OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of metformin on the apoptosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells in vitro and its mechanisms. METHODS: Fluorescent 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. RESULTS: Metformin 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. CONCLUSION: Metformin can induce apoptosis of RCC cells in vitro, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for RCC.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of metformin on the apoptosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells in vitro and its mechanisms. METHODS: Fluorescent 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. RESULTS:Metformin 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. CONCLUSION:Metformin can induce apoptosis of RCC cells in vitro, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for RCC.
Authors: Jacek Rysz; Beata Franczyk; Janusz Ławiński; Robert Olszewski; Anna Gluba-Brzózka Journal: Int J Mol Sci Date: 2020-09-30 Impact factor: 5.923