Chemopreventive effects of metformin on obesity-associated endometrial proliferation.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Obesity is a significant contributing factor to endometrial cancer risk. We previously demonstrated that estrogen-induced endometrial proliferation is enhanced in the context of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. In this study, we investigate whether pharmacologic agents that modulate insulin sensitivity or normalize insulin levels will diminish the proliferative response to estrogen.

Study design

Zucker fa/fa obese rats and lean controls were used as models of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. Insulin levels were depleted in ovariectomized rats following treatment with streptozotocin, or modulated by metformin treatment. The number of BrdU-incorporated cells, estrogen-dependent proliferative and antiproliferative gene expression, and activation of mTO

SUBMITTER: Zhang Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3819145 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature