Effects of metformin on proliferation and invasion in colon carcinoma cell in the high glucose environment

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of metformin on proliferation and invasion in human colon carcinoma cell SW480 in the high glucose environment and explore the possible underlying mechanisms. Methods Western blot was applied to assess the expressions of E-cadherin and Vimentin in SW480 cells treated with high glucose medium and different concentration metformin, respectively. Cell proliferation and invasion were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and transwell invasion assay, respectively. Results High glucose could promote proliferation of SW480 cells at different action time. After intervened by different concentration of metformin, metformin decreased the proliferation of SW480 in a dose-and time dependent manner. Comparing with the high glucose group and control group, after 48 h of metformin (20 mmol/L) intervention to SW480, transwell invasion assay indicated that the cells crossing the membrane were significantly decreased to (40.18±2.22)% (F=49.403, P<0.001). Western blot showed that the expressions of E-cadherin were obviously increased, while Vimentin were apparently decreased. Conclusion High glucose environment can promote the growth of colon carcinoma cells. Metformin causes a distinct reduction of cells proliferation and invasion in colon carcinoma cells with or without high glucose environment, its molecular mechanism may involve in metformin have a role in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Key words: Colorectal neoplasms; Metformin; Glucose; Epithelial-mesenchymal transition; Proliferation; Invasion