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Galal MA, Al-Rimawi M, Hajeer A, Dahman H, Alouch S, Aljada A. Metformin: A Dual-Role Player in Cancer Treatment and Prevention. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4083. [PMID: 38612893 PMCID: PMC11012626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer continues to pose a significant global health challenge, as evidenced by the increasing incidence rates and high mortality rates, despite the advancements made in chemotherapy. The emergence of chemoresistance further complicates the effectiveness of treatment. However, there is growing interest in the potential of metformin, a commonly prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as an adjuvant chemotherapy agent in cancer treatment. Although the precise mechanism of action of metformin in cancer therapy is not fully understood, it has been found to have pleiotropic effects, including the modulation of metabolic pathways, reduction in inflammation, and the regulation of cellular proliferation. This comprehensive review examines the anticancer properties of metformin, drawing insights from various studies conducted in vitro and in vivo, as well as from clinical trials and observational research. This review discusses the mechanisms of action involving both insulin-dependent and independent pathways, shedding light on the potential of metformin as a therapeutic agent for different types of cancer. Despite promising findings, there are challenges that need to be addressed, such as conflicting outcomes in clinical trials, considerations regarding dosing, and the development of resistance. These challenges highlight the importance of further research to fully harness the therapeutic potential of metformin in cancer treatment. The aims of this review are to provide a contemporary understanding of the role of metformin in cancer therapy and identify areas for future exploration in the pursuit of effective anticancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Ahmed Galal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.G.); (M.A.-R.); (H.D.); (S.A.)
- Department of Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK
| | - Mohammed Al-Rimawi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.G.); (M.A.-R.); (H.D.); (S.A.)
| | | | - Huda Dahman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.G.); (M.A.-R.); (H.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Samhar Alouch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.G.); (M.A.-R.); (H.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Ahmad Aljada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.G.); (M.A.-R.); (H.D.); (S.A.)
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Du Y, Zhu J, Guo Z, Wang Z, Wang Y, Hu M, Zhang L, Yang Y, Wang J, Huang Y, Huang P, Chen M, Chen B, Yang C. Metformin adverse event profile: a pharmacovigilance study based on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from 2004 to 2022. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2024; 17:189-201. [PMID: 38269492 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2024.2306223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metformin has the potential for treating numerous diseases, but there are still many unrecognized and unreported adverse events (AEs). METHODS We selected data from the United States FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database from the first quarter (Q1) of 2004 to the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2022 for disproportionality analysis to assess the association between metformin and related adverse events. RESULTS In this study 10,500,295 case reports were collected from the FAERS database, of which 56,674 adverse events related to metformin were reported. A total of 643 preferred terms (PTs) and 27 system organ classes (SOCs) that were significant disproportionality conforming to the four algorithms simultaneously were included. The SOCs included metabolic and nutritional disorders (p = 0.00E + 00), gastrointestinal disorders (p = 0.00E + 00) and others. PT levels were screened for adverse drug reaction (ADR) signals such as acute pancreatitis (p = 0.00E + 00), melas syndrome, pemphigoid (p = 0.00E + 00), skin eruption (p = 0.00E + 00) and drug exposure during pregnancy (p = 0.00E + 00). CONCLUSION Most of our results were consistent with the specification, but some new signals of adverse reactions such as acute pancreatitis were not included. Therefore, further studies are needed to validate unlabeled adverse reactions and provide important support for clinical monitoring and risk identification of metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikuan Du
- Central Laboratory, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Dongguan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinfeng Zhu
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Zhuoming Guo
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Zhenjie Wang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Yuni Wang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Mianda Hu
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Lingzhi Zhang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Yurong Yang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Jinjin Wang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Yixing Huang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Peiying Huang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Mianhai Chen
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Chun Yang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
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Bures J, Kohoutova D, Skrha J, Bunganic B, Ngo O, Suchanek S, Skrha P, Zavoral M. Diabetes Mellitus in Pancreatic Cancer: A Distinct Approach to Older Subjects with New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3669. [PMID: 37509329 PMCID: PMC10377806 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with a very poor prognosis, with near-identical incidence and mortality. According to the World Health Organization Globocan Database, the estimated number of new cases worldwide will rise by 70% between 2020 and 2040. There are no effective screening methods available so far, even for high-risk individuals. The prognosis of PDAC, even at its early stages, is still mostly unsatisfactory. Impaired glucose metabolism is present in about 3/4 of PDAC cases. METHODS Available literature on pancreatic cancer and diabetes mellitus was reviewed using a PubMed database. Data from a national oncology registry (on PDAC) and information from a registry of healthcare providers (on diabetes mellitus and a number of abdominal ultrasound investigations) were obtained. RESULTS New-onset diabetes mellitus in subjects older than 60 years should be an incentive for a prompt and detailed investigation to exclude PDAC. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, diabetes mellitus associated with chronic non-malignant diseases of the exocrine pancreas, and PDAC-associated type 3c diabetes mellitus are the most frequent types. Proper differentiation of particular types of new-onset diabetes mellitus is a starting point for a population-based program. An algorithm for subsequent steps of the workup was proposed. CONCLUSIONS The structured, well-differentiated, and elaborately designed approach to the elderly with a new onset of diabetes mellitus could improve the current situation in diagnostics and subsequent poor outcomes of therapy of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Bures
- Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Military University Hospital Prague, 169 02 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague and Military University Hospital Prague, 169 02 Prague, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Darina Kohoutova
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK
| | - Jan Skrha
- Third Department of Internal Medicine-Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bohus Bunganic
- Department of Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague and Military University Hospital Prague, 169 02 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Ngo
- Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic, 128 01 Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stepan Suchanek
- Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Military University Hospital Prague, 169 02 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague and Military University Hospital Prague, 169 02 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Skrha
- Department of Medicine, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Zavoral
- Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Military University Hospital Prague, 169 02 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague and Military University Hospital Prague, 169 02 Prague, Czech Republic
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