The metformin administration on pancreatic tissue damage in metastatic rat prostate cancer and STZ induced diabetes model.

Cancer is the major cause of mortality in most nations, and a severe health problem worldwide. According to epidemiological studies, diabetes shows an increased risk for a variety of cancers. Metformin is a semisynthetic biguanide produced from the French lilac plant. The effects of metformin on pancreatic tissue damage in cancer and diabetic rat models were evaluated histologically and biochemically in the present study. The diabetes model was induced in Copenhagen rats using a single dose of streptozotocin, while prostate cancer was induced through subcutaneous inoculation of MAT-LyLu cells into the animals. Metformin was administered by gavage daily after inoculation of the Mat-Lylu cells. Histological evaluation showed moderate to severe damage to the pancreas following diabetes and cancer process. Administration of metformin reversed these effects showing a beneficial effect of metformin. Metformin treatment can be considered an adjuvant candidate for pancreas tissue in diabetes, prostate cancer and cancer therapy related damage. Metformin alleviates diabetes and cancer induced pancreatic cytotoxicity by regulating oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity. More research will be needed to explore the metformin effect.