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Metformin: an old drug in new application
Affiliations- Polska Grupa Szpiczakowa, emerytowany profesor Uniwersytety Medycznego w Lublinie
- Klinika Hematoonkologii i Transplantacji Szpiku, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Lublinie, Polska
- Zakład Hematoonkologii Doświadczalnej Uniwersytet Medyczny w Lublinie, Polska
- Oddział Hematologiczny Centrum Onkologii Ziemi Lubelskiej im. św Jana z Dukli, Polska
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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.
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.
Keywords
Metformin; Mechanisms of action; Antiproliferative drug
About this articleTitle
Metformin: an old drug in new application
Journal
Issue
Pages
139-145
Published online
2016-04-01
DOI
10.1016/j.achaem.2016.04.001
Bibliographic record
Acta Haematol Pol 2016;47(2):139-145.
Keywords
Metformin
Mechanisms of action
Antiproliferative drug
Authors
Anna Dmoszyńska
Monika Podhorecka
Krzysztof Giannopoulos