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Anti-tumor activity of metformin: from metabolic and epigenetic perspectives

Xilan Yu1, Wuxiang Mao1, Yansheng Zhai1

  • 1Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.

Oncotarget
|December 1, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Metformin, a type 2 diabetes drug, shows promise as an anti-cancer agent. Research explores its mechanisms, including cell metabolism, epigenetics, immunity, and apoptosis, for potential cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Metformin is a widely used medication for type 2 diabetes.
  • Studies indicate metformin may reduce cancer incidence in diabetic patients.
  • Its low cost and anti-cancer potential drive significant research interest.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the anti-tumor mechanisms of metformin.
  • To explore metformin's effects on cell metabolism and epigenetic modifications.
  • To describe metformin's impact on anti-cancer immunity and apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epidemiological, preclinical, and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of metformin's effects on cellular metabolism.
  • Examination of metformin's role in epigenetic modifications.

Main Results:

  • Metformin exhibits anti-cancer properties through various pathways.
  • Mechanisms include modulation of cell metabolism and epigenetic alterations.
  • Effects on anti-cancer immunity and apoptosis are also observed.

Conclusions:

  • Metformin possesses multifaceted anti-tumor mechanisms.
  • Understanding these mechanisms can guide clinical trials for cancer therapy.
  • Metformin shows potential for development as an anti-cancer therapeutic.
Keywords:
epigenetic modificationsmetabolismmetformintherapeutic targets

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