Metformin induces apoptotic cytotoxicity depending on AMPK/PKA/GSK-3β-mediated c-FLIP L degradation in non-small cell lung cancer

Background Metformin, a first-line antidiabetic drug, has recently been reported with anticancer activities in various cancers; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of cellular FADD-like IL-1β-converting enzyme (FLICE)-inhibitory protein large (c-FLIPL) in metformin-induced anticancer activity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in vitro.