In vitro assessment of cytotoxic, apoptotic and genotoxic effects of metformin

Background and Aims: Recent studies have shown the anticancer properties of metformin, which is widely used in diabetes mellitus. The possible mechanisms effects metformin not been fully elucidated. We aimed to investigate cytotoxic, genotoxic, apoptotic HepG2 HeLa cells. Methods: cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, apoptotoic were determined by MTT method, Comet assay, FACS respectively. Results: Metformin significantly decreased cell viability above 4 32 mM cells, respectively, for 48 h. IC50 values 57.3 (HepG2) 76.9 (HeLa). (5-1000 µM) alone did increase DNA damage all It change oxidative cells but induced treated with only revealed 10% apoptosis. G0/G1 phase accumulation was statistically higher 4, 8, 64 (91%, 99%, 97% respectively) than (-) control (80%). apoptosis 30%, 39%, 27% at 32, concentrations, results implicate that inhibition may be due arrest cycle apoptosis, whereas response mainly responsible cytotoxicity Conclusion: induce non-cytotoxic high doses lead even if compatible previous data. This study provides important information play an essential role progression carcinoma lines, can explain further are needed support these results.