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Johansson H, Bellerba F, Macis D, Bertelsen BE, Guerrieri-Gonzaga A, Aristarco V, Viste K, Mellgren G, Di Cola G, Costantino J, Scalbert A, Sears DD, Gandini S, DeCensi A, Bonanni B. Effect of metformin and lifestyle intervention on adipokines and hormones in breast cancer survivors: a pooled analysis from two randomized controlled trials. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024; 205:49-59. [PMID: 38279016 PMCID: PMC11063007 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-07241-2] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the effect of metformin and lifestyle intervention on metabolic, inflammatory, and steroid biomarkers of breast cancer (BC) recurrence risk in two intervention trials among BC survivors with overweight or obesity. METHODS Baseline and follow-up serum samples collected during the two trials were analyzed and data pooled. The USA trial (Reach for Health) included postmenopausal BC survivors (n = 333) randomly assigned to 6-month metformin vs placebo and lifestyle intervention (LSI) vs control (2 × 2 factorial design). The Italian trial (MetBreCS) included BC survivors (n = 40) randomized to 12-month metformin vs placebo. Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), adipokines, cytokines, and steroids were measured. RESULTS Metformin compared to placebo showed a favorable decrease in leptin (- 8.8 vs - 3.5 ng/mL; p < 0.01) and HOMA-IR (- 0.48 vs - 0.25; p = 0.03), and an increase in SHBG (2.80 vs 1.45 nmol/L; p < 0.01). Excluding women taking aromatase inhibitors, metformin (n = 84) compared to placebo (n = 99) decreased estradiol (- 4 vs 0 pmol/L; p < 0.01), estrone (- 8 vs 2 pmol/L; p < 0.01) and testosterone (- 0.1 vs 0 nmol/L-; p = 0.02). LSI favorably affected adiponectin (0.45 vs - 0.06 ug/mL; p < 0.01), leptin (- 10.5 vs - 4.4 ng/mL; p < 0.01), HOMA-IR (- 0.6 vs 0.2; p = 0.03), and SHBG (2.7 vs 1.1 nMol/L; p = 0.04) compared to controls. The strongest impact was observed combining metformin with LSI on adipokines, CRP, SHBG, and estrogens. CONCLUSIONS Supportive healthy lifestyle programs combined with metformin to achieve maximal risk reduction among BC cancer survivors are recommended, especially for those with obesity in menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Debora Macis
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Bjørn-Erik Bertelsen
- Hormone Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Kristin Viste
- Hormone Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gunnar Mellgren
- Hormone Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Augustin Scalbert
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Nutrition and Metabolism Branch, Lyon, France
| | - Dorothy D Sears
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sara Gandini
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea DeCensi
- Department of Medicine and Medical Oncology, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Genoa, Italy
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Amengual-Cladera E, Morla-Barcelo PM, Morán-Costoya A, Sastre-Serra J, Pons DG, Valle A, Roca P, Nadal-Serrano M. Metformin: From Diabetes to Cancer-Unveiling Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:302. [PMID: 38785784 PMCID: PMC11117706 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Metformin, a widely used anti-diabetic drug, has garnered attention for its potential in cancer management, particularly in breast and colorectal cancer. It is established that metformin reduces mitochondrial respiration, but its specific molecular targets within mitochondria vary. Proposed mechanisms include inhibiting mitochondrial respiratory chain Complex I and/or Complex IV, and mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, among others. These actions lead to cellular energy deficits, redox state changes, and several molecular changes that reduce hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic patients. Clinical evidence supports metformin's role in cancer prevention in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Moreover, in these patients with breast and colorectal cancer, metformin consumption leads to an improvement in survival outcomes and prognosis. The synergistic effects of metformin with chemotherapy and immunotherapy highlights its potential as an adjunctive therapy for breast and colorectal cancer. However, nuanced findings underscore the need for further research and stratification by molecular subtype, particularly for breast cancer. This comprehensive review integrates metformin-related findings from epidemiological, clinical, and preclinical studies in breast and colorectal cancer. Here, we discuss current research addressed to define metformin's bioavailability and efficacy, exploring novel metformin-based compounds and drug delivery systems, including derivatives targeting mitochondria, combination therapies, and novel nanoformulations, showing enhanced anticancer effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Amengual-Cladera
- Grupo Metabolismo Energético y Nutrición, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (E.A.-C.); (A.M.-C.); (A.V.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (P.M.M.-B.); (J.S.-S.); (D.G.P.); (M.N.-S.)
| | - Pere Miquel Morla-Barcelo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (P.M.M.-B.); (J.S.-S.); (D.G.P.); (M.N.-S.)
- Grupo Multidisciplinar de Oncología Traslacional, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Andrea Morán-Costoya
- Grupo Metabolismo Energético y Nutrición, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (E.A.-C.); (A.M.-C.); (A.V.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (P.M.M.-B.); (J.S.-S.); (D.G.P.); (M.N.-S.)
| | - Jorge Sastre-Serra
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (P.M.M.-B.); (J.S.-S.); (D.G.P.); (M.N.-S.)
- Grupo Multidisciplinar de Oncología Traslacional, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn, CB06/03/0043), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Gabriel Pons
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (P.M.M.-B.); (J.S.-S.); (D.G.P.); (M.N.-S.)
- Grupo Multidisciplinar de Oncología Traslacional, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Adamo Valle
- Grupo Metabolismo Energético y Nutrición, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (E.A.-C.); (A.M.-C.); (A.V.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (P.M.M.-B.); (J.S.-S.); (D.G.P.); (M.N.-S.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn, CB06/03/0043), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Roca
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (P.M.M.-B.); (J.S.-S.); (D.G.P.); (M.N.-S.)
- Grupo Multidisciplinar de Oncología Traslacional, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn, CB06/03/0043), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Nadal-Serrano
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (P.M.M.-B.); (J.S.-S.); (D.G.P.); (M.N.-S.)
- Grupo Multidisciplinar de Oncología Traslacional, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
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Corleto KA, Strandmo JL, Giles ED. Metformin and Breast Cancer: Current Findings and Future Perspectives from Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:396. [PMID: 38543182 PMCID: PMC10974219 DOI: 10.3390/ph17030396] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last several decades, a growing body of research has investigated the potential to repurpose the anti-diabetic drug metformin for breast cancer prevention and/or treatment. Observational studies in the early 2000s demonstrated that patients with diabetes taking metformin had decreased cancer risk, providing the first evidence supporting the potential role of metformin as an anti-cancer agent. Despite substantial efforts, two decades later, the exact mechanisms and clinical efficacy of metformin for breast cancer remain ambiguous. Here, we have summarized key findings from studies examining the effect of metformin on breast cancer across the translational spectrum including in vitro, in vivo, and human studies. Importantly, we discuss critical factors that may help explain the significant heterogeneity in study outcomes, highlighting how metformin dose, underlying metabolic health, menopausal status, tumor subtype, membrane transporter expression, diet, and other factors may play a role in modulating metformin's anti-cancer effects. We hope that these insights will help with interpreting data from completed studies, improve the design of future studies, and aid in the identification of patient subsets with breast cancer or at high risk for the disease who are most likely to benefit from metformin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen A. Corleto
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (K.A.C.)
- School of Kinesiology and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jenna L. Strandmo
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (K.A.C.)
| | - Erin D. Giles
- School of Kinesiology and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Baskal S, Posma RA, Bollenbach A, Dieperink W, Bakker SJL, Nijsten MW, Touw DJ, Tsikas D. GC-MS analysis of 4-hydroxyproline: elevated proline hydroxylation in metformin-associated lactic acidosis and metformin-treated Becker muscular dystrophy patients. Amino Acids 2024; 56:21. [PMID: 38461423 PMCID: PMC10925573 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-024-03383-9] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Metformin (N,N-dimethylbiguanide), an inhibitor of gluconeogenesis and insulin sensitizer, is widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In some patients with renal insufficiency, metformin can accumulate and cause lactic acidosis, known as metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA, defined as lactate ≥ 5 mM, pH < 7.35, and metformin concentration > 38.7 µM). Here, we report on the post-translational modification (PTM) of proline (Pro) to 4-hydroxyproline (OH-Pro) in metformin-associated lactic acidosis and in metformin-treated patients with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). Pro and OH-Pro were measured simultaneously by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry before, during, and after renal replacement therapy in a patient admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) because of MALA. At admission to the ICU, plasma metformin concentration was 175 µM, with a corresponding lactate concentration of 20 mM and a blood pH of 7.1. Throughout ICU admission, the Pro concentration was lower compared to healthy controls. Renal excretion of OH-Pro was initially high and decreased over time. Moreover, during the first 12 h of ICU admission, OH-Pro seems to be renally secreted while thereafter, it was reabsorbed. Our results suggest that MALA is associated with hyper-hydroxyprolinuria due to elevated PTM of Pro to OH-Pro by prolyl-hydroxylase and/or inhibition of OH-Pro metabolism in the kidneys. In BMD patients, metformin, at the therapeutic dose of 3 × 500 mg per day for 6 weeks, increased the urinary excretion of OH-Pro suggesting elevation of Pro hydroxylation to OH-Pro. Our study suggests that metformin induces specifically the expression/activity of prolyl-hydroxylase in metformin intoxication and BMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Baskal
- Institute of Toxicology, Core Unit Proteomics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rene A Posma
- Department of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Bollenbach
- Institute of Toxicology, Core Unit Proteomics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Willem Dieperink
- Department of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stephan J L Bakker
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten W Nijsten
- Department of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daan J Touw
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dimitrios Tsikas
- Institute of Toxicology, Core Unit Proteomics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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