Metformin: an old drug in new application

Abstract

Metformin is a biguanide derivative that was synthesized in the 20's of last century. The main mechanism of action is the ability to inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis and trigger glucose uptake in skeletal muscles. Metformin is not only an antihyperglycaemic drug but also has protective effects on endothelium cells. In the last decade, many publications displayed that metformin can reduce risk of cancer in diabetic patients and demonstrated a protective effect against certain types of cancer. In this review article, we discuss known mechanisms of metformin anticancer action and its beneficial role as vascular protective and anticancer agent.