The Effects of Metformin and EGCG On PANC-1 Cell Survival

There is less than a thirty percent survival rate for patients with a localized pancreatic tumor, and less than a ten percent survival rate for patients with metastases. Patients with pancreatic cancer often have altered glucose metabolism and are prescribed metformin which has been shown to reduce cancer cell proliferation. Metformin administered at doses ranging between 10-20 mM has been reported in the literature to induce AMPK signaling pathways which increase cellular apoptosis. Epigallacto-catechan (EGCG) is a polyphenolic antioxidant that has also been shown to increase the AMPK pathway that increases cellular apoptosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of EGCG with a clinical dose of metformin (10µM) in reducing the survival of a pancreatic like cell line in culture. PANC-1 cells were plated onto three 24 well plates at a density of 1 x 106 cells per well. The experimental design consisted of four equal groups: Group 1 served as the control and groups 2-4 were treated with metformin, (EGCG) or metformin and EGCG, respectively. Biochemical and morphological evaluations were conducted following standard lab protocols. Results of this study show 10µM of metformin was unable to alter cell growth or proliferation over a 72 hour period, while 50µM of EGCG alone or in combination with metformin were capable of reducing cell density and cellular protein levels at 48 and 72 hours following treatment. The results show EGCG induced changes in cellular morphology which are characteristic of apoptosis. Overall, additional studies are needed to determine the effects of EGCG on AMPK and ATM pathways that are responsible in normal cellular apoptotic processes.