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Cancer Cell International
Published in: Cancer Cell International 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Metformin | Research

Exosomes biogenesis was increased in metformin-treated human ovary cancer cells; possibly to mediate resistance

Authors: Reza Abbasi, Vahid Nejati, Jafar Rezaie

Published in: Cancer Cell International | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Exosomes derived from tumor cells contribute to the pathogenesis of cancers. Metformin, the most usually used drug for type 2 diabetes, has been frequently investigated for anticancer effects. Here, we examined whether metformin affects exosomes signaling in human ovary cancer cells in vitro.

Methods

Human ovary cancer cells, including A2780 and Skov3 cells, were treated with metformin for either 24–48 h. Cell viability and caspase-3 activity were determined by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) and colorimetric assays respectively. Oil-Red-O staining and in vitro, scratch assays were used to examine cellular toxicity and wound healing rate. After treatment with metformin, exosomes were isolated from cells and quantified by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) assay, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and their markers. Genes related to exosomes signaling were analyzed by real-time PCR or western blotting.

Results

Our results showed that metformin decreased the viability of both cells dose/time-dependently (P < 0.05). Metformin increased the activity of caspase-3 (P < 0.05) as well as the number of Oil-Red-O positive cells in both cell lines. In vitro scratch assay showed that the cell migration rate of metformin-treated cells was decreased (P < 0.05), whereas AChE activity of exosomes from metformin-treated cells was increased (P < 0.05). Concurrent with an increase in CD63 protein levels, expression of Alix, CD63, CD81, Lamp-2, and Rab27b up-regulated in treated cells (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Results indicated that metformin had a cytotoxic effect on ovary cancer cells and enhanced exosome biogenesis and secretion.
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Metadata
Title
Exosomes biogenesis was increased in metformin-treated human ovary cancer cells; possibly to mediate resistance
Authors
Reza Abbasi
Vahid Nejati
Jafar Rezaie
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Metformin
Published in
Cancer Cell International / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1475-2867
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12935-024-03312-6

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