Effect of metformin on apoptosis of renal cell carcinoma cells in vitro and its mechanisms.
- Author:
Ming LI
1
;
Jun LIU
;
Wei-lie HU
;
Chun-hong JIA
;
Hai-yan LI
;
Zhi-hua WEN
;
Zhi-peng ZOU
;
Xiao-chun BAI
;
Shen-qiu LUO
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Apoptosis; drug effects; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; pathology; Caspase 9; metabolism; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; drug effects; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; pathology; Metformin; pharmacology
- From: Journal of Southern Medical University 2011;31(9):1504-1508
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of metformin on the apoptosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells in vitro and its mechanisms.
METHODSFluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry were used to examine the changes in the apoptosis of 786-O cells after metformin treatment. The possible signaling molecules involved in this process were analyzed by immunoblot analysis of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and caspase 9.
RESULTSMetformin induced apoptosis and caspase 9 activation in 786-O cells in low-serum medium but not in normal-serum medium. Metformin also induced AMPK activation in 786-O cells, but this activation was not associated with the cell proliferation inhibition or apoptosis-inducing effect of metformin.
CONCLUSIONMetformin can induce apoptosis of RCC cells in vitro, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for RCC.
