Metformin And mTOR Signaling

Metformin seems to block mTOR signaling; abstract:

Recent findings have shed new light on the mechanisms of action through which biguanides exert their anti-aging and cytostatic effects in Caenorhabditis elegans and human cell lines. The drop in energy charge resulting from the metformin mediated inhibition of mitochondrial activity affects the function of the nuclear pore complex, blocks mTOR signaling and enhances the expression of ACAD10. Whether the inhibition of this pathway is truly responsible for the anti-diabetic and cancer effects of the drug in mammals remains to be established.

The importance of mTOR is explained here.  This pathway has been linked to a number of disorders, and so these are important findings.  But lifestyle changes also play an important role in preventing, or treating, diseases like diabetes and cancer that drugs are used for.  Always ask your physician when the drug is prescribed: is there anything else I should be doing?  Should I also change my diet? Exercise?  

Metformin, Diabetes, and Colorectal Cancer

The drug metformin, used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, has shown some efficacy in being protective against colorectal cancer, and a paper discusses possible mechanisms of action, including inhibition of mTOR signaling, as well as reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress. This is perhaps not surprising, given the known link between type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. As always, lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of development of type 2 diabetes, including a healthy diet and exercise, may also play a preventive role against colorectal and other types of cancer.