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The Warburg effect, defined by cancer cells’ preference for aerobic glycolysis over mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation for energy production, has been a central topic in cancer research since its identification in 1924. This process involves elevated glucose uptake and lactate production, even in the presence of oxygen, supporting rapid cell proliferation, immune evasion, and promoting angiogenesis and metastasis. In this review, we examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the Warburg effect, focusing on its impact on cancer progression and neurodegenerative disorders. High lactate levels play a critical role in metabolic reprogramming, contributing to tumor growth and survival. Diagnostic tools such as positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) demonstrate increased glycolytic activity in aggressive cancers, while metabolic profiling provides deeper insights into cancer development. Mitochondrial dysfunction serves as a key link between cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, revealing shared metabolic pathways between these conditions. This review also explores the therapeutic potential of methylene blue, a long-established drug, in altering energy metabolism via mitochondrial pathways, offering promise for both cancer treatment and neuroprotection in conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Begum et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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