Metformin and Dichloroacetate Combination Exert a Synergistic Effect on Cell Viability of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effects of Metformin, Dichloroacetate (DCA) and their combination on cell viability in oral squamous cell carcinoma, UPCI-SCC-131 cell line. Methods: UPCI-SCC-131 cells were plated in 96 E-plate (1x104 cells/well) and were treated with Metformin (1-16mM) and/or DCA (15-120mM) for 24-48-72h. xCELLigence SP system was used to monitor real time cell viability. In addition, drug combination index was analyzed with CompuSyn software according to Chou-Talalay method. Results: Half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of Metformin and DCA were found to be 3mM and 23mM, respectively, for 72 hours. CI values (0.76-0.80) in all combination groups below 1 indicated that Metformin/DCA combination had a moderate synergistic effect on cell viability in UPCI-SCC-131 cells. Discussion: Metformin/DCA combination synergistically decreased the cell viability of UPCI-SCC-131 cells. Therefore, a combined application of Metformin and DCA may be considered as a candidate therapy for the drug repositioning of the treatment of oral cavity cancer.