Evaluation of Antagonistic Effects of Metformin with Cisplatin in Gastric Cancer Cells

Metformin has recently been introduced as an anti-cancer agent. In this study, we evaluated the effect of metformin and metformin/cisplatin on human gastric MKN-45 cell line. When we used metformin alone, it could inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis, but it diminish anti-proliferative effects of cisplatin when they are used in combination. Further, we checked mRNA levels of survivin, mTOR, and Akt by real-time PCR. When MKN-45 cells were treated with metformin/cisplatin, the expression of survivin and mTOR were increased. The antagonistic effect of metformin on cisplatin could be through survivin and mTOR signaling pathways. Our results also suggest that interfering effect of metformin on cisplatin may be also through upregulation of Akt. Regarding the pivotal role of Akt in drug resistance, it may be reasonable to conclude that the antagonistic effect of metformin on cisplatin effect may be through this central mediator of drug resistance. Taken together, it seems that metformin is not a good option for sensitizing MKN-45 cell line to cisplatin, and in co-prescription of metformin and cisplatin in gastric cancer patients who suffer diabetes type 2, it should be highly cared.