Metabolic and Metabolomic Effects of Metformin in Murine Model of Pulmonary Adenoma Formation.

Epidemiologic studies of diabetic patients treated with metformin identified significantly lower incidences of cancer. From this, there is growing interest in the use of metformin to treat and prevent cancer. Studies have investigated chemopreventive mechanisms including alterations in calorie intake, cancer metabolism, and cell signaling. Repurposing the drug is challenging due to its metabolic effects and non-uniform effects on different types of cancer. In our previously published studies, we observed that benzo[a]pyrene treated mice receiving metformin significantly reduced lung adenomas; however, mice had reduced weight gain. In this study, we compared chemoprevention diets with and without metformin to evaluate the effects of diet vs. effects of metformin. We also performed tandem mass spectrometry on mouse serum to assess metabolomic alterations associated with metformin treatment. In metformin cohorts, the rate of weight gain was reduced, but weights did not vary between diets. There was no weight difference between diets without metformin. Interestingly, caloric intake was increased in metformin treated mice. Metabolomic analysis revealed metabolite alterations consistent with metformin treatment. Based on these results, we conclude that previous reductions in lung adenomas may have been occurred from anticancer effects of metformin rather than a potentially toxic effect such as calorie restriction.

The sulci of the inferior surface of the temporal lobe: An anatomical study.

Understanding the anatomy of temporal lobe sulci and their variations can allow for safer neurosurgical approaches. Although the inferior temporal sulci and their relations to each other has been described by several authors, the nomenclature used has not been universal. The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomic features of the three main sulci of the inferior temporal lobe and provide a simple description of complex patterns among these sulci. Sulcal variations and their relations were examined in seventy formalin-fixed, adult cadaveric cerebral hemispheres. We recommend a simple but modified classification specifically for anatomic variations of the rhinal and collateral sulci. Furthermore, we describe the frequency of occipitotemporal sulci that contain 5 and 6 segments, not previously mentioned. The length and depth of all sulci were measured in all samples. Additionally, more detailed results regarding the patterns, courses, connections, relationships and measurements were given. Understanding of the complex anatomy of this clinically important region is of benefit to neurosurgeons, providing necessary guidance for neurosurgical approaches to the inferior surface of the temporal lobe. Clin. Anat. 29:932-942, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.