Metformin prevents liver tumorigenesis by inhibiting pathways driving hepatic lipogenesis.

ABSTRACT: A number of factors have been identified that increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently it has become appreciated that type II diabetes increases the risk of developing HCC. This represents a patient population that can be identified and targeted for cancer prevention. The biguanide metformin is a first-line therapy for the treatment of type II diabetes in which it exerts its effects primarily on the liver. A role of metformin in HCC is suggested by studies linking metformin intake for control of diabetes with a reduced risk of HCC. Although a number of preclinical studies show the anticancer properties of metformin in a number of tissues, no studies have directly examined the effect of metformin on preventing carcinogenesis in the liver, one of its main sites of action

SUBMITTER: Bhalla K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3324649 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature