Research Progress on the Molecular Mechanism of Metformin Regulating AMPK Signaling Pathway in Inhibiting Liver Cancer

Abstract: Liver cancer is one of the common malignant tumors worldwide and ranks among the top in cancer mortality statistics. In recent years, metformin, as a first-line drug with significant efficacy and low cost, has been widely used in clinical practice for the treatment of diabetes. Now, due to its potential inhibitory effect on cancer cells, it has received extensive attention. In view of this, a large number of studies have focused on the mechanisms by which metformin affects Liver carcinoma, with the AMPK pathway being particularly favored. This is because the AMPK pathway plays a significant role in autophagy, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, and suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. To this end, we reviewed relevant research literature and systematically explored the mechanism of metformin’s treatment of liver cancer through the AMPK pathway and its potential clinical applications. These studies provide an important basis for understanding the potential role of metformin in the treatment of liver cancer and provide important reference for future research on its new mechanisms and its clinical application. Keywords: liver cancer, AMPK, cell cycle arrest, drug synergy, autophagy