Abstract:Metformin is a first-line drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In recent years, it has been widely studied as a potential anti-tumor drug. There are various anti-tumor mechanisms currently known for metformin. Metformin can directly or indirectly regulate the LKB1/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway via AMPK to and induce ACC phosphorylation. Metformin can also inhibit the insulin receptor/IGF-IR signaling pathway via an AMPK-independent mechanism, induce autophagy and apoptosis, up-regulate Micro RNAs, and suppress tumor growth through regulating the P53/REDD1 pathway, exerting immune function, undergoing oxidation, and acting as a synergistic drug therapy. In this paper, the possible anti-tumor mechanisms of metformin in recent years are classified and summarized, which lays a good theoretical foundation for related research in the future.
