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Updated: Feb 10, 2026
09:11
Caffeine Extraction, Enzymatic Activity and Gene Expression of Caffeine Synthase from Plant Cell Suspensions
Published on: October 2, 2018
13.4K
Caffeine induces metformin anticancer effect on fibrosarcoma in hamsters
D J Popović1, D Lalošević, D Miljković
1Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia. jovan.popovic@mf.uns.ac.rs.
Summary
Metformin and caffeine combination therapy effectively inhibited hamster fibrosarcoma growth. This novel approach demonstrated no significant toxicity, suggesting potential as an adjuvant cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Fibrosarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma.
- Investigating novel, non-toxic adjuvant therapies is crucial for cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the combined effect of metformin and caffeine on fibrosarcoma growth in a hamster model.
- To assess the safety and toxicity of this combination therapy.
Main Methods:
- Syrian golden hamsters were divided into control and treatment groups.
- Tumor induction using BHK-21/C13 cells.
- Treatment groups received metformin, caffeine, or a combination daily via gastric probe prior to tumor inoculation.
- Tumor volume, weight, and diameter were measured; histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses (Ki-67, CD 31, COX IV, GLUT-1, iNOS) were performed.
- Organ toxicity was assessed.
Main Results:
- The combination of metformin and caffeine significantly inhibited fibrosarcoma growth.
- Tumor growth inhibition was observed without significant toxicity in major organs.
- Immunohistochemical analysis indicated effects on tumor proliferation and angiogenesis markers.
Conclusions:
- Metformin and caffeine combination therapy shows promise as an effective and safe adjuvant anticancer treatment.
- Further research into this non-toxic approach for novel adjuvant cancer therapy is warranted.
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