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Mechanism Underlying Metformin Action and Its Potential to Reduce Gastric Cancer Risk

Wen-Hsi Lan1,2, Ting-Yu Lin1,2, Jia-Ai Yeh1,2

  • 1School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|November 26, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Metformin, a diabetes drug, may impact gastric cancer (GC) risk. This review analyzes clinical data to clarify metformin's role in GC prevention and treatment, exploring its anti-tumor mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus significantly increases gastric cancer (GC) risk.
  • Metformin, a type 2 diabetes medication, activates AMP-activated protein kinase and inhibits gluconeogenesis.
  • Emerging evidence suggests metformin possesses anti-tumor properties beneficial for cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize findings on metformin's impact on gastric cancer risk.
  • To analyze clinical databases for evidence regarding metformin's efficacy in GC prevention.
  • To elucidate the anti-tumor mechanisms of metformin in gastric cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of clinical databases.
  • Analysis of studies investigating metformin's association with GC risk.
  • Discussion of metformin's molecular mechanisms against GC.

Main Results:

  • Contradictory reports exist regarding metformin's effect on GC risk.
  • Metformin demonstrates anti-tumor effects relevant to cancer therapy.
  • Clinical data analysis is crucial for understanding metformin's role in GC.

Conclusions:

  • Metformin's role in mitigating gastric cancer risk requires further clarification.
  • Understanding metformin's anti-tumor mechanisms is key to its potential GC therapeutic application.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm metformin's efficacy in GC prevention and treatment.
Keywords:
diabetes mellitusgastric cancermetforminmicrobiotareactive oxygen species

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