Potential effect of EGCG on the anti-tumor efficacy of metformin in melanoma cells.

ABSTRACT

Metformin, a first-line drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus, has been recognized as a potential anti-tumor agent in recent years. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), as the dominant catechin in green tea, is another promising adjuvant agent for tumor prevention. In the present work, the potential effect of EGCG on the anti-tumor efficacy of metformin in a mouse melanoma cell line (B16F10) was investigated. Results indicated that EGCG and metformin exhibited a synergistic effect on cell viability, migration, and proliferation, as well as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/nuclear factor-κB (STAT3/NF-κB) pathway signaling and the production of inflammation cytokines. Meanwhile, the combination showed an antagonistic effect on cell apoptosis and oxidative stress levels. The combination of EGCG and metformin also differentially affected the nucleus (synergism) and cytoplasm (antagonism) of B16F10 cells. Our findings provide new insight into the potential effects of EGCG on the anti-tumor efficacy of metformin in melanoma cells.