Examination of Metformin effect on breast cancer cell line

Introduction: Metformin, a biguanide drug, is the most commonly used drug for Type-2 diabetes treatment. Besides, it has been used for treating various types of cancer. Epidemiological studies have confirmed that metformin, but not other anti-diabetic drugs, significantly reduces cancer incidence and improves survival of type 2 diabetics’ cancer patients. We investigated the lethal effects of metformin on SKBR-3 breast cancer cell line which amplifies/overexpresses HER2 tyrosine kinase receptor.Methods: Primarily, we determined the lethal dose (LD50) of metformin on the cells using MTT viability assay. Next, we applied RT-PCR to examine changes in expression levels of genes involved in cell survival and apoptosis Results: Our preliminary data indicates the potential of metformin inducing death in our cancer cell line. We are investigating the apoptotic nature of metformin-induced cell death and examining changes in intracellular growth/apoptosis signaling pathways. Conclusion: In the present study Metformin has shown inhibition of breast cancer cell growth and induction of cell death.