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

作者:Yu Xilan; Mao Wuxiang; Zhai Yansheng; Tong Chong; Liu Min; Ma Lixin; Yu Xiaolan; Li Shanshan*
来源:Oncotarget, 2017, 8(3): 5619-5628.
DOI:10.18632/oncotarget.13639

摘要

Metformin has been used to treat type 2 diabetes for over 50 years. Epidemiological, preclinical and clinical studies suggest that metformin treatment reduces cancer incidence in diabetes patients. Due to its potential as an anti-cancer agent and its low cost, metformin has gained intense research interest. Its traditional anti-cancer mechanisms involve both indirect and direct insulin-dependent pathways. Here, we discussed the anti-tumor mechanism of metformin from the aspects of cell metabolism and epigenetic modifications. The effects of metformin on anti-cancer immunity and apoptosis were also described. Understanding these mechanisms will shed lights on application of metformin in clinical trials and development of anticancer therapy.