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Zhu Y, Engmann M, Medina D, Han X, Das P, Bartke A, Ellsworth BS, Yuan R. Metformin treatment of juvenile mice alters aging-related developmental and metabolic phenotypes in sex-dependent and sex-independent manners. GeroScience 2024; 46:3197-3218. [PMID: 38227136 PMCID: PMC11009201 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01067-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Metformin has attracted increasing interest for its potential benefits in extending healthspan and longevity. This study examined the effects of early-life metformin treatment on the development and metabolism of C57BL/6 J (B6) mice, with metformin administered to juvenile mice from 15 to 56 days of age. Metformin treatment led to decreased body weight in both sexes (P < 0.05, t-test). At 9 weeks of age, mice were euthanized and organ weights were recorded. The relative weight of retroperitoneal fat was decreased in females, while relative weights of perigonadal and retroperitoneal fat were decreased, and relative liver weight was increased in males (P < 0.05, t-test). Glucose and insulin tolerance tests (GTT and ITT) were conducted at the age of 7 weeks. ANOVA revealed a significant impairment in insulin sensitivity by the treatment, and a significantly interactive effect on glucose tolerance between sex and treatment, underscoring a disparity in GTT between sexes in response to the treatment. Metformin treatment reduced circulating insulin levels in fasting and non-fasting conditions for male mice, with no significant alterations observed in female mice. qRT-PCR analysis of glucose metabolism-related genes (Akt2, Glut2, Glut4, Irs1, Nrip1, Pi3k, Pi3kca, Pkca) in the liver and skeletal muscle reveals metformin-induced sex- and organ-specific effects on gene expression. Comparison with previous studies in heterogeneous UM-HET3 mice receiving the same treatment suggests that genetic differences may contribute to variability in the effects of metformin treatment on development and metabolism. These findings indicate that early-life metformin treatment affects development and metabolism in both sex- and genetics-dependent manners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - Morgan Engmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - David Medina
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - Xiuqi Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - Pratyusa Das
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University SIU School of Medicine, 1135 Lincoln Drive, Life Science III, Room 2062, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - Andrzej Bartke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - Buffy S Ellsworth
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University SIU School of Medicine, 1135 Lincoln Drive, Life Science III, Room 2062, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - Rong Yuan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA.
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Wang NF, Jue TR, Holst J, Gunter JH. Systematic review of antitumour efficacy and mechanism of metformin activity in prostate cancer models. BJUI COMPASS 2023; 4:44-58. [PMID: 36569495 PMCID: PMC9766874 DOI: 10.1002/bco2.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin, the first line pharmacotherapy for type 2 diabetes has demonstrated favourable effects in prostate cancer (PCa) across a range of studies evaluating PCa patient outcomes amongst metformin users. However, a lack of rigorously conducted prospective studies has stalled clinical use in this setting. Despite multiple studies evaluating the mechanisms underpinning antitumour effects of metformin in PCa, to date, no reviews have compared these findings. This systematic review and meta-analysis consolidates the mechanisms accounting for the antitumour effect of metformin in PCa and evaluates the antitumour efficacy of metformin in preclinical PCa studies. Data were obtained through Medline and EMBASE, extracted by two independent assessors. Risk of bias was assessed using the TOXR tool. Meta-analysis compared in vivo reductions of PCa tumour volume with metformin. In total, 447 articles were identified with 80 duplicates, and 261 articles excluded based on eligibility criteria. The remaining 106 articles were assessed and 71 excluded, with 35 articles included for systematic review, and eight included for meta-analysis. The mechanisms of action of metformin regarding tumour growth, viability, migration, invasion, cell metabolism, and activation of signalling cascades are individually discussed. The mechanisms by which metformin inhibits PCa cell growth are multimodal. Metformin regulates expression of multiple proteins/genes to inhibit cellular proliferation, cell cycle progression, and cellular invasion and migration. Published in vivo studies also conclusively demonstrate that metformin inhibits PCa growth. This highlights the potential of metformin to be repurposed as an anticancer agent, warranting further investigation of metformin in the setting of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Fang Wang
- School of Medical SciencesUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Prince of Wales Clinical SchoolUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Toni Rose Jue
- Prince of Wales Clinical SchoolUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Jeff Holst
- School of Medical SciencesUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Prince of Wales Clinical SchoolUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Jennifer H. Gunter
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre‐Queensland, Centre for Genomic and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of Technology (QUT)BrisbaneQLDAustralia
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Zhang J, Liang C, Wei Z, Yang W, Ge W, Qu X, Si W, Wang W, Mou X, Dong X. TME-triggered MnSiO 3@Met@GOx nanosystem for ATP dual-inhibited starvation/chemodynamic synergistic therapy. Biomaterials 2022; 287:121682. [PMID: 35870264 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an essential substance for maintaining tumor cell survival and proliferation. Inhibiting the ATP-producing pathways has emerged as a promising cancer treatment strategy. However, the antitumor efficiency of ATP inhibitors is compromised by the inter-compensation of multiple ATP-producing pathways in tumor cells and biological barriers in the complex tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we developed metformin (Met) and glucose oxidase (GOx) co-loaded manganese silicon nanoplatform MnSiO3@Met@GOx (MMG) for TME-responsive ATP dual inhibited starvation/chemodynamic synergistic therapy. Under the mildly acidic conditions in TME, MMG was decomposed, releasing Met and GOx for effective ATP suppression by inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and aerobic glycolysis pathways, respectively. Meanwhile, GOx-catalyzed glucose oxidation increased tumor acidity and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration in tumors, which not only accelerated MMG decomposition and drug release but also promoted manganese ions-mediated Fenton-like reaction. In vitro and in vivo experiments further demonstrated the effectiveness and biosafety of MMG-based synergistic therapy. This study provides a novel strategy for tumor treatment based on tumor metabolism regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Ziye Wei
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Wanlan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Xinyu Qu
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Weili Si
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China.
| | - Wenjun Wang
- School of Physical Science and Information Technology, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, 252059, China
| | - Xiaozhou Mou
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
| | - Xiaochen Dong
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China; School of Chemistry & Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.
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Triggle CR, Mohammed I, Bshesh K, Marei I, Ye K, Ding H, MacDonald R, Hollenberg MD, Hill MA. Metformin: Is it a drug for all reasons and diseases? Metabolism 2022; 133:155223. [PMID: 35640743 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Metformin was first used to treat type 2 diabetes in the late 1950s and in 2022 remains the first-choice drug used daily by approximately 150 million people. An accumulation of positive pre-clinical and clinical data has stimulated interest in re-purposing metformin to treat a variety of diseases including COVID-19. In polycystic ovary syndrome metformin improves insulin sensitivity. In type 1 diabetes metformin may help reduce the insulin dose. Meta-analysis and data from pre-clinical and clinical studies link metformin to a reduction in the incidence of cancer. Clinical trials, including MILES (Metformin In Longevity Study), and TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin), have been designed to determine if metformin can offset aging and extend lifespan. Pre-clinical and clinical data suggest that metformin, via suppression of pro-inflammatory pathways, protection of mitochondria and vascular function, and direct actions on neuronal stem cells, may protect against neurodegenerative diseases. Metformin has also been studied for its anti-bacterial, -viral, -malaria efficacy. Collectively, these data raise the question: Is metformin a drug for all diseases? It remains unclear as to whether all of these putative beneficial effects are secondary to its actions as an anti-hyperglycemic and insulin-sensitizing drug, or result from other cellular actions, including inhibition of mTOR (mammalian target for rapamycin), or direct anti-viral actions. Clarification is also sought as to whether data from ex vivo studies based on the use of high concentrations of metformin can be translated into clinical benefits, or whether they reflect a 'Paracelsus' effect. The environmental impact of metformin, a drug with no known metabolites, is another emerging issue that has been linked to endocrine disruption in fish, and extensive use in T2D has also raised concerns over effects on human reproduction. The objectives for this review are to: 1) evaluate the putative mechanism(s) of action of metformin; 2) analyze the controversial evidence for metformin's effectiveness in the treatment of diseases other than type 2 diabetes; 3) assess the reproducibility of the data, and finally 4) reach an informed conclusion as to whether metformin is a drug for all diseases and reasons. We conclude that the primary clinical benefits of metformin result from its insulin-sensitizing and antihyperglycaemic effects that secondarily contribute to a reduced risk of a number of diseases and thereby enhancing healthspan. However, benefits like improving vascular endothelial function that are independent of effects on glucose homeostasis add to metformin's therapeutic actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris R Triggle
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar; Department of Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Ibrahim Mohammed
- Department of Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Khalifa Bshesh
- Department of Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Isra Marei
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kevin Ye
- Department of Biomedical Physiology & Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Hong Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar; Department of Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ross MacDonald
- Distribution eLibrary, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Morley D Hollenberg
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, a Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Michael A Hill
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Medical Pharmacology & Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211, MO, USA
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Metabolic Action of Metformin. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070810. [PMID: 35890109 PMCID: PMC9317619 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin, a cheap and safe biguanide derivative, due to its ability to influence metabolism, is widely used as a first-line drug for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) treatment. Therefore, the aim of this review was to present the updated biochemical and molecular effects exerted by the drug. It has been well explored that metformin suppresses hepatic glucose production in both AMPK-independent and AMPK-dependent manners. Substantial scientific evidence also revealed that its action is related to decreased secretion of lipids from intestinal epithelial cells, as well as strengthened oxidation of fatty acids in adipose tissue and muscles. It was recognized that metformin’s supra-therapeutic doses suppress mitochondrial respiration in intestinal epithelial cells, whereas its therapeutic doses elevate cellular respiration in the liver. The drug is also suggested to improve systemic insulin sensitivity as a result of alteration in gut microbiota composition, maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity, and alleviation of low-grade inflammation.
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Metformin, phenformin, and galegine inhibit complex IV activity and reduce glycerol-derived gluconeogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2122287119. [PMID: 35238637 PMCID: PMC8916010 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122287119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is the most commonly prescribed drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, yet the mechanism by which it lowers plasma glucose concentrations has remained elusive. Most studies to date have attributed metformin’s glucose-lowering effects to inhibition of complex I activity. Contrary to this hypothesis, we show that inhibition of complex I activity in vitro and in vivo does not reduce plasma glucose concentrations or inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis. We go on to show that metformin, and the related guanides/biguanides, phenformin and galegine, inhibit complex IV activity at clinically relevant concentrations, which, in turn, results in inhibition of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, increased cytosolic redox, and selective inhibition of glycerol-derived hepatic gluconeogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Metformin exerts its plasma glucose-lowering therapeutic effect primarily through inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis. However, the precise molecular mechanism by which metformin inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis is still unclear. Although inhibition of mitochondrial complex I is frequently invoked as metformin’s primary mechanism of action, the metabolic effects of complex I inhibition have not been thoroughly evaluated in vivo. Here, we show that acute portal infusion of piericidin A, a potent and specific complex I inhibitor, does not reduce hepatic gluconeogenesis in vivo. In contrast, we show that metformin, phenformin, and galegine selectively inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis from glycerol. Specifically, we show that guanides/biguanides interact with complex IV to reduce its enzymatic activity, leading to indirect inhibition of glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) dehydrogenase (GPD2), increased cytosolic redox, and reduced glycerol-derived gluconeogenesis. We report that inhibition of complex IV with potassium cyanide replicates the effects of the guanides/biguanides in vitro by selectively reducing glycerol-derived gluconeogenesis via increased cytosolic redox. Finally, we show that complex IV inhibition is sufficient to inhibit G3P-mediated respiration and gluconeogenesis from glycerol. Taken together, we propose a mechanism of metformin action in which complex IV–mediated inhibition of GPD2 reduces glycerol-derived hepatic gluconeogenesis.
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7
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Zhu Y, Fang Y, Medina D, Bartke A, Yuan R. Metformin treatment of juvenile mice alters aging-related developmental and metabolic phenotypes. Mech Ageing Dev 2022; 201:111597. [PMID: 34780856 PMCID: PMC8755607 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that the influence on developmental traits might have long-term effects on aging and health later in life. Metformin is a widely used drug for treating type 2 diabetes and is also used for delaying sexual maturation in girls with precocious puberty. The current report focuses on investigating the effects of metformin on development and metabolic traits. Heterogeneous mice (UM-HET3) were treated with i.p. metformin between the ages of 15 and 56 days. Our results show that body weight and food consumption were increased in both sexes, and sexual maturation was delayed in females. Tail length and circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) levels were significantly increased in both sexes. No significant difference was found in insulin tolerance test, but glucose tolerance was significantly reduced in the males. Circulating adiponectin and insulin levels were altered by metformin treatment in a sex-specific manner. Analysis of quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) suggests that metformin treatment increased insulin sensitivity in female pups, but had opposite effect in male pups. This study revealed that early life metformin treatment alters development and metabolism of mice in both sex-specific and non-specific manners. These effects of metformin may have long-term impacts on aging-related traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhu
- Deparment of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P. O. Box 19628, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9628, USA,Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P. O. Box 19628, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9628, USA
| | - Yimin Fang
- Department of Neurology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P. O. Box 19628, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9628, USA
| | - David Medina
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P. O. Box 19628, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9628, USA
| | - Andrzej Bartke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P. O. Box 19628, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9628, USA
| | - Rong Yuan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P. O. Box 19628, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9628, USA
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Hurley DJ, Irnaten M, O’Brien C. Metformin and Glaucoma-Review of Anti-Fibrotic Processes and Bioenergetics. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082131. [PMID: 34440899 PMCID: PMC8394782 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. With an aging population, disease incidence will rise with an enormous societal and economic burden. The treatment strategy revolves around targeting intraocular pressure, the principle modifiable risk factor, to slow progression of disease. However, there is a clear unmet clinical need to find a novel therapeutic approach that targets and halts the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration that occurs with fibrosis. RGCs are highly sensitive to metabolic fluctuations as a result of multiple stressors and thus their viability depends on healthy mitochondrial functioning. Metformin, known for its use in type 2 diabetes, has come to the forefront of medical research in multiple organ systems. Its use was recently associated with a 25% reduced risk of glaucoma in a large population study. Here, we discuss its application to glaucoma therapy, highlighting its effect on fibrotic signalling pathways, mitochondrial bioenergetics and NAD oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daire J. Hurley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland; (M.I.); (C.O.)
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence:
| | - Mustapha Irnaten
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland; (M.I.); (C.O.)
| | - Colm O’Brien
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland; (M.I.); (C.O.)
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
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Meyer FB, Goebel S, Spangel SB, Leovsky C, Hoelzer D, Thierbach R. Metformin alters therapeutic effects in the BALB/c tumor therapy model. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:629. [PMID: 34044797 PMCID: PMC8161985 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08354-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite considerable medical proceedings, cancer is still a leading cause of death. Major problems for tumor therapy are chemoresistance as well as toxic side effects. In recent years, the additional treatment with the antidiabetic drug metformin during chemotherapy showed promising results in some cases. The aim of this study was to develop an in vitro tumor therapy model in order to further investigate the potential of a combined chemotherapy with metformin. METHODS Cytotoxic effects of a combined treatment on BALB/c fibroblasts were proven by the resazurin assay. Based on the BALB/c cell transformation assay, the BALB/c tumor therapy model was established successfully with four different and widely used chemotherapeutics from different categories. Namely, Doxorubicin as a type-II isomerase inhibitor, Docetaxel as a spindle toxin, Mitomycin C as an alkylating agent and 5-Fluorouracil as an antimetabolite. Moreover, glucose consumption in the medium supernatant was measured and protein expressions were determined by Western Blotting. RESULTS Initial tests for the combined treatment with metformin indicated unexpected results as metformin could partly mitigate the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapeutic agents. These results were further confirmed as metformin induced resistance to some of the drugs when applied simultaneously in the tumor therapy model. Mechanistically, an increased glucose consumption was observed in non-transformed cells as well as in the mixed population of malignant transformed cell foci and non-transformed monolayer cells, suggesting that metformin could also increase glucose consumption in transformed cells. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study suggests a cautious use of metformin during chemotherapy. Moreover, the BALB/c tumor therapy model offers a potent tool for further mechanistic studies of drug-drug interactions during cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix B Meyer
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Fakultät für Biowissenschaften, Institut für Ernährungswissenschaften, Abteilung Humanernährung, Jena, Germany
| | - Sophie Goebel
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Fakultät für Biowissenschaften, Institut für Ernährungswissenschaften, Abteilung Humanernährung, Jena, Germany
| | - Sonja B Spangel
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Fakultät für Biowissenschaften, Institut für Ernährungswissenschaften, Abteilung Humanernährung, Jena, Germany
| | - Christiane Leovsky
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Fakultät für Biowissenschaften, Institut für Ernährungswissenschaften, Abteilung Humanernährung, Jena, Germany
| | - Doerte Hoelzer
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Fakultät für Biowissenschaften, Institut für Ernährungswissenschaften, Abteilung Humanernährung, Jena, Germany
| | - René Thierbach
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Fakultät für Biowissenschaften, Institut für Ernährungswissenschaften, Abteilung Humanernährung, Jena, Germany.
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Di Magno L, Manni S, Di Pastena F, Coni S, Macone A, Cairoli S, Sambucci M, Infante P, Moretti M, Petroni M, Nicoletti C, Capalbo C, De Smaele E, Di Marcotullio L, Giannini G, Battistini L, Goffredo BM, Iorio E, Agostinelli E, Maroder M, Canettieri G. Phenformin Inhibits Hedgehog-Dependent Tumor Growth through a Complex I-Independent Redox/Corepressor Module. Cell Rep 2021; 30:1735-1752.e7. [PMID: 32049007 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The antidiabetic drug phenformin displays potent anticancer activity in different tumors, but its mechanism of action remains elusive. Using Shh medulloblastoma as model, we show here that at clinically relevant concentrations, phenformin elicits a significant therapeutic effect through a redox-dependent but complex I-independent mechanism. Phenformin inhibits mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (mGPD), a component of the glycerophosphate shuttle, and causes elevations of intracellular NADH content. Inhibition of mGPD mimics phenformin action and promotes an association between corepressor CtBP2 and Gli1, thereby inhibiting Hh transcriptional output and tumor growth. Because ablation of CtBP2 abrogates the therapeutic effect of phenformin in mice, these data illustrate a biguanide-mediated redox/corepressor interplay, which may represent a relevant target for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Di Magno
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Manni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Di Pastena
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Coni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Cairoli
- Division of Metabolism and Research Unit of metabolic Biochemistry, Children's Hospital and Research Institute Bambino Gesù IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Manolo Sambucci
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Neuroimmunology Unit, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marialaura Petroni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmine Nicoletti
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Capalbo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Battistini
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Neuroimmunology Unit, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Goffredo
- Division of Metabolism and Research Unit of metabolic Biochemistry, Children's Hospital and Research Institute Bambino Gesù IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Egidio Iorio
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Agostinelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; International Polyamines Foundation-ONLUS, 00159 Rome, Italy
| | - Marella Maroder
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; International Polyamines Foundation-ONLUS, 00159 Rome, Italy.
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11
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LaMoia TE, Shulman GI. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Metformin Action. Endocr Rev 2021; 42:77-96. [PMID: 32897388 PMCID: PMC7846086 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 106.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metformin is a first-line therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, due to its robust glucose-lowering effects, well-established safety profile, and relatively low cost. While metformin has been shown to have pleotropic effects on glucose metabolism, there is a general consensus that the major glucose-lowering effect in patients with type 2 diabetes is mostly mediated through inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis. However, despite decades of research, the mechanism by which metformin inhibits this process is still highly debated. A key reason for these discrepant effects is likely due to the inconsistency in dosage of metformin across studies. Widely studied mechanisms of action, such as complex I inhibition leading to AMPK activation, have only been observed in the context of supra-pharmacological (>1 mM) metformin concentrations, which do not occur in the clinical setting. Thus, these mechanisms have been challenged in recent years and new mechanisms have been proposed. Based on the observation that metformin alters cellular redox balance, a redox-dependent mechanism of action has been described by several groups. Recent studies have shown that clinically relevant (50-100 μM) concentrations of metformin inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis in a substrate-selective manner both in vitro and in vivo, supporting a redox-dependent mechanism of metformin action. Here, we review the current literature regarding metformin's cellular and molecular mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Traci E LaMoia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Gerald I Shulman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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12
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Tumor Hypoxia as a Barrier in Cancer Therapy: Why Levels Matter. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030499. [PMID: 33525508 PMCID: PMC7866096 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors and associated with poor outcome in most cancer types and treatment modalities, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery and, most likely, immunotherapy. Emerging strategies, such as proton therapy and combination therapies with radiation and hypoxia targeted drugs, provide new opportunities to overcome the hypoxia barrier and improve therapeutic outcome. Hypoxia is heterogeneously distributed both between and within tumors and shows large variations across patients not only in prevalence, but importantly, also in level. To best exploit the emerging strategies, a better understanding of how individual hypoxia levels from mild to severe affect tumor biology is vital. Here, we discuss our current knowledge on this topic and how we should proceed to gain more insight into the field. Abstract Hypoxia arises in tumor regions with insufficient oxygen supply and is a major barrier in cancer treatment. The distribution of hypoxia levels is highly heterogeneous, ranging from mild, almost non-hypoxic, to severe and anoxic levels. The individual hypoxia levels induce a variety of biological responses that impair the treatment effect. A stronger focus on hypoxia levels rather than the absence or presence of hypoxia in our investigations will help development of improved strategies to treat patients with hypoxic tumors. Current knowledge on how hypoxia levels are sensed by cancer cells and mediate cellular responses that promote treatment resistance is comprehensive. Recently, it has become evident that hypoxia also has an important, more unexplored role in the interaction between cancer cells, stroma and immune cells, influencing the composition and structure of the tumor microenvironment. Establishment of how such processes depend on the hypoxia level requires more advanced tumor models and methodology. In this review, we describe promising model systems and tools for investigations of hypoxia levels in tumors. We further present current knowledge and emerging research on cellular responses to individual levels, and discuss their impact in novel therapeutic approaches to overcome the hypoxia barrier.
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13
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Busk M, Overgaard J, Horsman MR. Imaging of Tumor Hypoxia for Radiotherapy: Current Status and Future Directions. Semin Nucl Med 2020; 50:562-583. [PMID: 33059825 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Tumor regions that are transiently or chronically undersupplied with oxygen (hypoxia) and nutrients, and enriched with acidic waste products, are common due to an abnormal and inefficient tumor vasculature, and a deviant highly glycolytic energy metabolism. There is compelling evidence that tumor hypoxia is strongly linked to poor prognosis since oxygen-deprived cells are highly resistant to therapy including radio- and chemotherapy, and survival of such cells is a primary cause of disease relapse. Despite a general improvement in cancer survival rates, hypoxia remains a formidable challenge. Recent progress in radiation delivery systems with improved spatial accuracy that allows dose escalation to hypoxic tumors or even tumor subvolumes, and the development of hypoxia-selective drugs, including bioreductive prodrugs, holds great promise for overcoming this obstacle. However, apart from one notable exception, translation of promising preclinical therapies to the clinic have largely been disappointing. A major obstacle in clinical trials on hypoxia-targeting strategies has been the lack of reliable information on tumor hypoxia, which is crucial for patient stratification into groups of those that are likely to benefit from intervention and those who are not. Further, in many newer trials on hypoxia-selective drugs the choice of cancer disease and combination therapy has not always been ideal, especially not for clinical proof of principle trials. Clearly, there is a pending need for clinical applicable methodologies that may allow us to quantify, map and monitor hypoxia. Molecular imaging may provide the information required for narrowing the gap between potential and actual patient benefit of hypoxia-targeting strategies. The grand majority of preclinical and clinical work has focused on the usefulness of PET-based assessment of hypoxia-selective tracers. Since hypoxia PET has profound inherent weaknesses, the use of other methodologies, including more indirect methods that quantifies blood flow or oxygenation-dependent flux changes through ATP-generating pathways (eg, anaerobic glycolysis) is being extensively studied. In this review, we briefly discuss established and emerging hypoxia-targeting strategies, followed by a more thorough evaluation of strengths and weaknesses of clinical applicable imaging methodologies that may guide timely treatment intensification to overcome hypoxia-driven resistance. Historically, most evidence for the linkage between hypoxia and poor outcome is based on work in the field of radiotherapy. Therefore, main emphasis in this review is on targeting and imaging of hypoxia for improved radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Busk
- Experimental Clinical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital (AUH), Aarhus, Denmark; Danish Centre for Particle Therapy, (AUH), Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Jens Overgaard
- Experimental Clinical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital (AUH), Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Michael R Horsman
- Experimental Clinical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital (AUH), Aarhus, Denmark
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14
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Sundelin E, Jensen JB, Jakobsen S, Gormsen LC, Jessen N. Metformin Biodistribution: A Key to Mechanisms of Action? J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5850036. [PMID: 32480406 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Metformin has undisputed glucose-lowering effects in diabetes and an impressive safety record. It has also shown promising effects beyond diabetes, and several hundred clinical trials involving metformin are currently planned or active. Metformin targets intracellular effectors, but exactly which remain to be established, and in an era of precision medicine, an incomplete understanding of mechanisms of action may limit the use of metformin. Distribution of metformin depends on specific organic cation transporter proteins that are organ- and species-specific. Therefore, target tissues of metformin can be identified by cellular uptake of the drug, and exploring the biodistribution of the drug in humans becomes an attractive strategy to assist the many investigations into the mechanisms of action of metformin performed in animals. In this review, we combine the emerging evidence from the use of 11C-labeled metformin in humans to discuss metformin action in liver, intestines, and kidney, which are the organs with the most avid uptake of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Sundelin
- Research Laboratory for Biochemical Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jonas Brorson Jensen
- Research Laboratory for Biochemical Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Steen Jakobsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lars C Gormsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Niels Jessen
- Research Laboratory for Biochemical Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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15
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Kery M, Papandreou I. Emerging strategies to target cancer metabolism and improve radiation therapy outcomes. Br J Radiol 2020; 93:20200067. [PMID: 32462882 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20200067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-specific metabolic changes support the anabolic needs of the rapidly growing tumor, maintain a favorable redox balance, and help cells adapt to microenvironmental stresses like hypoxia and nutrient deprivation. Radiation is extensively applied in a large number of cancer treatment protocols but despite its curative potential, radiation resistance and treatment failures pose a serious problem. Metabolic control of DNA integrity and genomic stability can occur through multiple processes, encompassing cell cycle regulation, nucleotide synthesis, epigenetic regulation of gene activity, and antioxidant defenses. Given the important role of metabolic pathways in oxidative damage responses, it is necessary to assess the potential for tumor-specific radiosensitization by novel metabolism-targeted therapies. Additionally, there are opportunities to identify molecular and functional biomarkers of vulnerabilities to combination treatments, which could then inform clinical decisions. Here, we present a curated list of metabolic pathways in the context of ionizing radiation responses. Glutamine metabolism influences DNA damage responses by mechanisms such as synthesis of nucleotides for DNA repair or of glutathione for ROS detoxification. Repurposed oxygen consumption inhibitors have shown promising radiosensitizing activity against murine model tumors and are now in clinical trials. Production of 2-hydroxy glutarate by isocitrate dehydrogenase1/2 neomorphic oncogenic mutants interferes with the function of α-ketoglutarate-dependent enzymes and modulates Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) signaling and glutathione pools. Radiation-induced oxidative damage to membrane phospholipids promotes ferroptotic cell loss and cooperates with immunotherapies to improve tumor control. In summary, there are opportunities to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy by exploiting cell-inherent vulnerabilities and dynamic microenvironmental components of the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ioanna Papandreou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wexner Medical Center and Comprehensive Cancer Center The Ohio State University Columbus, OH, USA
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16
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Chaudhari K, Wang J, Xu Y, Winters A, Wang L, Dong X, Cheng EY, Liu R, Yang SH. Determination of metformin bio-distribution by LC-MS/MS in mice treated with a clinically relevant paradigm. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234571. [PMID: 32525922 PMCID: PMC7289415 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin, an anti-diabetes drug, has been recently emerging as a potential “anti-aging” intervention based on its reported beneficial actions against aging in preclinical studies. Nonetheless, very few metformin studies using mice have determined metformin concentrations and many effects of metformin have been observed in preclinical studies using doses/concentrations that were not relevant to therapeutic levels in human. We developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry protocol for metformin measurement in plasma, liver, brain, kidney, and muscle of mice. Young adult male and female C57BL/6 mice were voluntarily treated with metformin of 4 mg/ml in drinking water which translated to the maximum dose of 2.5 g/day in humans. A clinically relevant steady-state plasma metformin concentrations were achieved at 7 and 30 days after treatment in male and female mice. Metformin concentrations were slightly higher in muscle than in plasma, while, ~3 and 6-fold higher in the liver and kidney than in plasma, respectively. Low metformin concentration was found in the brain at ~20% of the plasma level. Furthermore, gender difference in steady-state metformin bio-distribution was observed. Our study established steady-state metformin levels in plasma, liver, muscle, kidney, and brain of normoglycemic mice treated with a clinically relevant dose, providing insight into future metformin preclinical studies for potential clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Chaudhari
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Institute for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jianmei Wang
- Pharmaceutical analysis core lab, College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Institute for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ali Winters
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Institute for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Linshu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Institute for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Xiaowei Dong
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Eric Y. Cheng
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ran Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Institute for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Shao-Hua Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Institute for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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17
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De Bruycker S, Vangestel C, Staelens S, Wyffels L, Detrez J, Verschuuren M, De Vos WH, Pauwels P, Van den Wyngaert T, Stroobants S. Effects of metformin on tumor hypoxia and radiotherapy efficacy: a [ 18F]HX4 PET imaging study in colorectal cancer xenografts. EJNMMI Res 2019; 9:74. [PMID: 31375940 PMCID: PMC6677842 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-019-0543-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In a colorectal cancer xenograft model, we investigated the therapeutic effect of metformin on tumor hypoxia with [18F]flortanidazole ([18F]HX4) small-animal positron emission tomography (μPET). We also assessed the additive effect of metformin on long-term radiotherapy outcome and we studied the potential of [18F]HX4 as a predictive and/or prognostic biomarker within this setup. Methods Colo205-bearing mice (n = 40) underwent a baseline [18F]HX4 hypoxia μPET/computed tomography (CT) scan. The next day, mice received 100 mg/kg metformin or saline intravenously (n = 20/group) and [18F]HX4 was administered intravenously 30 min later, whereupon a second μPET/CT scan was performed to assess changes in tumor hypoxia. Two days later, mice were further divided into four therapy groups (n = 10/group): control (1), metformin (2), radiotherapy (3), and metformin + radiotherapy, i.e., combination (4). Then, they received a second dose of metformin (groups 2 and 4) or saline (groups 1 and 3), followed by a single radiotherapy dose of 15 Gy (groups 3 and 4) or sham irradiation (groups 1 and 2) 30 min later. Tumor growth was followed three times a week by caliper measurements to assess the therapeutic outcome. Results [18F]HX4 uptake decreased in metformin-treated tumors with a mean intratumoral reduction in [18F]HX4 tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) from 2.53 ± 0.30 to 2.28 ± 0.26 (p = 0.04), as opposed to saline treatment (2.56 ± 0.39 to 3.08 ± 0.39; p = 0.2). The median tumor doubling time (TDT) was 6, 8, 41, and 43 days in the control, metformin, radiotherapy and combination group, respectively (log-rank p < 0.0001), but no metformin-specific therapy effects could be detected. Baseline [18F]HX4 TBR was a negative prognostic biomarker for TDT (hazard ratio, 2.39; p = 0.02). Conclusions Metformin decreased [18F]HX4 uptake of Colo205-tumors, but had no additive effect on radiotherapy efficacy. Nevertheless, [18F]HX4 holds promise as a prognostic imaging biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven De Bruycker
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Christel Vangestel
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Wilrijkstraat 10, Edegem, 2650, Belgium
| | - Steven Staelens
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Leonie Wyffels
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Jan Detrez
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium.,Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Wilrijkstraat 10, Edegem, 2650, Belgium
| | - Tim Van den Wyngaert
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Wilrijkstraat 10, Edegem, 2650, Belgium
| | - Sigrid Stroobants
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium. .,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Wilrijkstraat 10, Edegem, 2650, Belgium.
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18
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de Mey S, Jiang H, Corbet C, Wang H, Dufait I, Law K, Bastien E, Verovski V, Gevaert T, Feron O, De Ridder M. Antidiabetic Biguanides Radiosensitize Hypoxic Colorectal Cancer Cells Through a Decrease in Oxygen Consumption. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1073. [PMID: 30337872 PMCID: PMC6178882 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: The anti-diabetic biguanide drugs metformin and phenformin exhibit antitumor activity in various models. However, their radiomodulatory effect under hypoxic conditions, particularly for phenformin, is largely unknown. This study therefore examines whether metformin and phenformin as mitochondrial complex I blockades could overcome hypoxic radioresistance through inhibition of oxygen consumption. Materials and Methods: A panel of colorectal cancer cells (HCT116, DLD-1, HT29, SW480, and CT26) was exposed to metformin or phenformin for 16 h at indicated concentrations. Afterward, cell viability was measured by MTT and colony formation assays. Apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by flow cytometry. Phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was examined by western blot. Mitochondria complexes activity and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) were measured by seahorse analyzer. The radiosensitivity of tumor cells was assessed by colony formation assay under aerobic and hypoxic conditions. The in vitro findings were further validated in colorectal CT26 tumor model. Results: Metformin and phenformin inhibited mitochondrial complex I activity and subsequently reduced OCR in a dose-dependent manner starting at 3 mM and 30 μM, respectively. As a result, the hypoxic radioresistance of tumor cells was counteracted by metformin and phenformin with an enhancement ratio about 2 at 9 mM and 100 μM, respectively. Regarding intrinsic radioresistance, both of them did not exhibit any effect although there was an increase of phosphorylation of AMPK and ROS production. In tumor-bearing mice, metformin or phenformin alone did not show any anti-tumor effect. While in combination with radiation, both of them substantially delayed tumor growth and enhanced radioresponse, respectively, by 1.3 and 1.5-fold. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that metformin and phenformin overcome hypoxic radioresistance through inhibition of mitochondrial respiration, and provide a rationale to explore metformin and phenformin as hypoxic radiosensitizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven de Mey
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Heng Jiang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cyril Corbet
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inès Dufait
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kalun Law
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Estelle Bastien
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Valeri Verovski
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thierry Gevaert
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Feron
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mark De Ridder
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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19
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Schulten HJ. Pleiotropic Effects of Metformin on Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2850. [PMID: 30241339 PMCID: PMC6213406 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19102850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin (MTF) is a natural compound derived from the legume Galega officinalis. It is the first line antidiabetic drug for type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment. One of its main antidiabetic effects results from the reduction of hepatic glucose release. First scientific evidence for the anticancer effects of MTF was found in animal research, published in 2001, and some years later a retrospective observational study provided evidence that linked MTF to reduced cancer risk in T2D patients. Its pleiotropic anticancer effects were studied in numerous in vitro and in vivo studies at the molecular and cellular level. Although the majority of these studies demonstrated that MTF is associated with certain anticancer properties, clinical studies and trials provided a mixed view on its beneficial anticancer effects. This review emphasizes the pleiotropic effects of MTF and recent progress made in MTF applications in basic, preclinical, and clinical cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Juergen Schulten
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
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20
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Anderson RG, Ghiraldeli LP, Pardee TS. Mitochondria in cancer metabolism, an organelle whose time has come? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1870:96-102. [PMID: 29807044 PMCID: PMC6420819 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria have long been controversial organelles in cancer. Early discoveries in cancer metabolism placed much emphasis on cytosolic contributions. Initial debate focused on if mitochondria had a role in cancer formation and progression at all. More recently the contributions of mitochondria to cancer development and progression have become firmly established. This has led to the identification of novel targets and inhibitors being studied as new therapeutic approaches. This review will summarize the role of mitochondria in cancer and highlight several agents under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca G Anderson
- Department of Cancer Biology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, United States
| | - Lais P Ghiraldeli
- Department of Cancer Biology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, United States
| | - Timothy S Pardee
- Department of Cancer Biology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, United States; Section on Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, United States; Rafael Pharmaceuticals, Newark, NJ, United States.
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21
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De Bruycker S, Vangestel C, Van den Wyngaert T, Pauwels P, Wyffels L, Staelens S, Stroobants S. 18F-Flortanidazole Hypoxia PET Holds Promise as a Prognostic and Predictive Imaging Biomarker in a Lung Cancer Xenograft Model Treated with Metformin and Radiotherapy. J Nucl Med 2018; 60:34-40. [PMID: 29980581 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.118.212225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin may improve tumor oxygenation and thus radiotherapy response, but imaging biomarkers for selection of suitable patients are still under investigation. First, we assessed the effect of acute metformin administration on non-small cell lung cancer xenograft tumor hypoxia using PET imaging with the hypoxia tracer 18F-flortanidazole. Second, we verified the effect of a single dose of metformin before radiotherapy on long-term treatment outcome. Third, we examined the potential of baseline 18F-flortanidazole as a prognostic or predictive biomarker for treatment response. Methods: A549 tumor-bearing mice underwent a 18F-flortanidazole PET/CT scan to determine baseline tumor hypoxia. The next day, mice received a 100 mg/kg intravenous injection of metformin. 18F-flortanidazole was administered intravenously 30 min later, and a second PET/CT scan was performed to assess changes in tumor hypoxia. Two days later, the mice were divided into 3 therapy groups: controls (group 1), radiotherapy (group 2), and metformin + radiotherapy (group 3). Animals received saline (groups 1-2) or metformin (100 mg/kg; group 3) intravenously, followed by a single radiotherapy dose of 10 Gy (groups 2-3) or sham irradiation (group 1) 30 min later. Tumor growth was monitored triweekly by caliper measurement, and tumor volume relative to baseline was calculated. The tumor doubling time (TDT), that is, the time to reach twice the preirradiation tumor volume, was defined as the endpoint. Results: Thirty minutes after metformin treatment, 18F-flortanidazole demonstrated a significant change in tumor hypoxia, with a mean intratumoral reduction in 18F-flortanidazole tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) from 3.21 ± 0.13 to 2.87 ± 0.13 (P = 0.0001). Overall, relative tumor volume over time differed across treatment groups (P < 0.0001). Similarly, the median TDT was 19, 34, and 52 d in controls, the radiotherapy group, and the metformin + radiotherapy group, respectively (log-rank P < 0.0001). Both baseline 18F-flortanidazole TBR (hazard ratio, 2.0; P = 0.0004) and change from baseline TBR (hazard ratio, 0.39; P = 0.04) were prognostic biomarkers for TDT irrespective of treatment, and baseline TBR predicted metformin-specific treatment effects that were dependent on baseline tumor hypoxia. Conclusion: Using 18F-flortanidazole PET imaging in a non-small cell lung cancer xenograft model, we showed that metformin may act as a radiosensitizer by increasing tumor oxygenation and that baseline 18F-flortanidazole shows promise as an imaging biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven De Bruycker
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Christel Vangestel
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; and
| | - Tim Van den Wyngaert
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; and
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Leonie Wyffels
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; and
| | - Steven Staelens
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sigrid Stroobants
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium .,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; and
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