Wissam Zam*, Imtissal Ahmed and Haneen Yousef Pages 1-9 (9)
Methods: We undertook a structured search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature dealing with these metabolic pathways.
Results: It was found that cancer cells prefer fermentation as a source of energy even in the presence of oxygen, this altered metabolism of cancer cells may confer a selective advantage for survival and proliferation according to Warburg effect. Furthermore, some molecules like HIF, PKM2, NADPH and others are essential to the survival of cancer cells into the hypoxic abnormal environment which has limited glucose sources.
Conclusion: As cancer cells use glucose for aerobic glycolysis as a preferred substrate for energy yielding metabolism, we discuss in this review the Warburg effect and a strategy of starving cancer from glucose to prevent cancer cell survival and induce apoptosis in various types of cancer which could be the key to future treatment.
Aerobic glycolysis, cancer cells, glucose starvation, hypoxic environment, Warburg effect, apoptosis
Tartous University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical and Food chemistry. Tartous, Tartous University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical and Food chemistry. Tartous, Tartous University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical and Food chemistry. Tartous