Low glucose and metformin-induced apoptosis of human ovarian cancer cells is connected to ASK1 via mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated pathways.

Metformin, a first-line drug for type 2 diabetes, could induce apoptosis in cancer cells. However, the concentration of glucose affects the effect of metformin, especially low glucose in the culture medium can enhance the cytotoxicity of metformin on cancer cells. Since mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum is vital for maintaining cell homeostasis, we speculate that low glucose and metformin-induced cell apoptosis may be associated with mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. ASK1, as apoptosis signaling regulating kinase 1, is associated with cell apoptosis and mitochondrial damage. This study was designed to investigate the functional significance of ASK1, mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum and underlying mechanism in low glucose and metformin-induced cell apoptosis.

Pubmed ID: 30760281