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Papadakos SP, Argyrou A, Lekakis V, Arvanitakis K, Kalisperati P, Stergiou IE, Konstantinidis I, Schizas D, Koufakis T, Germanidis G, Theocharis S. Metformin in Esophageal Carcinoma: Exploring Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Insights. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2978. [PMID: 38474224 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052978] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) remains a formidable malignancy with limited treatment options and high mortality rates, necessitating the exploration of innovative therapeutic avenues. Through a systematic analysis of a multitude of studies, we synthesize the diverse findings related to metformin's influence on EC. This review comprehensively elucidates the intricate metabolic pathways and molecular mechanisms through which metformin may exert its anti-cancer effects. Key focus areas include its impact on insulin signaling, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, and the mTOR pathway, which collectively contribute to its role in mitigating esophageal cancer progression. This review critically examines the body of clinical and preclinical evidence surrounding the potential role of metformin, a widely prescribed anti-diabetic medication, in EC management. Our examination extends to the modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress and angiogenesis, revealing metformin's potential as a metabolic intervention in esophageal cancer pathogenesis. By consolidating epidemiological and clinical data, we assess the evidence that supports metformin's candidacy as an adjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer. By summarizing clinical and preclinical findings, our review aims to enhance our understanding of metformin's role in EC management, potentially improving patient care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros P Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandra Argyrou
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Laikon General Hospital, Athens University Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasileios Lekakis
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Laikon General Hospital, Athens University Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Arvanitakis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Basic and Translational Research Unit (BTRU), Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (BRESU), Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Polyxeni Kalisperati
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna E Stergiou
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Dimitrios Schizas
- First Department of Surgery, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Theocharis Koufakis
- Second Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital "Hippokration", Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Germanidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Basic and Translational Research Unit (BTRU), Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (BRESU), Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Ilias I, Rizzo M, Zabuliene L. Metformin: Sex/Gender Differences in Its Uses and Effects—Narrative Review. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58030430. [PMID: 35334606 PMCID: PMC8952223 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58030430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin (MTF) occupies a major and fundamental position in the therapeutic management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Gender differences in some effects and actions of MTF have been reported. Women are usually prescribed lower MTF doses compared to men and report more gastrointestinal side effects. The incidence of cardiovascular events in women on MTF has been found to be lower to that of men on MTF. Despite some promising results with MTF regarding pregnancy rates in women with PCOS, the management of gestational diabetes, cancer prevention or adjunctive cancer treatment and COVID-19, most robust meta-analyses have yet to confirm such beneficial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Ilias
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Elena Venizelou Hospital, GR-11521 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: e-mail:
| | - Manfredi Rizzo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Promise), School of Medicine, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 141, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Lina Zabuliene
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio St. 21/27, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania;
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