that the most promising MO nanodispersion-mediated combination therapy using MET and MB (1:1) reduced the IC50 by 24-fold, compared to MB solution, and a further reduction (1.5-fold) was observed by MB photoactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thalita Pedralino Gonçalves
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema/SP, Brazil
| | - Lisa de Carvalho Matos
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema/SP, Brazil
| | | | - Nicole Sampaio da Silva
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema/SP, Brazil
| | - Tereza Silva Martins
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema/SP, Brazil
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Duzan A, Reinken D, McGomery TL, Ferencz NM, Plummer JM, Basti MM. Endocannabinoids are potential inhibitors of glioblastoma multiforme proliferation. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 21:120-129. [PMID: 36805391 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Globally, it is evident that glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive malignant cancer with a high mortality rate and no effective treatment options. Glioblastoma is classified as the stage-four progression of a glioma tumor, and its diagnosis results in a shortened life expectancy. Treatment options for GBM include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgical intervention, and conventional pharmacotherapy; however, at best, they extend the patient's life by a maximum of 5 years. GBMs are considered incurable due to their high recurrence rate, despite various aggressive therapeutic approaches which can have many serious adverse effects. Ceramides, classified as endocannabinoids, offer a promising novel therapeutic approach for GBM. Endocannabinoids may enhance the apoptosis of GBM cells but have no effect on normal healthy neural cells. Cannabinoids promote atypical protein kinase C, deactivate fatty acid amide hydrolase enzymes, and activate transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and TRPV2 to induce pro-apoptotic signaling pathways without increasing endogenous cannabinoids. In previous in vivo studies, endocannabinoids, chemically classified as amide formations of oleic and palmitic acids, have been shown to increase the pro-apoptotic activity of human cancer cells and inhibit cell migration and angiogenesis. This review focuses on the biological synthesis and pharmacology of endogenous cannabinoids for the enhancement of cancer cell apoptosis, which have potential as a novel therapy for GBM. Please cite this article as: Duzan A, Reinken D, McGomery TL, Ferencz N, Plummer JM, Basti MM. Endocannabinoids are potential inhibitors of glioblastoma multiforme proliferation. J Integr Med. 2023; Epub ahead of print.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Duzan
- School of Pharmacy, Wingate University, Wingate, NC 28174, USA; Applied Science and Technology Department, North Carolina State University of Agriculture and Technology, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA.
| | - Desiree Reinken
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | | | | | - Jacob M Plummer
- Collage of Arts and Science, Department of Chemistry and Physics, Wingate University, Wingate, NC 28174, USA
| | - Mufeed M Basti
- Applied Science and Technology Department, North Carolina State University of Agriculture and Technology, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA.
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Zhang Y, Zhou F, Guan J, Zhou L, Chen B. Action Mechanism of Metformin and Its Application in Hematological Malignancy Treatments: A Review. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020250. [PMID: 36830619 PMCID: PMC9953052 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematologic malignancies (HMs) mainly include acute and chronic leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other heterogeneous tumors that seriously threaten human life and health. The common effective treatments are radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), which have limited options and are prone to tumor recurrence and (or) drug resistance. Metformin is the first-line drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Recently, studies identified the potential anti-cancer ability of metformin in both T2DM patients and patients that are non-diabetic. The latest epidemiological and preclinical studies suggested a potential benefit of metformin in the prevention and treatment of patients with HM. The mechanism may involve the activation of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway by metformin as well as other AMPK-independent pathways to exert anti-cancer properties. In addition, combining current conventional anti-cancer drugs with metformin may improve the efficacy and reduce adverse drug reactions. Therefore, metformin can also be used as an adjuvant therapeutic agent for HM. This paper highlights the anti-hyperglycemic effects and potential anti-cancer effects of metformin, and also compiles the in vitro and clinical trials of metformin as an anti-cancer and chemosensitizing agent for the treatment of HM. The need for future research on the use of metformin in the treatment of HM is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Baoan Chen
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-25-8327-2006
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Mostafavi S, Zalpoor H, Hassan ZM. The promising therapeutic effects of metformin on metabolic reprogramming of cancer-associated fibroblasts in solid tumors. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:58. [PMID: 35869449 PMCID: PMC9308248 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00356-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes are exposed to many toxic metabolites and molecules in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that suppress their anti-tumor activity. Toxic metabolites, such as lactate and ketone bodies, are produced mainly by catabolic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to feed anabolic cancer cells. These catabolic and anabolic cells make a metabolic compartment through which high-energy metabolites like lactate can be transferred via the monocarboxylate transporter channel 4. Moreover, a decrease in molecules, including caveolin-1, has been reported to cause deep metabolic changes in normal fibroblasts toward myofibroblast differentiation. In this context, metformin is a promising drug in cancer therapy due to its effect on oncogenic signal transduction pathways, leading to the inhibition of tumor proliferation and downregulation of key oncometabolites like lactate and succinate. The cross-feeding and metabolic coupling of CAFs and tumor cells are also affected by metformin. Therefore, the importance of metabolic reprogramming of stromal cells and also the pivotal effects of metformin on TME and oncometabolites signaling pathways have been reviewed in this study.
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Feng Y, Jia B, Shen Z. Metformin and bladder cancer: Drug repurposing as a potential tool for novel therapy: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31635. [PMID: 36397350 PMCID: PMC9666131 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is a common type of cancer worldwide. Currently, the gold standard treatment is transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TUR-Bt) accompanied by intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillation for patients with middle-to-high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, intravesical BCG therapy fails in almost 50% of high risk cases, leading to NMIBC persistence or early recurrence. In these patients, the gold standard remains radical cystectomy; however, it can seriously affect the patients' quality of life. Moreover, for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), the 5-year survival rate after radical cystectomy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy remains low. Recent discoveries have paved the way for a new era in BC treatment. Metformin is the most widely used oral hypoglycemic drug in clinical practice, being mostly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that metformin exerts a potentially positive effect on reducing the incidence and mortality of cancer; therefore, a increasing number of studies have investigated the potential anticancer effects of metformin and its mechanisms of action. This review aims to summarize the evidence for the role of metformin in bladder cancer therapy, including how metformin mediates bladder cancer cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunzhu Feng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Benzhong Jia
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, China
- * Correspondence: Benzhong Jia, Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City 550004, Guizhou Province, China (e-mail: )
| | - Zhiyong Shen
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, China
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Martinelli S, Amore F, Mello T, Mannelli M, Maggi M, Rapizzi E. Metformin Treatment Induces Different Response in Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma Tumour Cells and in Primary Fibroblasts. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143471. [PMID: 35884532 PMCID: PMC9320533 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pheochromocytoma/paragangliomas (PPGLs) are neuroendocrine tumours and are often non-metastatic. However, no effective treatment is available for their metastatic form. Recent studies have shown that metformin exhibits antiproliferative activity in many human cancers, including PPGLs. Nevertheless, no data are available concerning whether metformin is also able to inhibit PPGL metastatic spread. A tumour is a very complex system, comprising not only cancer cells, but also other cells that all together form the so-called tumour microenvironment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are residential or recruited fibroblasts, transformed by cancer cells, to promote tumour growth and spread. Therefore, the interplay between tumour cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts has become an interesting target for cancer therapy. Here, we demonstrate that metformin has different effects on cancer cells and fibroblasts, providing evidence that metformin may hold promise for altering tumour microenvironment homeostasis. Improving our knowledge on malignant tumour microenvironment properties could lead to develop complementary strategies to target tumour spread and progression. Abstract Pheochromocytoma/paragangliomas (PPGLs) are neuroendocrine tumours, often non-metastatic, but without available effective treatment for their metastatic form. Recent studies have shown that metformin exhibits antiproliferative activity in many human cancers, including PPGLs. Nevertheless, no data are available on the role of metformin on PPGL cells (two-dimension, 2D) and spheroids (three-dimension, 3D) migration/invasion. In this study, we observed that metformin exerts an antiproliferative effect on 2D and 3D cultures of pheochromocytoma mouse tumour tissue (MTT), either silenced or not for the SDHB subunit. However, metformin did not affect MTT migration. On the other hand, metformin did not have a short-term effect on the proliferation of mouse primary fibroblasts, but significantly decreased their ability to migrate. Although the metabolic changes induced by metformin were similar between MTT and fibroblasts (i.e., an overall decrease of ATP production and an increase in intracellular lactate concentration) the activated signalling pathways were different. Indeed, after metformin administration, MTT showed a reduced phosphorylation of Akt and Erk1/2, while fibroblasts exhibited a downregulation of N-Cadherin and an upregulation of E-Cadherin. Herein, we demonstrated that metformin has different effects on cell growth and spread depending on the cell type nature, underlining the importance of the tumour microenvironment in dictating the drug response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Martinelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.M.); (F.A.); (T.M.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
- Centro di Ricerca e Innovazione Sulle Patologie Surrenaliche, AOU Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy
- ENS@T Center of Excellence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Amore
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.M.); (F.A.); (T.M.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Tommaso Mello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.M.); (F.A.); (T.M.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Massimo Mannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.M.); (F.A.); (T.M.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
- Centro di Ricerca e Innovazione Sulle Patologie Surrenaliche, AOU Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy
- ENS@T Center of Excellence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.M.); (F.A.); (T.M.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
- Centro di Ricerca e Innovazione Sulle Patologie Surrenaliche, AOU Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy
- ENS@T Center of Excellence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Rapizzi
- Centro di Ricerca e Innovazione Sulle Patologie Surrenaliche, AOU Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy
- ENS@T Center of Excellence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-055-2758245
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22
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The Therapeutic Potential of the Restoration of the p53 Protein Family Members in the EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137213. [PMID: 35806218 PMCID: PMC9267050 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the recent development of precision medicine and targeted therapies, lung cancer remains the top cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The patients diagnosed with metastatic disease have a five-year survival rate lower than 6%. In metastatic disease, EGFR is the most common driver of mutation, with the most common co-driver hitting TP53. EGFR-positive patients are offered the frontline treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, yet the development of resistance and the lack of alternative therapies make this group of patients only fit for clinical trial participation. Since mutant p53 is the most common co-driver in the metastatic setting, therapies reactivating the p53 pathway might serve as a promising alternative therapeutic approach in patients who have developed a resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This review focuses on the molecular background of EGFR-mutated lung cancer and discusses novel therapeutic options converging on the reactivation of p53 tumor suppressor pathways.
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23
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Niu W, Shao J, Yu B, Liu G, Wang R, Dong H, Che H, Li L. Association Between Metformin and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Meta-Analysis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:908747. [PMID: 35677692 PMCID: PMC9168037 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.908747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To systematically examine the association between metformin and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and provide a basis for the treatment of AAA. Methods Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Ovid databases were searched by computer to identify the literature related to metformin and AAA published until February 2022. The literature was screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, data were extracted, and a quality assessment was conducted. The meta-analysis was performed using Stata 16.0 and RevMan 5.3 software. Results Seven articles containing a total of 10 cohort studies (85,050 patients) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Meta-analysis showed that metformin can limit the expansion of AAA (MD = – 0.72, 95% CI: – 1.08 ~ −0.37, P < 0.00001), as well as reduce AAA repair or AAA rupture-related mortality (OR = 0.80, 95% CI:0.66 ~ 0.96, P = 0.02). The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion Metformin can limit the expansion of AAA and reduce the incidence of AAA and postoperative mortality. However, further biological experiments and clinical trials still need to be conducted to support this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Niu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Juan Shao
- Department of Dermatology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Benxiang Yu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Guolong Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Ran Wang
- Nursing Department, Heze Medical College, Heze, China
| | - Hengyang Dong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Haijie Che
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
- *Correspondence: Haijie Che
| | - Lubin Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
- Lubin Li
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24
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Metformin in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Molecular Pathways and Its Clinical Implications. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040574. [PMID: 35454163 PMCID: PMC9029304 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a synthetic biguanide that improves insulin sensitivity and reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis. Aside being the first-line therapy for Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), many pleiotropic effects have been discovered in recent years, such as its capacity to reduce cancer risk and tumorigenesis. Although widely studied, the effect of metformin on thyroid cancer remains controversial. Potential mechanisms for its growth inhibitory effects have been elucidated in various preclinical studies that involved pathways related to adenosine mono-phosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (mGPDH), and the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Hyperinsulinemia increases cell glucose uptake and oxidative stress, and promotes thyroid cell growth, leading to hyperproliferation, carcinogenesis, and the development of malignant tumors. Furthermore, it has also been related to thyroid nodules size in nodular disease, as well as tumoral size in patients with thyroid cancer. Several clinical studies concluded that metformin might have an important role as an adjuvant therapy to reduce the growth of benign and malignant thyroid neoplasms. This suggests that metformin might be useful for patients with differentiated or poorly differentiated thyroid cancer and metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance or diabetes.
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25
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Hasanvand A. The role of AMPK-dependent pathways in cellular and molecular mechanisms of metformin: a new perspective for treatment and prevention of diseases. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:775-788. [PMID: 35419709 PMCID: PMC9007580 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-00980-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metformin can suppress gluconeogenesis and reduce blood sugar by activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inducing small heterodimer partner (SHP) expression in the liver cells. The main mechanism of metformin’s action is related to its activation of the AMPK enzyme and regulation of the energy balance. AMPK is a heterothermic serine/threonine kinase made of a catalytic alpha subunit and two subunits of beta and a gamma regulator. This enzyme can measure the intracellular ratio of AMP/ATP. If this ratio is high, the amino acid threonine 172 available in its alpha chain would be activated by the phosphorylated liver kinase B1 (LKB1), leading to AMPK activation. Several studies have indicated that apart from its significant role in the reduction of blood glucose level, metformin activates the AMPK enzyme that in turn has various efficient impacts on the regulation of various processes, including controlling inflammatory conditions, altering the differentiation pathway of immune and non-immune cell pathways, and the amelioration of various cancers, liver diseases, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), kidney diseases, neurological disorders, etc. Metformin’s activation of AMPK enables it to control inflammatory conditions, improve oxidative status, regulate the differentiation pathways of various cells, change the pathological process in various diseases, and finally have positive therapeutic effects on them. Due to the activation of AMPK and its role in regulating several subcellular signalling pathways, metformin can be effective in altering the cells’ proliferation and differentiation pathways and eventually in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Hasanvand
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
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26
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Athar F, Templeman NM. C. elegans as a model organism to study female reproductive health. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 266:111152. [PMID: 35032657 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Female reproductive health has been historically understudied and underfunded. Here, we present the advantages of using a free-living nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, as an animal system to study fundamental aspects of female reproductive health. C. elegans is a powerful high-throughput model organism that shares key genetic and physiological similarities with humans. In this review, we highlight areas of pressing medical and biological importance in the 21st century within the context of female reproductive health. These include the decline in female reproductive capacity with increasing chronological age, reproductive dysfunction arising from toxic environmental insults, and cancers of the reproductive system. C. elegans has been instrumental in uncovering mechanistic insights underlying these processes, and has been valuable for developing and testing therapeutics to combat them. Adopting a convenient model organism such as C. elegans for studying reproductive health will encourage further research into this field, and broaden opportunities for making advancements into evolutionarily conserved mechanisms that control reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faria Athar
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Nicole M Templeman
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada.
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27
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Singhal S, Maheshwari P, Krishnamurthy PT, Patil VM. Drug Repurposing Strategies for Non-Cancer to Cancer Therapeutics. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2022; 22:2726-2756. [PMID: 35301945 DOI: 10.2174/1871520622666220317140557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Global efforts invested for the prevention and treatment of cancer need to be repositioned to develop safe, effective, and economic anticancer therapeutics by adopting rational approaches of drug discovery. Drug repurposing is one of the established approaches to reposition old, clinically approved off patent noncancer drugs with known targets into newer indications. The literature review suggests key role of drug repurposing in the development of drugs intended for cancer as well as noncancer therapeutics. A wide category of noncancer drugs namely, drugs acting on CNS, anthelmintics, cardiovascular drugs, antimalarial drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs have come out with interesting outcomes during preclinical and clinical phases. In the present article a comprehensive overview of the current scenario of drug repurposing for the treatment of cancer has been focused. The details of some successful studies along with examples have been included followed by associated challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipra Singhal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry KIET School of Pharmacy, KIET Group of Institutions, Delhi-NCR, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Priyal Maheshwari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry KIET School of Pharmacy, KIET Group of Institutions, Delhi-NCR, Ghaziabad, India
| | | | - Vaishali M Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry KIET School of Pharmacy, KIET Group of Institutions, Delhi-NCR, Ghaziabad, India
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28
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Guan J, Chen XJ. The present status of metformin in fertility-preserving treatment in atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrioid endometrial cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1041535. [PMID: 36387903 PMCID: PMC9646621 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1041535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Progestin therapy is the main fertility-sparing treatment for women with endometrial cancer (EC) and atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH). However, still 15-25% of these women failed to achieve complete response (CR) and then lost their fertility after definitive surgery. Metformin has been demonstrated to play an anti-cancer role in multiple cancers including EC. Several studies also suggested metformin had potential benefit in improving the therapeutic outcome of fertility-preserving treatment alongside with progestin. This review has discussed existed evidence regarding the effect of metformin combined with progestin for women with AEH and EC who desire childbearing. Nevertheless, the therapeutic effect of metformin varied in different studies due to the high heterogeneity in the patient's characteristics, the inconsistency in dose and treatment duration of metformin, the combined use of hysteroscopy, the insufficient sample size and underpowered study-design. Therefore, care should be taken when interpreting the current results on this issue. Till now, there is still no strong evidence supporting the use of metformin in fertility-preserving treatment in AEH and EEC patients. Further research is needed to provide high-quality data to validate the role of metformin as adjunctive therapy alongside with progestin to preserve fertility for AEH and EEC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Guan
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Jun Chen,
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29
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Meireles CG, Lourenço de Lima C, Martins de Paula Oliveira M, Abe da Rocha Miranda R, Romano L, Yo-Stella Brashaw T, Neves da Silva Guerra E, de Assis Rocha Neves F, Chapple JP, Simeoni LA, Lofrano-Porto A. Antiproliferative effects of metformin in cellular models of pheochromocytoma. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 539:111484. [PMID: 34637881 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors derived from adrenal medulla chromaffin cells. Malignancy and recurrence are rare but demand effective treatment. Metformin exerts antiproliferative effects in several cancer cell lines. We thus evaluated the effects of metformin on cell viability and proliferation, cellular respiration and AMPK-AKT-mTOR-HIFA proliferation pathway on a rat PCC cell line (PC12-Adh). We then addressed metformin's effects on the AMPK-AKT-mTOR-HIFA pathway on two human primary cultures: one from a VHL-mutant PCC and other from a sporadic PCC. Metformin (20 mM) inhibited PC12-Adh cell proliferation, and decreased oxygen consumption, ATP production and proton leak, in addition to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Further, metformin induced AMPK phosphorylation and impaired AMPK-PI3k-AKT-mTOR pathway activation. The mTOR pathway was also inhibited in human VHL-related PCC cells, however, in an AMPK-independent manner. Metformin-induced decrease of HIF1A levels was likely mediated by proteasomal degradation. Altogether our results suggest that metformin impairs PCC cellular proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinthia Gabriel Meireles
- Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
| | - Caroline Lourenço de Lima
- Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil; Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | - Lisa Romano
- Center of Endocrinology, Queen Mary University of London, William Harvey Research Institute, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Teisha Yo-Stella Brashaw
- Center of Endocrinology, Queen Mary University of London, William Harvey Research Institute, London, England, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - J Paul Chapple
- Center of Endocrinology, Queen Mary University of London, William Harvey Research Institute, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Luiz Alberto Simeoni
- Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Adriana Lofrano-Porto
- Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil; Gonadal and Adrenal Diseases Clinics, University Hospital of Brasília, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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30
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van der Westhuizen D, Bezuidenhout DI, Munro OQ. Cancer molecular biology and strategies for the design of cytotoxic gold(I) and gold(III) complexes: a tutorial review. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:17413-17437. [PMID: 34693422 DOI: 10.1039/d1dt02783b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This tutorial review highlights key principles underpinning the design of selected metallodrugs to target specific biological macromolecules (DNA and proteins). The review commences with a descriptive overview of the eukaryotic cell cycle and the molecular biology of cancer, particularly apoptosis, which is provided as a necessary foundation for the discovery, design, and targeting of metal-based anticancer agents. Drugs which target DNA have been highlighted and clinically approved metallodrugs discussed. A brief history of the development of mainly gold-based metallodrugs is presented prior to addressing ligand systems for stabilizing and adding functionality to bio-active gold(I) and gold(III) complexes, particularly in the burgeoning field of anticancer metallodrugs. Concepts such as multi-modal and selective cytotoxic agents are covered where necessary for selected compounds. The emerging role of carbenes as the ligand system of choice to achieve these goals for gold-based metallodrug candidates is highlighted prior to closing the review with comments on some future directions that this research field might follow. The latter section ultimately emphasizes the importance of understanding the fate of metal complexes in cells to garner key mechanistic insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle van der Westhuizen
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa.
| | - Daniela I Bezuidenhout
- Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, University of Oulu, P. O. Box 3000, 90014 Oulu, Finland.
| | - Orde Q Munro
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa.
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Shoshan-Barmatz V, Anand U, Nahon-Crystal E, Di Carlo M, Shteinfer-Kuzmine A. Adverse Effects of Metformin From Diabetes to COVID-19, Cancer, Neurodegenerative Diseases, and Aging: Is VDAC1 a Common Target? Front Physiol 2021; 12:730048. [PMID: 34671273 PMCID: PMC8521008 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.730048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin has been used for treating diabetes mellitus since the late 1950s. In addition to its antihyperglycemic activity, it was shown to be a potential drug candidate for treating a range of other diseases that include various cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetic kidney disease, neurodegenerative diseases, renal diseases, obesity, inflammation, COVID-19 in diabetic patients, and aging. In this review, we focus on the important aspects of mitochondrial dysfunction in energy metabolism and cell death with their gatekeeper VDAC1 (voltage-dependent anion channel 1) as a possible metformin target, and summarize metformin’s effects in several diseases and gut microbiota. We question how the same drug can act on diseases with opposite characteristics, such as increasing apoptotic cell death in cancer, while inhibiting it in neurodegenerative diseases. Interestingly, metformin’s adverse effects in many diseases all show VDAC1 involvement, suggesting that it is a common factor in metformin-affecting diseases. The findings that metformin has an opposite effect on various diseases are consistent with the fact that VDAC1 controls cell life and death, supporting the idea that it is a target for metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varda Shoshan-Barmatz
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel.,National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Uttpal Anand
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | | | - Marta Di Carlo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Shteinfer-Kuzmine
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
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Skinner H, Hu C, Tsakiridis T, Santana-Davila R, Lu B, Erasmus JJ, Doemer AJ, Videtic GMM, Coster J, Yang AX, Lee RY, Werner-Wasik M, Schaner PE, McCormack SE, Esparaz BT, McGarry RC, Bazan J, Struve T, Paulus R, Bradley JD. Addition of Metformin to Concurrent Chemoradiation in Patients With Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: The NRG-LU001 Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncol 2021; 7:1324-1332. [PMID: 34323922 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.2318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Importance Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has relatively poor outcomes. Metformin has significant data supporting its use as an antineoplastic agent. Objective To compare chemoradiation alone vs chemoradiation and metformin in stage III NSCLC. Design, Setting, and Participants The NRG-LU001 randomized clinical trial was an open-label, phase 2 study conducted from August 24, 2014, to December 15, 2016. Patients without diabetes who were diagnosed with unresectable stage III NSCLC were stratified by performance status, histology, and stage. The setting was international and multi-institutional. This study examined prespecified endpoints, and data were analyzed on an intent-to-treat basis. Data were analyzed from February 25, 2019, to March 6, 2020. Interventions Chemoradiation and consolidation chemotherapy with or without metformin. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was 1-year progression-free survival (PFS), designed to detect 15% improvement in 1-year PFS from 50% to 65% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.622). Secondary end points included overall survival, time to local-regional recurrence, time to distant metastasis, and toxicity per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.03. Results A total of 170 patients were enrolled, with 167 eligible patients analyzed after exclusions (median age, 64 years [interquartile range, 58-72 years]; 97 men [58.1%]; 137 White patients [82.0%]), with 81 in the control group and 86 in the metformin group. Median follow-up was 27.7 months (range, 0.03-47.21 months) among living patients. One-year PFS rates were 60.4% (95% CI, 48.5%-70.4%) in the control group and 51.3% (95% CI, 39.8%-61.7%) in the metformin group (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.77-1.73; P = .24). Clinical stage was the only factor significantly associated with PFS on multivariable analysis (HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.19-2.69; P = .005). One-year overall survival was 80.2% (95% CI, 69.3%-87.6%) in the control group and 80.8% (95% CI, 70.2%-87.9%) in the metformin group. There were no significant differences in local-regional recurrence or distant metastasis at 1 or 2 years. No significant difference in adverse events was observed between treatment groups. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, the addition of metformin to concurrent chemoradiation was well tolerated but did not improve survival among patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02186847.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heath Skinner
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Chen Hu
- NRG Oncology Statistics and Data Management Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | - Bo Lu
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Steven E McCormack
- Metro-Minnesota Community Oncology Research Consortium, St Louis Park, Minnesota
| | | | | | - Jose Bazan
- Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus
| | - Timothy Struve
- University of Cincinnati/Barrett Cancer Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Rebecca Paulus
- NRG Oncology Statistics and Data Management Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Metformin and Gastrointestinal Cancer Development in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: A Population-Based Study in Korea. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2021; 11:e00254. [PMID: 33105165 PMCID: PMC7587422 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clinical studies have produced conflicting results on the effects of metformin on gastrointestinal cancer development. We aimed to investigate the association between metformin use and stomach, colon, liver, and pancreatic cancer development among patients with newly diagnosed, drug-naïve type 2 diabetes. METHODS This retrospective study evaluated propensity score-matched patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Metformin users were categorized into tertiles according to the cumulative dose or duration of metformin treatment, and the risks of gastrointestinal cancers were compared. RESULTS Metformin users had reduced risks of developing stomach cancer (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.841, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.797-0.887), colon cancer (HR: 0.865, 95% CI: 0.822-0.91), and liver cancer (HR: 0.709, 95% CI: 0.675-0.746; P < 0.001). However, metformin users did not have a reduced overall risk of pancreatic cancer (HR: 1.335, 95% CI: 1.209-1.475; P < 0.001). The risks tended to decrease at higher cumulative doses and durations of metformin use, with significantly reduced risks of all 4 cancers at the highest cumulative dose (≥1,200,000 mg) and the longest duration (≥2,000 days) of metformin use. DISCUSSION This population-based data suggest that metformin could be associated with reductions in the risks of stomach, colon, and liver cancers, as well a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer in some subgroups. Metformin has benefit as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. A further role in cancer risk reduction could be studied in controlled trials.
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Gutkind JS, Molinolo A, Wu X, Wang Z, Nachmanson D, Harismendy O, Alexandrov LB, Wuertz BR, Ondrey FG, Laronde DM, Rock LD, Rosin MP, Coffey CS, Butler VD, Bengtson L, Hsu CH, Bauman JE, Hewitt SM, Cohen EE, Chow HHS, Lippman SM, Szabo E. Inhibition of mTOR signaling and clinical activity of metformin in oral premalignant lesions. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e147096. [PMID: 34255745 PMCID: PMC8492350 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.147096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aberrant activation of the PI3K/mTOR signaling circuitry is one of the most frequently dysregulated signaling events in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Here, we conducted a single-arm, open-label phase IIa clinical trial in individuals with oral premalignant lesions (OPLs) to explore the potential of metformin to target PI3K/mTOR signaling for HNSCC prevention. METHODS Individuals with OPLs, but who were otherwise healthy and without diabetes, underwent pretreatment and posttreatment clinical exam and biopsy. Participants received metformin for 12 weeks (week 1, 500 mg; week 2, 1000 mg; weeks 3–12, 2000 mg daily). Pretreatment and posttreatment biopsies, saliva, and blood were obtained for biomarker analysis, including IHC assessment of mTOR signaling and exome sequencing. RESULTS Twenty-three participants were evaluable for response. The clinical response rate (defined as a ≥50% reduction in lesion size) was 17%. Although lower than the proposed threshold for favorable clinical response, the histological response rate (improvement in histological grade) was 60%, including 17% complete responses and 43% partial responses. Logistic regression analysis revealed that when compared with never smokers, current and former smokers had statistically significantly increased histological responses (P = 0.016). Remarkably, a significant correlation existed between decreased mTOR activity (pS6 IHC staining) in the basal epithelial layers of OPLs and the histological (P = 0.04) and clinical (P = 0.01) responses. CONCLUSION To our knowledge this is the first phase II trial of metformin in individuals with OPLs, providing evidence that metformin administration results in encouraging histological responses and mTOR pathway modulation, thus supporting its further investigation as a chemopreventive agent. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02581137 FUNDING NIH contract HHSN261201200031I, grants R01DE026644 and R01DE026870
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Affiliation(s)
- J Silvio Gutkind
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Alfredo Molinolo
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Xingyu Wu
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Zhiyong Wang
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Daniela Nachmanson
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Olivier Harismendy
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Ludmil B Alexandrov
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | | | - Frank G Ondrey
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Denise M Laronde
- Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, United States of America
| | - Leigha D Rock
- British Columbia Agency Research Center, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Miriam P Rosin
- British Columbia Agency Research Center, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Charles S Coffey
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Valerie D Butler
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States of America
| | - Lisa Bengtson
- National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Chiu-Hsieh Hsu
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States of America
| | - Julie E Bauman
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States of America
| | - Stephen M Hewitt
- National Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Ezra Ew Cohen
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - H H Sherry Chow
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States of America
| | - Scott M Lippman
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Eva Szabo
- National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, United States of America
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Abstract
Metabolism is an important part of tumorigenesis as well as progression. The various cancer metabolism pathways, such as glucose metabolism and glutamine metabolism, directly regulate the development and progression of cancer. The pathways by which the cancer cells rewire their metabolism according to their needs, surrounding environment and host tissue conditions are an important area of study. The regulation of these metabolic pathways is determined by various oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, as well as various constituent cells of the tumor microenvironment. Expanded studies on metabolism will help identify efficient biomarkers for diagnosis and strategies for therapeutic interventions and countering ways by which cancers may acquire resistance to therapy.
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Aydemir I, Turkoz Uluer E, Korkmaz O, Tuglu MI, Inan S. Adjuvant effects of chemotherapeutics and Metformin on MFE-319 endometrial carcinoma cell line. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY 2021; 61:707-714. [PMID: 33817712 PMCID: PMC8112780 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.61.3.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of Metformin, Cisplatin, and Paclitaxel on MFE-319 endometrial carcinoma cell line using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and immunocytochemistry assays. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) doses of three drugs alone and in the dual combinations were applied to the cells. Immunocytochemical method was performed for the cell survival and for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinases (pErk)-1/2, Akt-1, phosphorylated Akt (pAkt)-1/2/3 cell growth markers and angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Immunoreactivities were evaluated using H-score and analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test for statistics. It was found that these drugs caused a decrease in the immunoreactivities of these markers. Particularly, dual combination of Paclitaxel and Cisplatin decreased the immunoreactivities of PI3K, pErk-1/2, Akt-1, and pAkt-1/2/3. Cisplatin and Paclitaxel were more effective than Metformin; on the other hand, Metformin has been shown to enhance the efficacy of these two drugs. In vitro or in vivo further studies are needed to investigate the efficacy of these three drugs via PI3K/Akt signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isil Aydemir
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Nigde, Turkey;
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Novik AV, Protsenko SA, Baldueva IA, Berstein LM, Anisimov VN, Zhuk IN, Semenova AI, Latipova DK, Tkachenko EV, Semiglazova TY. Melatonin and Metformin Failed to Modify the Effect of Dacarbazine in Melanoma. Oncologist 2021; 26:364-e734. [PMID: 33749049 DOI: 10.1002/onco.13761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
LESSONS LEARNED Melatonin did not increase the efficacy of systemic chemotherapy in melanoma. Metformin did not increase the efficacy of systemic chemotherapy in melanoma. BACKGROUND Current data support the possibility of antitumor activity of melatonin and metformin. METHODS From March 2014 to December 2016, 57 patients with disseminated melanoma received dacarbazine (DTIC) 1,000 mg/m2 on day 1 of a 28-day cycle, either as monotherapy (first group) or in combination with melatonin 3 mg p.o. daily (second group) or metformin 850 mg two times a day p.o. daily (third group) as the first-line of chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints were time to progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), immunologic biomarkers, and quality of life. RESULTS ORR was 7% and did not differ among the treatment groups. Median TTP was 57, 57, and 47 days, respectively, in the first, second, and third groups (р = .362). Median OS was 236, 422, and 419 days, respectively (p = .712). Two patients from the combinations groups showed delayed response to therapy. The increase of CD3+ CD4+ HLA-DR+ lymphocytes (p = .003), CD3+ CD8+ HLA-DR+ (p = .045), CD3+ CD8+ lymphocytes (p = .012), CD4+ CD25high CD127low lymphocytes (p = .029), and overall quantity of lymphocytes (p = .021) was observed in patients with clinical benefit. CONCLUSION No benefit was found in either combination over DTIC monotherapy. Delayed responses in melatonin and metformin combination groups were registered. The increase of lymphocyte subpopulations responsible for antitumor immune response demonstrates the immune system's potential involvement in clinical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei Viktorovich Novik
- Department of Oncoimmunology, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Oncology, Child Oncology and Ray Therapy, St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Svetlana Anatolievna Protsenko
- Department of Chemotherapy and Innovative Technologies, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina Alexandrovna Baldueva
- Department of Oncoimmunology, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Lev Michailovich Berstein
- Department of Endocrinology, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Vladimir Nikolaevich Anisimov
- Carcinogenesis and Oncogerontology, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina Nikolaevna Zhuk
- Department of Chemotherapy, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Igorevna Semenova
- Department of Chemotherapy and Innovative Technologies, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Dilorom Khamidovna Latipova
- Department of Chemotherapy and Innovative Technologies, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Elena Viktorovna Tkachenko
- Department of Chemotherapy, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tatiana Yurievna Semiglazova
- Department of Chemotherapy and Innovative Technologies, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, St. Petersburg, Russia
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Lange C, Machado Weber A, Schmidt R, Schroeder C, Strowitzki T, Germeyer A. Changes in protein expression due to metformin treatment and hyperinsulinemia in a human endometrial cancer cell line. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248103. [PMID: 33690729 PMCID: PMC7943011 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of endometrial cancer (EC) has increased over the past years and mainly affects women above the age of 45 years. Metabolic diseases such as obesity and type II diabetes mellitus as well as associated conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia lead to elevated levels of circulating estrogens. Increased estrogen concentrations, in turn, further trigger the proliferation of endometrial cells and thus promote EC development and progression, especially in the absence of progesterone as seen in postmenopausal women. Elevated blood glucose levels in diabetic patients further contribute to the risk of EC development. Metformin is an insulin-sensitizing biguanide drug, commonly used in the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus, especially in obese patients. Besides its effects on glucose metabolism, metformin displayed anti-cancer effects in various cancer types, including EC. Direct anti-cancer effects of metformin target signaling pathways that are involved in cellular growth and proliferation, e.g. the AKT/PKB/mTOR pathway. Further proteins and pathways have been suggested as potential targets, but the underlying mechanism of action of metformin's anti-cancer activity is still not completely understood. In the present study, the effects of metformin on protein expression were investigated in the human EC cell line HEC-1A using an affinity proteomic approach. Cells were treated with 0.5 mmol/L metformin over a period of 7 days and changes in the expression pattern of 1,300 different proteins were compared to the expression in untreated control cells as well as insulin-treated cells. Insulin treatment (100 ng/mL) was incorporated into the study in order to implement a model for insulin resistance and associated hyperinsulinemia, conditions that are often observed in obese and diabetic patients. Furthermore, the culture medium was supplemented with 10 nmol/L ß-estradiol (E2) during treatments to mimic increased estrogen levels, a common risk factor for EC development. Based on the most prominent and significant changes in expression, a set of 80 proteins was selected and subjected to a more detailed analysis. The data revealed that metformin and insulin targeted similar pathways in the present study and mostly acted on proteins related to proliferation, migration and tumor immune response. These pathways may be affected in a tumor-promoting as well as a tumor-suppressing way by either metformin treatment or insulin supplementation. The consequences for the cells resulting from the detected expression changes were discussed in detail for several proteins. The presented data helps identify potential targets affected by metformin treatment in EC and allows for a better understanding of the mechanism of action of the biguanide drug's anti-cancer activity. However, further investigations are necessary to confirm the observations and conclusions drawn from the presented data after metformin administration, especially for proteins that were regulated in a favorable way, i.e. AKT3, CCND2, CD63, CD81, GFAP, IL5, IL17A, IRF4, PI3, and VTCN1. Further proteins might be of interest, where metformin counteracted unfavorable effects that have been induced by hyperinsulinemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Lange
- Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Women’s Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amanda Machado Weber
- Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Women’s Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Strowitzki
- Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Women’s Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ariane Germeyer
- Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Women’s Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Amin AM. The metabolic signatures of cardiometabolic diseases: Does the shared metabotype offer new therapeutic targets? LIFESTYLE MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/lim2.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arwa M. Amin
- Department of Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy College of Pharmacy Taibah University Medina Saudi Arabia
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Agbele AT, Faromika OP, Awe OO, Amodu FR, Edaogbogun GO, Bello KA. Impact of metformin on the therapeutic effect of radiotherapy. RADIATION MEDICINE AND PROTECTION 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmp.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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Topsentinol L Trisulfate, a Marine Natural Product That Targets Basal-like and Claudin-Low Breast Cancers. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19010041. [PMID: 33477536 PMCID: PMC7831112 DOI: 10.3390/md19010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients diagnosed with basal-like breast cancer suffer from poor prognosis and limited treatment options. There is an urgent need to identify new targets that can benefit patients with basal-like and claudin-low (BL-CL) breast cancers. We screened fractions from our Marine Invertebrate Compound Library (MICL) to identify compounds that specifically target BL-CL breast cancers. We identified a previously unreported trisulfated sterol, i.e., topsentinol L trisulfate (TLT), which exhibited increased efficacy against BL-CL breast cancers relative to luminal/HER2+ breast cancer. Biochemical investigation of the effects of TLT on BL-CL cell lines revealed its ability to inhibit activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) and to promote activation of p38. The importance of targeting AMPK and CHK1 in BL-CL cell lines was validated by treating a panel of breast cancer cell lines with known small molecule inhibitors of AMPK (dorsomorphin) and CHK1 (Ly2603618) and recording the increased effectiveness against BL-CL breast cancers as compared with luminal/HER2+ breast cancer. Finally, we generated a drug response gene-expression signature and projected it against a human tumor panel of 12 different cancer types to identify other cancer types sensitive to the compound. The TLT sensitivity gene-expression signature identified breast and bladder cancer as the most sensitive to TLT, while glioblastoma multiforme was the least sensitive.
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Cai S, Chen Z, Wang Y, Wang M, Wu J, Tong Y, Chen L, Lu C, Yang H. Reducing PD-L1 expression with a self-assembled nanodrug: an alternative to PD-L1 antibody for enhanced chemo-immunotherapy. Theranostics 2021; 11:1970-1981. [PMID: 33408792 PMCID: PMC7778587 DOI: 10.7150/thno.45777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The binding between the immune checkpoints, programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), compromises T-cell-mediated immune surveillance. Immune checkpoint therapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to block PD-L1 on cancer cell membrane or PD-1 on activated T cell membrane can restore antitumor function of T cell. However, the intracellular expression of PD-L1 and its active redistribution to cancer cell membrane may impair the therapeutic benefits of ICIs. To address this issue, herein we develop a nanodrug (MS NPs) capable of reducing PD-L1 expression and enhancing antitumor effects. Methods: The nanodrug was self-assembled from immunoadjuvant metformin (Met, an old drug) and anticancer agent 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN38) via hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions. A series of experiments, including the characterization of MS NPs, the validation of MS NPs-mediated down-regulation of PD-L1 expression and in vitro therapeutic effect, the MS NPs-mediated in vivo chemo-immunotherapy and tumor metastasis inhibition were carried out. Results: Different from ICIs that conformationally block PD-L1 on cancer cell membrane, MS NPs directly reduced the PD-L1 level via metformin to achieve immunotherapy. Therefore, MS NPs showed enhanced chemo-immunotherapy effect than its counterparts. MS NPs were also effective in inhibiting tumor metastasis by remodeling the extracellular matrix and restoring immune surveillance. Additionally, no obvious toxicity was observed in major organs from MS NPs-treated mice and a high survival rate of mice was obtained after MS NPs treatment. Conclusion: We have designed nanodrug MS NPs by self-assembly of the immunoadjuvant Met and the anticancer agent SN38 for combined immunotherapy and chemotherapy. MS NPs might break the deadlock of antibody-based ICIs in immunotherapy, and repurposing old drug might provide a new perspective on the development of novel ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lanlan Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, P. R. China
| | - Chunhua Lu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, P. R. China
| | - Huanghao Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, P. R. China
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Pasquale V, Ducci G, Campioni G, Ventrici A, Assalini C, Busti S, Vanoni M, Vago R, Sacco E. Profiling and Targeting of Energy and Redox Metabolism in Grade 2 Bladder Cancer Cells with Different Invasiveness Properties. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122669. [PMID: 33322565 PMCID: PMC7764708 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is one of the most prevalent deadly diseases worldwide. Grade 2 tumors represent a good window of therapeutic intervention, whose optimization requires high resolution biomarker identification. Here we characterize energy metabolism and cellular properties associated with spreading and tumor progression of RT112 and 5637, two Grade 2 cancer cell lines derived from human bladder, representative of luminal-like and basal-like tumors, respectively. The two cell lines have similar proliferation rates, but only 5637 cells show efficient lateral migration. In contrast, RT112 cells are more prone to form spheroids. RT112 cells produce more ATP by glycolysis and OXPHOS, present overall higher metabolic plasticity and are less sensitive than 5637 to nutritional perturbation of cell proliferation and migration induced by treatment with 2-deoxyglucose and metformin. On the contrary, spheroid formation is less sensitive to metabolic perturbations in 5637 than RT112 cells. The ability of metformin to reduce, although with different efficiency, cell proliferation, sphere formation and migration in both cell lines, suggests that OXPHOS targeting could be an effective strategy to reduce the invasiveness of Grade 2 bladder cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pasquale
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (G.D.); (G.C.); (A.V.); (S.B.)
- SYSBIO-ISBE-IT-Candidate National Node of Italy for ISBE, Research Infrastructure for Systems Biology Europe, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Ducci
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (G.D.); (G.C.); (A.V.); (S.B.)
- SYSBIO-ISBE-IT-Candidate National Node of Italy for ISBE, Research Infrastructure for Systems Biology Europe, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Gloria Campioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (G.D.); (G.C.); (A.V.); (S.B.)
- SYSBIO-ISBE-IT-Candidate National Node of Italy for ISBE, Research Infrastructure for Systems Biology Europe, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Adria Ventrici
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (G.D.); (G.C.); (A.V.); (S.B.)
| | - Chiara Assalini
- Urological Research Institute, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Stefano Busti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (G.D.); (G.C.); (A.V.); (S.B.)
- SYSBIO-ISBE-IT-Candidate National Node of Italy for ISBE, Research Infrastructure for Systems Biology Europe, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Vanoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (G.D.); (G.C.); (A.V.); (S.B.)
- SYSBIO-ISBE-IT-Candidate National Node of Italy for ISBE, Research Infrastructure for Systems Biology Europe, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (R.V.); (E.S.); Tel.: +39-02-6448-3525 (M.V.); +39-02-2643-5664 (R.V.); +39-02-6448-3379 (E.S.)
| | - Riccardo Vago
- Urological Research Institute, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (R.V.); (E.S.); Tel.: +39-02-6448-3525 (M.V.); +39-02-2643-5664 (R.V.); +39-02-6448-3379 (E.S.)
| | - Elena Sacco
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (G.D.); (G.C.); (A.V.); (S.B.)
- SYSBIO-ISBE-IT-Candidate National Node of Italy for ISBE, Research Infrastructure for Systems Biology Europe, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (R.V.); (E.S.); Tel.: +39-02-6448-3525 (M.V.); +39-02-2643-5664 (R.V.); +39-02-6448-3379 (E.S.)
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Arbe MF, Agnetti L, Breininger E, Glikin GC, Finocchiaro LME, Villaverde MS. Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase inhibition sensitizes melanoma cells to metformin treatment. Transl Oncol 2020; 13:100842. [PMID: 32781368 PMCID: PMC7417947 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Most cancer cells exacerbate the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) to enhance biosynthetic precursors and antioxidant defenses. Metformin, which is used as a first-line oral drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, has been proposed to inhibit the malignant progression of different types of cancers. However, metformin has shown poor efficacy as single agent in several clinical trials. Thus, the aim of the present work was to investigate whether the pharmacological inhibition of G6PDH, the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the PPP, by 6-amino nicotinamide (6-AN) potentiates the antitumoral activity of metformin on different human melanoma cell lines. Our results showed that 6-AN has sensitizing properties to metformin cytotoxicity. The combination of metformin and 6-AN decreased glucose consumption and lactate production, altered the mitochondrial potential and redox balance, and thereby blocked melanoma cell progression, directing cells to apoptosis and necrosis. To our knowledge, this is the first study describing the effect of this combination. Future preclinical studies should be performed to reveal the biological relevance of this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Arbe
- Unidad de Transferencia Genética, Área Investigación, Instituto de Oncología Ángel H. Roffo, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. San Martín 5481, 1417 Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucrecia Agnetti
- Unidad de Transferencia Genética, Área Investigación, Instituto de Oncología Ángel H. Roffo, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. San Martín 5481, 1417 Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elizabeth Breininger
- Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. San Martín 4351, 1417 Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gerardo Claudio Glikin
- Unidad de Transferencia Genética, Área Investigación, Instituto de Oncología Ángel H. Roffo, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. San Martín 5481, 1417 Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liliana María Elena Finocchiaro
- Unidad de Transferencia Genética, Área Investigación, Instituto de Oncología Ángel H. Roffo, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. San Martín 5481, 1417 Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela Solange Villaverde
- Unidad de Transferencia Genética, Área Investigación, Instituto de Oncología Ángel H. Roffo, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. San Martín 5481, 1417 Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Zhao X, Pathak JL, Huang W, Zhu C, Li Y, Guan H, Zeng S, Ge L, Shu Y. Metformin enhances osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth through AMPK pathway. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 14:1869-1879. [PMID: 33049108 DOI: 10.1002/term.3142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) are ideal seed cells in bone tissue engineering. As a first-line antidiabetic drug, metformin has recently been found to promote bone formation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of metformin on the osteogenic differentiation of SHEDs and its underlying mechanism. SHEDs were isolated from the dental pulp of deciduous teeth from healthy children aged 6 to 12, and their surface antigen markers of stem cells were detected by flow cytometry. The effect of metformin (10-200 μM) treatment on SHEDs cell viability, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation was analyzed. The activation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation Thr172 (p-AMPK) was determined by western blot assay. SHEDs were confirmed as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the basis of the expression of characteristic surface antigens. Metformin (10-200 μM) did not affect the viability and proliferation of SHEDs but significantly increased the expression of osteogenic genes, alkaline phosphatase activity, matrix mineralization, and p-AMPK level expression in SHEDs. Compound C, a specific inhibitor of the AMPK pathway, abolished metformin-induced osteogenic differentiation of SHEDs. Moreover, metformin treatment enhanced the expression of proangiogenic/osteogenic growth factors BMP2 and VEGF but reduced the osteoclastogenic factor RANKL/OPG expression in SHEDs. In conclusion, metformin could induce the osteogenic differentiation of SHEDs by activating the AMPK pathway and regulates the expression of proangiogenic/osteogenic growth factors and osteoclastogenic factors in SHEDs. Therefore, metformin-pretreated SHEDs could be a potential source of seed cells during stem cell-based bone tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedan Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Janak L Pathak
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Oral Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenyan Huang
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuandong Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunyang Li
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongbing Guan
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sujuan Zeng
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linhu Ge
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Oral Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Shu
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Nunes M, Henriques Abreu M, Bartosch C, Ricardo S. Recycling the Purpose of Old Drugs to Treat Ovarian Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207768. [PMID: 33092251 PMCID: PMC7656306 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The main challenge in ovarian cancer treatment is the management of recurrences. Facing this scenario, therapy selection is based on multiple factors to define the best treatment sequence. Target therapies, such as bevacizumab and polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, improved patient survival. However, despite their achievements, ovarian cancer survival remains poor; these therapeutic options are highly costly and can be associated with potential side effects. Recently, it has been shown that the combination of repurposed, conventional, chemotherapeutic drugs could be an alternative, presenting good patient outcomes with few side effects and low costs for healthcare institutions. The main aim of this review is to strengthen the importance of repurposed drugs as therapeutic alternatives, and to propose an in vitro model to assess the therapeutic value. Herein, we compiled the current knowledge on the most promising non-oncological drugs for ovarian cancer treatment, focusing on statins, metformin, bisphosphonates, ivermectin, itraconazole, and ritonavir. We discuss the primary drug use, anticancer mechanisms, and applicability in ovarian cancer. Finally, we propose the use of these therapies to perform drug efficacy tests in ovarian cancer ex vivo cultures. This personalized testing approach could be crucial to validate the existing evidences supporting the use of repurposed drugs for ovarian cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Nunes
- Differentiation and Cancer Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S) of the University of Porto/Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (PCCC), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal; (M.H.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Miguel Henriques Abreu
- Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (PCCC), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal; (M.H.A.); (C.B.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Bartosch
- Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (PCCC), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal; (M.H.A.); (C.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center—Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (CI-IPOP), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Ricardo
- Differentiation and Cancer Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S) of the University of Porto/Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (PCCC), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal; (M.H.A.); (C.B.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-225-570-700
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47
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Soraya H, Sani NA, Jabbari N, Rezaie J. Metformin Increases Exosome Biogenesis and Secretion in U87 MG Human Glioblastoma Cells: A Possible Mechanism of Therapeutic Resistance. Arch Med Res 2020; 52:151-162. [PMID: 33059952 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive brain tumor. Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug, can suppress tumor cells. Exosomes from GBM cells contribute to intercellular communication, tumor aggressiveness, and therapeutic resistance. We studied the effect of metformin on the exosomal secretory pathway in U87 MG cells. METHODS Cell survival against metformin was investigated using MTT assay. Expression of miRNA-21, miRNA-155, and miRNA-182, as well as the genes involved in exosome biogenesis and secretion such as Rab27a, Rab27b, Rab11, CD63, and Alix were calculated by real time-PCR. The expression of CD63 protein was analyzed by western blotting, while the subcellular distribution of CD63 protein was monitored by flow cytometry. Exosomes were characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopes, and flow cytometry. Amount of exosomes was assayed using acetylcholinesterase activity assay and ELISA. The expression of autophagic markers LC3 and P62 were assessed using ELISA. RESULTS Data showed that metformin decreased cell survival and expression of miRNA-21, miRNA-155, and miRNA-182 (p <0.05). Expression of Rab27a, Rab27b, Rab11, CD63, and Alix as well as protein level of CD63 up-regulated in treated cells (p <0.05). Concurrently, flow cytometry analysis showed that surface CD63/total CD63 ratio was increased in treated cells (p <0.05). We found that acetylcholinesterase activity and CD63 protein of exosomes from treated cells increased (p <0.05). The expression of LC3 and P62 was not affected by metformin (p >0.05). CONCLUSION Data indicates metformin could promote exosome biogenesis and secretion in U87 MG cells, proposing the therapeutic response against metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Soraya
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Neda Abbaspour Sani
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Nassrollah Jabbari
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Medical Physics and Imaging, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Jafar Rezaie
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Metformin Suppresses Development of the Echinococcus multilocularis Larval Stage by Targeting the TOR Pathway. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01808-19. [PMID: 32540980 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01808-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a severe disease caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis Current chemotherapeutic treatment options based on benzimidazoles are of limited effectiveness, which underlines the need to find new antiechinococcosis drugs. Metformin is an antihyperglycemic and antiproliferative agent that shows activity against the related parasite Echinococcus granulosus Hence, we assessed the in vitro and in vivo effects of the drug on E. multilocularis Metformin exerted significant dose-dependent killing effects on in vitro cultured parasite stem cells and protoscoleces and significantly reduced the dedifferentiation of protoscoleces into metacestodes. Likewise, oral administration of metformin (50 mg/kg of body weight/day for 8 weeks) was effective in achieving a significant reduction of parasite weight in a secondary murine AE model. Our results revealed mitochondrial membrane depolarization, activation of Em-AMPK, suppression of Em-TOR, and overexpression of Em-Atg8 in the germinal layer of metformin-treated metacestode vesicles. The opposite effects on the level of active Em-TOR in response to exogenous insulin and rapamycin suggest that Em-TOR is part of the parasite's insulin signaling pathway. Finally, the presence of the key lysosomal pathway components, through which metformin reportedly acts, was confirmed in the parasite by in silico assays. Taken together, these results introduce metformin as a promising candidate for AE treatment. Although our study highlights the importance of those direct mechanisms by which metformin reduces parasite viability, it does not necessarily preclude any additional systemic effects of the drug that might reduce parasite growth in vivo.
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Dalman RL, Lu Y, Mahaffey KW, Chase AJ, Stern JR, Chang RW. Background and Proposed Design for a Metformin Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Suppression Trial. VASCULAR AND ENDOVASCULAR REVIEW 2020. [DOI: 10.15420/ver.2020.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) may lead to rupture and death if left untreated. While endovascular or surgical repair is generally recommended for AAA greater than 5–5.5 cm, the vast majority of aneurysms detected by screening modalities are smaller than this threshold. Once discovered, there would be a significant potential benefit in suppressing the growth of these small aneurysms in order to obviate the need for repair and mitigate rupture risk. Patients with diabetes, in particular those taking the oral hypoglycaemic medication metformin, have been shown to have lower incidence, growth rate, and rupture risk of AAA. Metformin therefore represents a widely available, non-toxic, potential inhibitor of AAA growth, but thus far no prospective clinical studies have evaluated this. Here, we present the background, rationale, and design for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of metformin for growth suppression in patients with small AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald L Dalman
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, US
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, US
| | - Kenneth W Mahaffey
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, US
| | - Amanda J Chase
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, US
| | - Jordan R Stern
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, US
| | - Robert W Chang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Kaiser Permanente San Francisco, California, US
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Singh AR, Gu JJ, Zhang Q, Torka P, Sundaram S, Mavis C, Hernandez-Ilizaliturri FJ. Metformin sensitizes therapeutic agents and improves outcome in pre-clinical and clinical diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Cancer Metab 2020; 8:10. [PMID: 32647571 PMCID: PMC7336499 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-020-00213-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is limited by the development of resistance to therapy, and there is a need to develop novel therapeutic strategies for relapsed and refractory aggressive lymphoma. Metformin is an oral agent for type 2 diabetes that has been shown to decrease cancer risk and lower mortality in other types of cancer. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of the RPCCC database looking at patients with DLBCL treated with front-line chemotherapy. We also performed pre-clinical studies looking at the effect of metformin on cell viability, cell number, Ki67, ATP production, apoptosis, ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell cycle, effect with chemotherapeutic agents, and rituximab. Finally, we studied mouse models to see the anti-tumor effect of metformin. RESULTS Among diabetic patients, metformin use was associated with improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to diabetic patients not on metformin. Our pre-clinical studies showed metformin is itself capable of anti-tumor effects and causes cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. Metformin induces apoptosis, ROS production, and increased mitochondrial membrane permeability. Metformin exhibited additive/synergistic effects when combined with traditional chemotherapy or rituximab in vitro. In vivo, metformin in combination with rituximab showed improved survival compared with rituximab monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Our retrospective analysis showed that metformin with front-line chemotherapy in diabetic patients resulted in improved PFS and OS. Our pre-clinical studies demonstrate metformin has potential to re-sensitize resistant lymphoma to the chemo-immunotherapy and allow us to develop a hypothesis as to its activity in DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan J. Gu
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, USA
- Department Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, USA
| | - Qunling Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pallawi Torka
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, USA
| | - Suchitra Sundaram
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, USA
| | - Cory Mavis
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, USA
- Department Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, USA
| | - Francisco J. Hernandez-Ilizaliturri
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, USA
- Department Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, USA
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