Figure 6From: Metformin and phenethyl isothiocyanate combined treatment in vitro is cytotoxic to ovarian cancer cultures Methyl succinate partially reverses metformin's effects. When 12.5 mM methyl succinate is added to complete growth media, the 48 hour growth inhibition effects of metformin on PA-1 are reduced. Methyl succinate serves as an alternate energy source to glucose that bypasses complex I in the electron transport chain. Metformin at higher doses can overcome the reversal of growth inhibition provided by methyl succinate. * p < 0.01.Back to article page