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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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2
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Hogan KA, Zeidler JD, Beasley HK, Alsaadi AI, Alshaheeb AA, Chang YC, Tian H, Hinton AO, McReynolds MR. Using mass spectrometry imaging to visualize age-related subcellular disruption. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:906606. [PMID: 36968274 PMCID: PMC10032471 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.906606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic homeostasis balances the production and consumption of energetic molecules to maintain active, healthy cells. Cellular stress, which disrupts metabolism and leads to the loss of cellular homeostasis, is important in age-related diseases. We focus here on the role of organelle dysfunction in age-related diseases, including the roles of energy deficiencies, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, changes in metabolic flux in aging (e.g., Ca2+ and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), and alterations in the endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria contact sites that regulate the trafficking of metabolites. Tools for single-cell resolution of metabolite pools and metabolic flux in animal models of aging and age-related diseases are urgently needed. High-resolution mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) provides a revolutionary approach for capturing the metabolic states of individual cells and cellular interactions without the dissociation of tissues. mass spectrometry imaging can be a powerful tool to elucidate the role of stress-induced cellular dysfunction in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A. Hogan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Signal Transduction and Molecular Nutrition Laboratory, Kogod Aging Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Julianna D. Zeidler
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Heather K. Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Abrar I. Alsaadi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Abdulkareem A. Alshaheeb
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Yi-Chin Chang
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Hua Tian
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Hua Tian, ; Antentor O. Hinton Jr, ; Melanie R. McReynolds,
| | - Antentor O. Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- *Correspondence: Hua Tian, ; Antentor O. Hinton Jr, ; Melanie R. McReynolds,
| | - Melanie R. McReynolds
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Hua Tian, ; Antentor O. Hinton Jr, ; Melanie R. McReynolds,
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3
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Wu XY, Xu WW, Huan XK, Wu GN, Li G, Zhou YH, Najafi M. Mechanisms of cancer cell killing by metformin: a review on different cell death pathways. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:197-214. [PMID: 35771397 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04502-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cancer resistance to anti-tumour agents has been one of the serious challenges in different types of cancer treatment. Usually, an increase in the cell death markers can predict a higher rate of survival among patients diagnosed with cancer. By increasing the regulation of survival genes, cancer cells can display a higher resistance to therapy through the suppression of anti-tumour immunity and inhibition of cell death signalling pathways. Administration of certain adjuvants may be useful in order to increase the therapeutic efficiency of anti-cancer therapy through the stimulation of different cell death pathways. Several studies have demonstrated that metformin, an antidiabetic drug with anti-cancer properties, amplifies cell death mechanisms, especially apoptosis in a broad-spectrum of cancer cells. Stimulation of the immune system by metformin has been shown to play a key role in the induction of cell death. It seems that the induction or suppression of different cell death mechanisms has a pivotal role in either sensitization or resistance of cancer cells to therapy. This review explains the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cell death following anticancer therapy. Then, we discuss the modulatory roles of metformin on different cancer cell death pathways including apoptosis, mitotic catastrophe, senescence, autophagy, ferroptosis and pyroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Wu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen-Wen Xu
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medi-Cine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang-Kun Huan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guan-Nan Wu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yu-Hong Zhou
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medi-Cine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Medical Technology Research Center, Institute of Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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4
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Al‐kuraishy HM, Al‐Gareeb AI, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Nadwa EH, Albogami SM, Alorabi M, Saad HM, Batiha GE. Metformin and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A hidden treasure. J Diabetes 2022; 14:806-814. [PMID: 36444166 PMCID: PMC9789395 DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.13334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic endocrine disorder due to the reduction of insulin sensitivity and relative deficiency of insulin secretion. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) belongs to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily and was initially identified as macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1). GDF15 is considered a cytokine with an anti-inflammatory effect and increases insulin sensitivity, reduces body weight, and improves clinical outcomes in diabetic patients. GDF15 acts through stimulation of glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family receptor α-like (GFRAL), which is highly expressed in the brain stem to induce taste aversion. Metformin belongs to the group of biguanides that are derived from the plant Galega officinalis. It is interesting to note that metformin is an insulin-sensitizing agent used as a first-line therapy for T2DM that has been shown to increase the circulating level of GDF15. Thus, the present review aims to determine the critical association of the GDF15 biomarker in T2DM and how metformin agents affect it. This review illustrates that metformin activates GDF15 expression, which reduces appetite and leads to weight loss in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. However, the present review cannot give a conclusion in this regard. Therefore, experimental, preclinical, and clinical studies are warranted to confirm the potential role of GDF15 in T2DM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M. Al‐kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of MedicineAL‐Mustansiriyah UniversityBaghdadIraq
| | - Ali I. Al‐Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of MedicineAL‐Mustansiriyah UniversityBaghdadIraq
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- Department of Science and EngineeringNovel Global Community Educational FoundationHebershamAustralia
- AFNP MedWienAustria
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten‐Herdecke, Heusnerstrasse 40WuppertalGermany
| | - Eman Hassan Nadwa
- Department of Pharmacology and TherapeuticsCollege of Medicine, Jouf UniversitySakakahSaudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of MedicineCairo UniversityGizaEgypt
| | - Sarah M. Albogami
- Department of BiotechnologyCollege of Science, Taif UniversityTaifSaudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alorabi
- Department of BiotechnologyCollege of Science, Taif UniversityTaifSaudi Arabia
| | - Hebatallah M. Saad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineMatrouh UniversityMarsa MatruhEgypt
| | - Gaber El‐Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineDamanhour UniversityDamanhourEgypt
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5
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Pluquet O, Abbadie C. Cellular senescence and tumor promotion: Role of the Unfolded Protein Response. Adv Cancer Res 2021; 150:285-334. [PMID: 33858599 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Senescence is a cellular state which can be viewed as a stress response phenotype implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, including cancer. Therefore, it is of fundamental importance to understand why and how a cell acquires and maintains a senescent phenotype. Direct evidence has pointed to the homeostasis of the endoplasmic reticulum whose control appears strikingly affected during senescence. The endoplasmic reticulum is one of the sensing organelles that transduce signals between different pathways in order to adapt a functional proteome upon intrinsic or extrinsic challenges. One of these signaling pathways is the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), which has been shown to be activated during senescence. Its exact contribution to senescence onset, maintenance, and escape, however, is still poorly understood. In this article, we review the mechanisms through which the UPR contributes to the appearance and maintenance of characteristic senescent features. We also discuss whether the perturbation of the endoplasmic reticulum proteostasis or accumulation of misfolded proteins could be possible causes of senescence, and-as a consequence-to what extent the UPR components could be considered as therapeutic targets allowing for the elimination of senescent cells or altering their secretome to prevent neoplastic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Pluquet
- Univ Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277-CANTHER-Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille, France.
| | - Corinne Abbadie
- Univ Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277-CANTHER-Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille, France
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6
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Kulkarni AS, Gubbi S, Barzilai N. Benefits of Metformin in Attenuating the Hallmarks of Aging. Cell Metab 2020; 32:15-30. [PMID: 32333835 PMCID: PMC7347426 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 346] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Biological aging involves an interplay of conserved and targetable molecular mechanisms, summarized as the hallmarks of aging. Metformin, a biguanide that combats age-related disorders and improves health span, is the first drug to be tested for its age-targeting effects in the large clinical trial-TAME (targeting aging by metformin). This review focuses on metformin's mechanisms in attenuating hallmarks of aging and their interconnectivity, by improving nutrient sensing, enhancing autophagy and intercellular communication, protecting against macromolecular damage, delaying stem cell aging, modulating mitochondrial function, regulating transcription, and lowering telomere attrition and senescence. These characteristics make metformin an attractive gerotherapeutic to translate to human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameya S Kulkarni
- Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Sriram Gubbi
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nir Barzilai
- Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY, USA.
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7
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Ouyang J, Isnard S, Lin J, Fombuena B, Peng X, Chen Y, Routy JP. GDF-15 as a Weight Watcher for Diabetic and Non-Diabetic People Treated With Metformin. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:581839. [PMID: 33312159 PMCID: PMC7708317 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.581839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Weight gain and obesity are global health concerns contributing to morbidity with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver steatohepatitis and cancer. Pharmacological therapies or bariatric surgery are often required for those who fail to adhere to diet and lifestyle modifications. Metformin, a widely used antidiabetic agent, seems to have a health benefit beyond its anti-hyperglycemic properties, with few side effects. Emerging evidence shows weight loss to be associated with metformin in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Recently, the growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), a member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily, has been identified as a key mediator of metformin-induced weight loss. Metformin increases the secretion of GDF-15, which binds exclusively to glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha-like (GFRAL). This gut-brain cytokine works as a prominent player in reducing food intake and body weight in health and disease, like anorexia nervosa and cancer. Herein, we critically review advances in the understanding of the weight-reducing effects of metformin via the GDF-15 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ouyang
- Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphane Isnard
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - John Lin
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Brandon Fombuena
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Xiaorong Peng
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaokai Chen
- Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Jean-Pierre Routy, ; Yaokai Chen,
| | - Jean-Pierre Routy
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Division of Hematology, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Jean-Pierre Routy, ; Yaokai Chen,
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8
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Varghese S, Samuel SM, Varghese E, Kubatka P, Büsselberg D. High Glucose Represses the Anti-Proliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Effect of Metformin in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Biomolecules 2019; 9:E16. [PMID: 30626087 PMCID: PMC6359242 DOI: 10.3390/biom9010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin, the most widely prescribed anti-diabetic drug, is shown to possess anti-cancer potential in treatment of cancers, including breast cancer; decreases breast cancer risk; and improves overall survival. However, reports suggest that higher glucose concentrations may negatively impact the anti-cancer efficacy of metformin. Therefore, we examined the anti-cancer potential of metformin in triple-negative breast cancer cells (TNBCs) exposed to different glucose (25 mM, 5.5 mM and zero glucose/glucose-starved) conditions. Our data indicates that a high glucose (25 mM) concentration (mimicking diabetes) significantly abrogated the effect of metformin on cell proliferation, cell death and cell cycle arrest in addition to loss of efficacy in inhibition of the mTOR pathway, a key metabolic pathway in TNBC cells. The mTOR pathway is activated in TNBCs compared to other subtypes of breast cancer, regulates the synthesis of proteins that are critical for the growth and survival of cancer cells and its activation is correlated to poor outcomes among TNBC patients, while also contributing to metastatic progression and development of resistance to chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Our studies were performed in two different types of TNBCs, MDA-MB-231 cells (mesenchymal stem cell-like (MSL)) and MDA-MB-468 (basal like-1 (BL-1)). Interestingly, lower concentrations of metformin (50, 100, 250, and 500 μM) significantly increased cell proliferation in 25 mM glucose exposed MDA-MB-231 cells, an effect which was not observed in MDA-MB-468 cells, indicating that the effective concentration of metformin when used as anti-cancer drug in TNBCs may have to be determined based on cell type and blood glucose concentration. Our data indicates that metformin treatment was most effective under zero glucose/glucose-starved conditions in MDA-MB-468 with a significant increase in the apoptotic population (62.3 ± 1.5%; p-value < 0.01). Under 5.5 mM glucose conditions in both MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells our data showed reduced viability of 73.56 ± 2.53%; p-value < 0.05 and 70.49 ± 1.68%; p-value < 0.001, respectively, along with a significant increase in apoptotic populations of both cell types. Furthermore, metformin (2 mM) inhibited the mTOR pathway and its downstream components under zero glucose/glucose-starved conditions indicating that using metformin in combination with agents that inhibit the glycolytic pathway should be more beneficial for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancers in diabetic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Varghese
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar.
| | - Samson Mathews Samuel
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar.
| | - Elizabeth Varghese
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar.
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Dietrich Büsselberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar.
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9
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Metformin Inhibits Migration and Invasion by Suppressing ROS Production and COX2 Expression in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113692. [PMID: 30469399 PMCID: PMC6274682 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Several mechanisms of action have been proposed to explain the apparent antineoplastic functions of metformin, many of which are observed at high concentrations that may not be reflective of achievable tissue concentrations. We propose that metformin at low concentrations functions to inhibit ROS production and inflammatory signaling in breast cancer, thereby reducing metastasis. Methods: Using the highly invasive MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma model, we ascertained the impact of metformin on cell viability by DNA content analysis and fluorescent dye exclusion. Migration and invasion assays were performed using a modified Boyden chamber assay and metastasis was ascertained using the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. PGE2 production was measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). COX2 and ICAM1 levels were determined by flow cytometry immunoassay. Results: Metformin acutely decreased cell viability and caused G2 cell cycle arrest only at high concentrations (10 mM). At 100 µM, however, metformin reduced ICAM1 and COX2 expression, as well as reduced PGE2 production and endogenous mitochondrial ROS production while failing to significantly impact cell viability. Consequently, metformin inhibited migration, invasion in vitro and PGE2-dependent metastasis in CAM assays. Conclusion: At pharmacologically achievable concentrations, metformin does not drastically impact cell viability, but inhibits inflammatory signaling and metastatic progression in breast cancer cells.
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10
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Niu N, Liu T, Cairns J, Ly RC, Tan X, Deng M, Fridley BL, Kalari KR, Abo RP, Jenkins G, Batzler A, Carlson EE, Barman P, Moran S, Heyn H, Esteller M, Wang L. Metformin pharmacogenomics: a genome-wide association study to identify genetic and epigenetic biomarkers involved in metformin anticancer response using human lymphoblastoid cell lines. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 25:4819-4834. [PMID: 28173075 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is currently considered as a promising anticancer agent in addition to its anti-diabetic effect. To better individualize metformin therapy and explore novel molecular mechanisms in cancer treatment, we conducted a pharmacogenomic study using 266 lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). Metformin cytotoxicity assay was performed using the MTS assay. Genome-wide association (GWA) analyses were performed in LCLs using 1.3 million SNPs, 485k DNA methylation probes, 54k mRNA expression probe sets, and metformin cytotoxicity (IC50s). Top candidate genes were functionally validated using siRNA screening, followed by MTS assay in breast cancer cell lines. Further study of one top candidate, STUB1, was performed to elucidate the mechanisms by which STUB1 might contribute to metformin action. GWA analyses in LCLs identified 198 mRNA expression probe sets, 12 SNP loci, and 5 DNA methylation loci associated with metformin IC50 with P-values <10−4 or <10−5. Integrated SNP/methylation loci-expression-IC50 analyses found 3 SNP loci or 5 DNA methylation loci associated with metformin IC50 through trans-regulation of expression of 11 or 26 genes with P-value <10−4. Functional validation of top 61 candidate genes in 4 IPA networks indicated down regulation of 14 genes significantly altered metformin sensitivity in two breast cancer cell lines. Mechanistic studies revealed that the E3 ubiquitin ligase, STUB1, could influence metformin response by facilitating proteasome-mediated degradation of cyclin A. GWAS using a genomic data-enriched LCL model system, together with functional and mechanistic studies using cancer cell lines, help us to identify novel genetic and epigenetic biomarkers involved in metformin anticancer response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nifang Niu
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Tongzheng Liu
- Division of Oncology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Junmei Cairns
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Reynold C Ly
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Xianglin Tan
- UMDNJ/The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Min Deng
- Division of Oncology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Brooke L Fridley
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Krishna R Kalari
- Division of Biostatistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ryan P Abo
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gregory Jenkins
- Division of Biostatistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Anthony Batzler
- Division of Biostatistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Erin E Carlson
- Division of Biostatistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Poulami Barman
- Division of Biostatistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sebastian Moran
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Holger Heyn
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain,Department of Physiological Sciences II, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Liewei Wang
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
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11
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Zafarvahedian E, Roohi A, Sepand MR, Ostad SN, Ghahremani MH. Effect of metformin and celecoxib on cytotoxicity and release of GDF-15 from human mesenchymal stem cells in high glucose condition. Cell Biochem Funct 2017; 35:407-413. [PMID: 28975647 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have therapeutic potential for treatment of diabetes. However, in vitro behavior of MSCs in high glucose condition as well as presence of glucose lowering agents is not fully understood. Because MSCs have an important role in tissue repair, we examined the effects of metformin and celecoxib on viability of MSCs in different glucose conditions. MSCs, from umbilical cord blood, were cultured in normoglycemic (glucose 5.5 mM), midglycemic (glucose 10 mM), and hyperglycemic (glucose 25 mM) conditions, and the cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. The cytotoxicity and secretion of GDF-15 were further tested in MSCs treated with metformin and celecoxib in various glucose concentrations. Our results showed that high glucose condition lowered viability of MSCs. Metformin treatment also inhibited proliferation of MSCs, but its toxicity was not changed in high glucose condition. Celecoxib induced cytotoxicity in MSCs, and the toxicity was increased in high glucose condition. Metformin and celecoxib induced release from MSCs; however, high glucose inhibited the metformin-induced GDF-15 release. These findings suggested that metformin did not increase the cytotoxicity of high glucose condition in MSCs. Moreover, celecoxib treatment in diabetic condition can reduce the viability of MSCs to proliferate and regenerate perhaps via change in release of GDF-15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Zafarvahedian
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Roohi
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Sepand
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Nasser Ostad
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Ghahremani
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Toxicology and Poisoning Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Metformin use and gynecological cancers: A novel treatment option emerging from drug repositioning. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2016; 105:73-83. [PMID: 27378194 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin exerts antitumor effects mainly through AMP-activated protein kinase [AMPK] activation and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase [PI3K]-Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin [mTOR] inhibition. This drug leads to activation of the cellular energy-sensing liver kinase B1 [LKB1]/AMPK pathway. LKB1 is implicated as a tumor suppressor gene in molecular pathogenesis of different malignancies. AMPK is a serine/threonine protein kinase that acts as an ultra-sensitive cellular energy sensor maintaining the energy balance within the cell. AMPK activation inhibits mRNA translation and proliferation in cancer cells via down-regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Moreover, metformin decreases the production of insulin, insulin-like growth factor, inflammatory cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor, and therefore it exerts anti-mitotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenetic effects. Recent in vitro and experimental data suggest that metformin electively targets cancer stem cells, and acts together with chemotherapy to block tumor growth in different cancers. Several epidemiological studies and meta-analysis have shown that metformin use is associated with decreased cancer risk and/or reduced cancer mortality for different malignancies. The present review analyzes the recent biological and clinical data suggesting a possible growth-static effect of metformin also in gynecological cancers. The large majority of available clinical data on the anti-cancer potential of metformin are based on observational studies. Therefore long-term phase II-III clinical trials are strongly warranted to further investigate metformin activity in gynecological cancers.
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13
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Sui X, Xu Y, Wang X, Han W, Pan H, Xiao M. Metformin: A Novel but Controversial Drug in Cancer Prevention and Treatment. Mol Pharm 2015; 12:3783-91. [PMID: 26430787 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Metformin, a biguanide derivative that is widely used for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus, has recently been shown to exert potential anticancer effects. Many retrospective data and laboratory studies suggest the idea that metformin has antineoplastic activity, but some other studies reach conflicting conclusions. Although the precise molecular mechanisms by which metformin affects various cancers have not been fully elucidated, activation of AMPK-dependent and AMPK-independent pathways along with energy metabolism aberration, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis or autophagy induction have emerged as crucial regulators in this process. In this Review, we describe the role of metformin in the prevention and treatment of a variety of cancers and summarize the molecular mechanisms that are currently well documented in the ability of metformin as an anticancer agent. In addition, the scientific and clinical hurdles regarding the potential role of metformin in cancer will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbing Sui
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University , 310027 Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province , 310027 Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinghua Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University , 310027 Hangzhou, China
| | - Xian Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University , 310027 Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province , 310027 Hangzhou, China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University , 310027 Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province , 310027 Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongming Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University , 310027 Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province , 310027 Hangzhou, China
| | - Mang Xiao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University , 310027 Hangzhou, China
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Grossmann ME, Yang DQ, Guo Z, Potter DA, Cleary MP. Metformin Treatment for the Prevention and/or Treatment of Breast/Mammary Tumorigenesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 1:312-323. [PMID: 26405648 DOI: 10.1007/s40495-015-0032-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing interest in metformin's effects on the development, treatment and/or progression of breast cancer. This emerges from observational studies that diabetic women treated with metformin in comparison to other antidiabetic compounds had lower breast cancer incidence and/or mortality rates. The mechanism of action is considered to be activation of hepatic AMPK resulting in reduced gluconeogenesis. Calorie restriction, which consistently reduces mammary tumorigenesis in rodents, is also thought to act through this pathway leading to the hypothesis that metformin's anticancer effects are mediated in a similar fashion. Here we review the literature evaluating metformin's anticancer effects in relation to breast/mammary tumorigenesis. We include clinical observations, as well as studies utilizing rodent models and mammary cell lines. In addition to the anticancer effect of metformin mediated through the AMPK pathway, additional mechanisms of action that directly target tissues have been identified including effects on stem cells, apoptosis, STAT3 and HER2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Grossmann
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16 Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912 ; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Da-Qing Yang
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16 Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912 ; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Zhijun Guo
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 ; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - David A Potter
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 ; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Margot P Cleary
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16 Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912 ; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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15
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Pluquet O, Pourtier A, Abbadie C. The unfolded protein response and cellular senescence. A review in the theme: cellular mechanisms of endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling in health and disease. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2014; 308:C415-25. [PMID: 25540175 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00334.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a multifunctional organelle critical for the proper folding and assembly of secreted and transmembrane proteins. Perturbations of ER functions cause ER stress, which activates a coordinated system of transcriptional and translational controls called the unfolded protein response (UPR), to cope with accumulation of misfolded proteins and proteotoxicity. It results in ER homeostasis restoration or in cell death. Senescence is a complex cell phenotype induced by several stresses such as telomere attrition, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and activation of some oncogenes. It is mainly characterized by a cell enlargement, a permanent cell-cycle arrest, and the production of a secretome enriched in proinflammatory cytokines and components of the extracellular matrix. Senescent cells accumulate with age in tissues and are suspected to play a role in age-associated diseases. Since senescence is a stress response, the question arises of whether an ER stress could occur concomitantly with senescence and participate in the onset or maintenance of the senescent features. Here, we described the interconnections between the UPR signaling and the different aspects of the cellular senescence programs and discuss the implication of UPR modulations in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Pluquet
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR8161, Institut de Biologie de Lille, Lille, France; Université Lille 1 Sciences et Techniques, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France; Université Lille 2 Droit et Santé, Lille, France; and Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Albin Pourtier
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR8161, Institut de Biologie de Lille, Lille, France; Université Lille 1 Sciences et Techniques, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France; Université Lille 2 Droit et Santé, Lille, France; and Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Corinne Abbadie
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR8161, Institut de Biologie de Lille, Lille, France; Université Lille 1 Sciences et Techniques, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France; Université Lille 2 Droit et Santé, Lille, France; and Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
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p21(WAF1/CIP1) Expression is Differentially Regulated by Metformin and Rapamycin. Int J Chronic Dis 2014; 2014:327640. [PMID: 26464852 PMCID: PMC4590942 DOI: 10.1155/2014/327640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Revised: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays an important role in the development of diabetic nephropathy and other age-related diseases. One of the features of DN is the elevated expression of p21WAF1/CIP1. However, the importance of the mTOR signalling pathway in p21 regulation is poorly understood. Here we investigated the effect of metformin and rapamycin on mTOR-related phenotypes in cell lines of epithelial origin. This study reports that metformin inhibits high glucose-induced p21 expression. High glucose opposed metformin in regulating cell size, proliferation, and protein synthesis. These effects were associated with reduced AMPK activation, affecting downstream mTOR signalling. However, the inhibition of the mTOR pathway by rapamycin did not have a negative effect on p21 expression, suggesting that metformin regulates p21 upstream of mTOR. These findings provide support for the hypothesis that AMPK activation may regulate p21 expression, which may have implications for diabetic nephropathy and other age-related pathologies.
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