title: Metformin - its potential anti-cancer and anti-aging effects.
abstract: The generally accepted mechanism of metformin's effect is stimulation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is directly activated by an increase in AMP:ATP ratio in metabolic stress conditions including hypoxia and glucose deprivation. Lately, many novel pathways, besides AMPK induction, have been revealed, which can explain some of metformin's beneficial effects. It may help to identify new targets for treatment of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Moreover, metformin is now attracting the attention of researchers in fields other than diabetes, as it has been shown to have anti-cancer, immunoregulatory and anti-aging effects. The aim of this review is to describe the potential anti-cancer and anti-aging properties of metformin and discuss the possible underlying mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematooncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Medical University of Lublin.
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Podhorecka
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematooncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Medical University of Lublin.
authors.forename: Blanca
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ibanez
authors.affiliation: Polish Multiple Myeloma Group, Retired Professor of Medical University of Lublin.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dmoszyńska
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D016923:Cell Death / Q000187:drug effects; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008687:Metformin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin; D005947:Glucose