Colorectal and prostate cancer risk in diabetes: Metformin, an actor behind the scene

M. Akhtar Anwar, Wassim Abou Kheir, Stephanie Eid, Joanna Fares, Xiaoqi Liu, Ali H. Eid, Assaad A. Eid

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Both diabetes and cancer are prevalent diseases whose incidence rates are increasing worldwide, especially in countries that are undergoing rapid industrialization changes. Apparently, lifestyle risk factors including diet, physical inactivity and obesity play pivotal, yet preventable, roles in the etiology of both diseases. Epidemiological studies provide strong evidence that subjects with diabetes are at significantly higher risk of developing many forms of cancer and especially solid tumors. In addition to pancreatic and breast cancer, the incidence of colorectal cancer and prostate cancer is increased in type 2 diabetes. While diabetes (type 2) and cancer share many risk factors, the biological links between the two diseases are poorly characterized. In this review, we highlight the mechanistic pathways that link diabetes to colorectal and prostate cancer and the use of Metformin, a diabetes drug, to prevent and/or treat colorectal and prostate cancer. We review the role of AMPK activation in autophagy, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)736-744
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Cancer
Volume5
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© Ivyspring International Publisher.

Funding

FundersFunder number
Qatar National Research FundNPRP 5 - 409 - 3 - 112
Qatar National Research Fund

    Keywords

    • AMPK
    • Colorectal cancer
    • Diabetes
    • Metformin
    • Prostate cancer
    • mTOR

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Oncology

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