Comparison of two doses of metformin (2.5 and 1.5 g/day) for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome and their effect on body mass index and waist circumference

Comparison between the effect of Empagliflozin and Pioglitazone added to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), defined as the accumulation of >5% fat in the liver, is the most frequently co-exist disease with diabetics up to 70%. Current study was conducted to compare efficacy of combination therapy of empagliflozin (EMPA) or pioglitazone (PGZ) with metformin (MET) in patients with T2DM and NAFLD.

METHODS

In this open label, prospective clinical trial, sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive EMPA 10 mg/day or PGZ 30 mg/day in combination Metformin (at least 1500 mg) for six months. NAFLD grade and liver stiffness were defined and measured at the beginning and after 6 months. As the secondary outcomes, anthropometric characteristics, lipid profile, plasma glucose test, and liver enzymes test were measured at the baseline and endpoint.

RESULTS

The results showed that both combination therapy with EMPA+ MET or PGZ+MET significantly reversed fibrosis stage of NAFLD (P<0.05). Significant reduction in lipid profile test, and liver enzymes test were seen in both groups (P<0.05). However, the greater reduction in waist circumference was observed in EMPA groups compared to PGZ (-4.4 ± 2.39 vs -2.05±1.28, p<0.001), meanwhile weight and BMI decreased significantly only in the patients receiving EMPA (-5.78 ± 3.6 kg vs 0.93 ± 0.33 kg and -2.01± 3.19 kg/m2 vs 0.33 ± 0.12 kg/m2, respectively, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

combination of EMPA or PGZ with metformin equally improved liver fibrosis stage and stiffness in T2DM patients with NAFLD. The improvements of laboratory tests were observed in the both groups, while, regarding weight reduction, only the regimen containing EMPA was effective.

The effect of Chinese herbal formulas combined with metformin on modulating the gut microbiota in the amelioration of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

To assess and analyse the effectiveness and safety of combined Chinese herbal formula (CHF) and metformin treatment in the modulation of the gut microbiota in the amelioration of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM), all publications addressing the effect of this combination treatment on the quantitative alterations in the gut microbiota and glucose parameters were collected. Rob tool in the Cochrane handbook was performed to evaluate the methodological quality of all included studies. Relevant information and statistics were abstracted and synthesized in Review Manager 5.4 to evaluate the efficacy of combination treatment. Sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses were used to analyse the sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias analyses were performed by Stata software to assess the robustness and quality of the outcomes. As a result, a total of 12 eligible RCTs with 1307 T2DM participants from 7 electronic databases were included. Combined CHF with metformin treatment showed better efficacies than metformin monotherapy in regulating the structure of the gut microbiota, characterized by increased Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Bacteroidetes and decreased Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, and Saccharomyces along with better decreases in glycated haemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Subgroup analyses further analysed the effect of metformin doses and CHF classifications on controlling hyperglycaemia and altering the gut microbiota. In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggested that combined CHF with metformin treatment is promising for the modulation of the gut microbiota along with ameliorating hyperglycemia in T2DM patients. Importantly, more well-designed RCTs are needed to validate the outcomes and verify the treatment value for clinical purposes.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021291524, identifier CRD42021291524.

A randomized trial of dapagliflozin and metformin, alone and combined, in overweight women after gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus are at a substantially increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus recurrence and type 2 diabetes. Weight gain, particularly increased central adiposity after delivery, is strongly associated with deterioration of pancreatic beta cell compensation for insulin resistance. Weight management after gestational diabetes mellitus could have a significant benefit in these women who are at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the treatment efficacy of dapagliflozin and metformin, alone and in combination, on body weight and anthropometric, cardiovascular, and metabolic parameters in overweight women with a recent history of gestational diabetes mellitus.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective, single-blind, randomized, outpatient clinical trial with 3 parallel treatment groups. Overweight or obese (body mass index>25) females (n=66; ≥18-45 years) with gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnancy in the past 12 months were randomized in a single-blind manner to dapagliflozin, metformin, or dapagliflozin-metformin for 24 weeks. Body weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and blood pressure were determined at baseline and trial completion. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed at baseline and 24 weeks to assess glycemia and mean blood glucose and calculate insulin sensitivity and secretion measures. Plasma lipid fractions, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and liver enzymes were also assessed in the fasting sample at the beginning and completion of the study trial.

RESULTS

The study was completed by 49 participants (74%). Significant reduction of weight, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio and improved glycemia and insulin sensitivity index derived from oral glucose tolerance test were found with dapagliflozin-metformin vs metformin monotherapy. Both dapagliflozin and dapagliflozin-metformin therapy were superior to metformin in increasing high-density lipoprotein levels, reducing triglyceride concentrations, lowering the triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and improving glucose excursion after an oral glucose tolerance test. The early insulin response to a glucose challenge significantly improved with only dapagliflozin-metformin compared with single-drug treatments.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report comparing the efficacy of a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor alone and in combination with metformin in this patient population. We found that combination dapagliflozin-metformin treatment over a 24-week period had a greater positive effect on body weight, waist circumference, and glycemic, cardiovascular, and metabolic parameters than metformin monotherapy in overweight or obese at-risk women with a recent history of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Postpartum treatment with liraglutide in combination with metformin versus metformin monotherapy to improve metabolic status and reduce body weight in overweight/obese women with recent gestational diabetes: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes (GDM) imparts a high risk of developing diabetes postpartum. Insulin resistance appears to be the major contributor. Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue, improves peripheral glucose disposal and reduces body weight. We evaluated whether liraglutide in combination with metformin (MET-LIRA) is more effective than metformin monotherapy (MET-P) in improving insulin action and reducing body weight in overweight prior GDM (pGDM) women.

METHODS

Women (n = 153; body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m²; 18-45 y; GDM within 12 months) with metabolic abnormalities were randomized to MET-LIRA (MET-2000 mg, LIRA 1.8 mg SC QD) or MET-P (MET-2000 mg, Placebo QD). Study visits at baseline, 36-40, 56-60 and 80-84 weeks included body weight (BW), BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio measures. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) were performed to assess glycemia, mean blood glucose (MBG), lipids, and compute insulin sensitivity and secretion measures.

FINDINGS

Seventy-two (47%) participants completed the study. MET-LIRA therapy was significantly better in improving MBG and insulin sensitivity indices [SI_OGTT MET-LIRA from 4.6 (3.2) to 5.9 (2.9) vs. MET-P 5.5 (3.0) to 5.4 (3.2)] and reducing BW and central adiposity [BMI MET-LIRA from 37.2 (8.3) to 33.8 (5.2) vs MET-P 33.8(5.2) to 32.8(6)]. MET-LIRA therapy but not MET-P decreased triglycerides (TRG) and TRG/high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratios.

INTERPRETATION

MET-LIRA treatment demonstrated superior efficacy in correcting the metabolic status of pGDM women over 84 weeks of therapy. The addition of liraglutide to metformin therapy resulted in a more dramatic decrease in BW and central adiposity than metformin alone.

FUNDATION

Supported by an unrestricted investigator initiated grant from Novo Nordisk, Inc. awarded to K.E.H.

MEETING PRESENTATION

The results from preliminary analyses of this study were presented at 76th meeting of the American Diabetes Association, June 10-14, 2016 New Orleans, LA, and 77th meeting of the American Diabetes Association, June 9-12, 2017San Diego, CA.

Effects of metformin treatment on serum levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis: A PRISMA-compliant article

BACKGROUND

Metformin is effective for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but conflicting results regarding its impact on serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in women with PCOS have been reported. To provide high-quality evidence about the effect of treatment with metformin on CRP and IL-6 in PCOS, relevant studies that assessed the serum levels of CRP and IL-6 in women with PCOS receiving metformin treatment were reviewed and analyzed.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in the Science Citation Index, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, and personal contact was made with the authors. Random-effects model was used to estimate the standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). To ensure synthesis of the best available evidence, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, meta-regression analysis, and publication bias were performed.

RESULTS

Of 216 studies identified, 20 were included in the meta-analysis (7 prospective, nonrandomized studies, and 13 randomized control trials). Data suggest that serum levels of CRP were decreased after metformin treatment in PCOS patients with an SMD (95% CI) of -0.86 [-1.24 to -0.48] and P = .000 (random-effects). However, significant heterogeneity was detected across studies (I = 84.6% and P = .000). Unfortunately, the sources of heterogeneity were not found by subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis. Serum IL-6 concentrations were not significantly changed after metformin treatment in PCOS with an SMD (95% CI) of -0.48 [-1.26 to 0.31] and P > .05 (random-effects). Significant heterogeneity was also detected across studies (I = 90.9% and P = .000). The subgroup analysis suggested that treatment-related reductions in serum IL-6 levels were significantly correlated with BMI, whereas the sources of heterogeneity were not found. In addition, we noticed that metformin treatment could decrease BMI in the CRP and IL-6 related studies (SMD = -0.45, 95% CI: -0.68 to -0.23; SMD = -0.44, 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.16).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis showed a significant decrease of serum CRP levels, especially in obese women, but no significant changes in IL-6 levels after metformin treatment in women with PCOS. In general, the data support that early metformin therapy may ameliorate the state of chronic inflammation in women with PCOS. Considering the obvious heterogeneity reported in the literature, further well-designed investigations with larger samples are needed to ascertain the long-term effects of metformin on chronic inflammation in PCOS.

Short-term therapy with combination dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor saxagliptin/metformin extended release (XR) is superior to saxagliptin or metformin XR monotherapy in prediabetic women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a single-blind, randomized, pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate efficacy with the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor saxagliptin (SAXA), metformin extended release (MET), and combination (SAXA-MET) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and impaired glucose regulation.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, single-blind drug study.

SETTING

Outpatient clinic.

PATIENT(S)

Patients (n = 38) with PCOS (aged 18-42 years) and prediabetic hyperglycemia determined by a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test.

INTERVENTION(S)

Patients were randomized to SAXA-MET (5 mg/2,000 mg), SAXA (5 mg), or MET (2,000 mg) for 16 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Fasting and mean blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, and insulin secretion-sensitivity index (IS-SI) by oral glucose tolerance tests. Free androgen index and lipid levels, average menstrual interval, and anthropometric measurements (body mass index, waist circumference, and waist/height ratio).

RESULT(S)

The study was completed by 34 patients. Nineteen patients had normal glucose tolerance: 3 of 12 (25%) on MET; 6 of 11 (55%) on SAXA; and 10 of 11 (91%) on SAXA-MET (SAXA-MET statistically superior to MET) at study completion. Body mass index, waist circumference, waist/height ratio, free androgen index, insulin sensitivity, IS-SI, and menses improved in all groups; however, IS-SI and menstrual regularity were significantly better with SAXA-MET vs. MET treatment. Triglyceride, triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and mean blood glucose significantly declined in the SAXA-MET and SAXA groups only.

CONCLUSION(S)

This pilot work provides the first evidence regarding the effects of a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor alone and in combination with MET in this patient population. Treatment with SAXA-MET was superior to either drug alone in terms of clinical and metabolic benefits in prediabetic patients with PCOS.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02022007.

Metformin as an initial adjunct to low-dose liraglutide enhances the weight-decreasing potential of liraglutide in obese polycystic ovary syndrome: Randomized control study

Liraglutide (LIRA) treatment is associated with the dose-dependent reduction of weight. Higher doses are more effective than lower doses, although higher doses are also more poorly tolerated. Metformin may enhance the weight-lowering potential of LIRA via the stimulatory modulation of incretin in addition to its direct beneficial effects in PCOS. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether metformin as an adjunct to low-dose LIRA affects body weight with increased efficacy compared with low-dose LIRA alone in obese patients with PCOS. In a 12-week study, 44 obese women with PCOS were randomly offered either combined treatment (COMBO) with 1,000 mg metformin twice a day and 1.2 mg LIRA once a day, or treatment with 1.2 mg LIRA alone. The primary outcome of treatment was an alteration in the levels of obesity. A total of 43 patients [aged 30.3±4.4 years; body mass index (BMI) 37.2±4.5 kg/m²; mean ± standard deviation] completed the study. The subjects treated with COMBO lost on average 6.2±2.4 kg compared with a 3.8±3.5 kg weight loss in the patients treated with LIRA alone (P=0.024). The BMI decreased by 2.2±0.8 kg/m² in patients treated with COMBO and by 1.4±1.2 kg/m² in patients treated with LIRA alone (P=0.024). A clinically significant ≥5% weight reduction was achieved in 59.1% of patients treated with COMBO and 42.9% of patients treated with LIRA alone. Reductions in glucose levels following oral glucose tolerance testing, as well as in androstenedione levels in the COMBO group were significantly greater compared with those in the LIRA group. The side effects were mild and transient in the two treatment groups. A combination of metformin and low-dose LIRA was more effective than low-dose LIRA alone in reducing body weight in obese patients with PCOS.

A 12-week treatment with the long-acting glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist liraglutide leads to significant weight loss in a subset of obese women with newly diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The long-acting glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist liraglutide is linked to progressive and sustained weight loss in obese people with diabetes. However, its efficacy and safety in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has not yet been addressed.

DESIGN

Thirty-two obese women (aged 27.6±7.2 years, BMI 39.5±6.2 kg/m(2)) with newly diagnosed PCOS were randomized to receive either liraglutide 1.2 mg QD sc (n=17) or metformin 1000 mg BID po (n=15) for 12 weeks; 28 patients completed the study (14 on liraglutide and 14 on metformin). The main outcome was change in body weight.

RESULTS

Intention-to-treat analysis showed significant BMI (-0.98 kg/m(2); p<0.001), body weight (-2.52 kg; p<0.001), waist circumference (-3.38 cm; p<0.001) and whole-body fat mass (-1.26%; p<0.001) reduction in both treatment arms without significant differences between therapeutic groups. However, in a subgroup of patients (n=9) with insulin resistance (HOMA(IR) >2), severe obesity and higher odds ratio for the metabolic syndrome (OR=3.9), the patients fared much better with liraglutide than with metformin (mean BMI decreased 2.13 kg/m(2) vs. 0.62 kg/m(2), respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term liraglutide treatment was associated with significant weight loss in a subset of obese patients with newly diagnosed PCOS and a higher metabolic risk profile.

Aspects of Cardiometabolic Risk in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, exhibit an adverse cardiovascular risk profile characteristic of the cardiometabolic syndrome. These women, compared with age- and body mass index-matched women without PCOS, appear to present a higher risk of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia, and possibly a higher rate of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. However, despite the presence of cardiovascular risk factors and increased surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease, it is unclear whether they have accelerated atherosclerosis and greater mortality, the latter mainly because of a lack of endpoint studies. This article addresses, summarizes, and discusses salient data from the existing literature, including gaps and uncertainties, aspects, and mechanisms related to the spectrum of adverse cardiometabolic profile factors in women with PCOS.

Is there a dose-response relationship of metformin treatment in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome? Results from a multicentric study

STUDY QUESTION

Do different dosages of metformin account for different clinical and biochemical outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and do basal anthropometric and metabolic characteristics of the patients provide any indications regarding the dose required to reach the target effect?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Different doses of metformin exerted the same effects on clinical, biochemical and metabolic parameters in patients affected by PCOS.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Since the insulin-sensitizing agents came into use in the management of PCOS, metformin has shown a positive benefits-risks ratio. Nonetheless, therapeutic schedules are not well standardized. This is the first study which systematically analyses the effect of different doses of metformin on clinical, hormonal and metabolic features of PCOS. On the basis of our results, higher doses are no more effective than lower doses.

DESIGN

A multicentric cohort prospective study. A total of 250 PCOS women were enrolled, 49 lost to follow-up. Menstrual cyclicity, hormonal assays, oral glucose tolerance test, lipid profile and ultrasonographic pelvic examination were evaluated at the baseline and after 6 months of metformin treatment at different doses (1000, 1500 and 1700 mg).

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

A total of 201 PCOS patients completed the study without protocol violations in three university hospitals: seventy-three patients from Centre A (treated with metformin 500 mg twice a day), 60 patients from Centre B (treated with metformin 500 mg three times a day) and 68 patients from Centre C (treated with metformin 850 mg twice a day).

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Metformin exerted an overall positive effect on the clinical and endocrine-metabolic features of PCOS. The degree of these effects was independent of the administered dosage in every range of basal body mass index (BMI). When patients were stratified according to their insulinaemic status, scattered inter-doses differences were found in some of the outcome measures. Patients who exhibited an increase of >2 menstrual cycles/year were considered as responders to treatment. Responders had a higher basal BMI than non-responders and showed a greater reduction in plasma testosterone levels after metformin treatment, but other outcome measures did not differ significantly. Total insulin secretion in the 180 min following the glucose tolerance test before metformin treatment (basal AUC-I) was significantly correlated with the decrease in insulin secretion induced by metformin in both the whole group and in responders, but only correlated with the variation in the number of cycles in responders.

BIAS, CONFOUNDING AND OTHER REASONS FOR CAUTION

The different doses were administered in different centres, and between-centre variation is a potential confounding factor.

GENERALIZABILITY TO OTHER POPULATIONS

The paradigm of using the minimum effective dose of metformin could be pursued in other pathological conditions characterized by insulin resistance.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No funding or competing interests to declare.

Metformin in obesity, cancer and aging: addressing controversies

Metformin, an oral anti-diabetic drug, is being considered increasingly for treatment and prevention of cancer, obesity as well as for the extension of healthy lifespan. Gradually accumulating discrepancies about its effect on cancer and obesity can be explained by the shortage of randomized clinical trials, differences between control groups (reference points), gender- and age-associated effects and pharmacogenetic factors. Studies of the potential antiaging effects of antidiabetic biguanides, such as metformin, are still experimental for obvious reasons and their results are currently ambiguous. Here we discuss whether the discrepancies in different studies are merely methodological or inherently related to individual differences in responsiveness to the drug.

The effects of old, new and emerging medicines on metabolic aberrations in PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age that is associated with significant adverse short- and long-term health consequences. Multiple metabolic aberrations, such as insulin resistance (IR) and hyperinsulinaemia, high incidence of impaired glucose tolerance, visceral obesity, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, hypertension and dyslipidemia are associated with the syndrome. Assessing the metabolic aberrations and their long term health impact in women with PCOS is challenging and becomes more important as therapeutic interventions currently available for the management of PCOS are not fully able to deal with all these consequences. Current therapeutic management of PCOS has incorporated new treatments resulting from the better understanding of the pathophysiology of the syndrome. The aim of this review is to summarize the effect of old, new and emerging therapies used in the management of PCOS, on the metabolic aberrations of PCOS.

Sexual dysfunction in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: clinical and hormonal correlations

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the sexual function of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), including the clinical and hormonal characteristics potentially related to sexual dysfunction, in an endocrinology and gynecology ambulatory.

METHODOLOGY

Women in ambulatory accompaniment for PCOS (N = 88) were sequentially evaluated by means of the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) and the application of structured diagnostic interview Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (version 4.4) for the identification of mood disorders. The clinical and laboratorial parameters were examined using the patient's medical records.

RESULTS

The incidence of sexual dysfunction was verified (13.3%), and it was observed that the average (SD) ASEX score of 14.4 (3.7) was comparable with that of the population with no medical problems. There is a negative correlation between the scores of ASEX and the levels of total testosterone (-0.360), luteinizing hormone (-0.397), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (-0.723).

CONCLUSION

The main factors of preservation of the sexual function in our sample were identified as the low average age of the patients in treatment and the hyperandrogenism habitually found as a consequence of the physiopathology of PCOS.

Use of metformin in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome

Metformin is quite an old drug, but it is optimal for the control of glycemia in Type 2 diabetes. It was reported, 15 years ago, that insulin resistance was abnormally high in most polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. Starting from that moment, increasing numbers of studies were performed to demonstrate the efficacy of metformin in controlling and/or modulating several aspects of PCOS, which is the most common cause of menstrual irregularity, inesthetisms and infertility. Metformin induces higher glucose uptake, thus inducing a lower synthesis/secretion of insulin. Such an effect permits the possible restoration of the normal biological functions that are severely affected by the compensatory hyperinsulinemia reactive to the increased peripheral insulin resistance. These are the basis of the many positive effects of this drug, such as the restoration of menstrual cyclicity, ovulatory cycles and fertility, because abnormal insulin levels affect the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian function, as well as the use of glucose in peripheral tissues. Metformin improves the impairments typically observed in hyperinsulinemic PCOS patients, reducing the possible evolution towards metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes; and when pregnancy occurs, it consistently reduces the risk of gestational diabetes, eclampsia and hypertension. PCOS seems to be the perfect physiopathological condition that might have higher benefits from metformin administration, obviously after Type 2 diabetes. This review focuses on the many aspects of PCOS and on the possible issues of this disease for which metformin might be a putative optimal treatment.

Effect of dose escalation of metformin on clinical features, insulin sensitivity and androgen profile in polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The benefit of metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been debated. Varying results have been observed in different studies which could be due to differences in the study cohorts and the heterogeneity of the syndrome. We hypothesized that the dose of metformin generally used may not be adequate for women with higher BMI and observed the effect of dose escalation on PCOS in women with differing BMI and baseline insulin resistance.

STUDY DESIGN

Forty women were recruited to the study. Patients were started on 1g/day and increased every 8 weeks by 1-3g at the end of 16 weeks. The study was carried out for 24 weeks. Analysis was carried out based on BMI and baseline insulin sensitivity. There were four groups based on BMI with 10 patients in each group (groups A: 18-24.9 kg/m(2), B: 25-29.9 kg/m(2), C: 30-34.9 kg/m(2) and D: 35-40 kg/m(2)). There were three tertiles based on insulin sensitivity. In order of insulin resistance, tertile 1 (n=13) - high insulin resistance (IR), tertile 2 (n=13) - mid IR, tertile 3 (n=14) - low IR. The outcome measures were clinical features, insulin sensitivity and androgens.

RESULTS

A trend towards reduction of fasting insulin concentration was observed which reached statistical significance (p<0.05) in group D. At the highest dose of 3g, groups B and C also showed a decrease in insulin concentrations but statistical significance was not achieved. On examination of changes in insulin resistance over time, groups B, C and D showed a trend towards improvement in sensitivity but QUICKI remained below 0.333. No definite benefit from higher doses was seen. When analyzed based on the three tertiles, there was significant drop in fasting insulin concentration in the first tertile (-16.73 ± 9.8 nmol/L). Measurement of QUICKI also revealed a significant improvement in the first tertile (p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

There is no benefit from increased doses of metformin in PCOS but reduction of insulin resistance is more significant in those patients with a lower insulin sensitivity at baseline.

Metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 6.6-6.8% of women in reproductive age. Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia play a critical role in the pathogenesis of PCOS and are associated with a high risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiometabolic abnormalities. Metformin has been introduced as a therapeutic option in PCOS, targeting of cardiometabolic and reproductive abnormalities on the basis of its action on the reduction of glucose levels and the attenuation of insulin resistance. The tissue-specific actions of metformin as well as the molecular mechanisms involved in the liver, the muscle, the endothelium, and the ovary are elucidated in this review. The use of metformin in pregnant women with PCOS is another of its positive features. Overall, available data supports the therapeutic usefulness of metformin on cardiometabolic risk and reproduction assistance in PCOS women.

Metformin 2,500 mg/day in the treatment of obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome and its effect on weight, hormones, and lipid profile

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of metformin at the dosage of 2,500 mg/day in the treatment of obese women with PCOS and also to evaluate its effect on weight, hormones, and lipid profile.

METHOD

This study was a 4-month open-label clinical trial. Sixty-nine PCOS patients aged 20-35 were recruited in the study. Testosterone, free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), fasting insulin, dehydroepiandrostenedione-sulphate (DHEAS), FBS, LDH, HDL, TG, total cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio were measured before treatment and after 4 months of treatment.

RESULTS

Significant reductions in serum insulin, BMI, waist/hip ratio, and LDL were observed. In addition, a significant increase in SHBG was obtained. Over the 4 months of the trial, 12 patients faced nausea, six patients had bloating, five patients had diarrhea and two had headache; none of these symptoms were severe except for two cases that dropped out due to severe vomiting.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study show that 2,500 mg daily dose of metformin in obese patients with PCOS is effective in the reduction of BMI, waist hip/ratio, LDL, serum insulin and increases SHBG. In general this dose was relatively safe and well tolerated.

Evidence-based and potential benefits of metformin in the polycystic ovary syndrome: a comprehensive review

Metformin is an insulin sensitizer widely used for the treatment of patients affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus. Because many women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are insulin resistant, metformin was introduced in clinical practice to treat these patients also. Moreover, metformin's effect has other targets beside its insulin-sensitizing action. The present review was aimed at describing all evidence-based and potential uses of metformin in PCOS patients. In particular, we will analyze the uses of metformin not only for the treatment of all PCOS-related disturbances such as menstrual disorders, anovulatory infertility, increased abortion, or complicated pregnancy risk, hyperandrogenism, endometrial, metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities, but also for the prevention of the syndrome.

Comparison of single and combined treatment with exenatide and metformin on menstrual cyclicity in overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome

CONTEXT

Insulin resistance and obesity are common features of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Weight loss and use of insulin-lowering drugs have been shown to improve both reproductive and metabolic aspects of PCOS.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated exenatide (EX) and metformin (MET), alone and in combination (COM), on menstrual cyclicity, hormonal parameters, metabolic profiles, and inflammatory markers in overweight, insulin-resistant women with PCOS.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Sixty overweight oligoovulatory women with PCOS (body mass index > 27; 18-40 yr) were randomized to one of three treatment groups: MET [1000 mg twice daily (BID)], EX (10 microg BID), or COM (MET 1000 mg BID, EX 10 microg BID) for 24 wk. The primary outcome was menstrual frequency; secondary outcome measures included changes in ovulation rate, insulin action, anthropometric measures, androgen levels, and inflammatory markers.

RESULTS

Forty-two (70%) patients completed the study. COM therapy was superior to EX or MET monotherapy in improving menstrual cyclicity, ovulation rate, free androgen index, and insulin sensitivity measures and reducing weight and abdominal fat. Both EX arms were more effective in promoting weight loss than MET (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

COM appears better than either EX or MET alone on menstrual cycle frequency and hormonal and metabolic derangements. A marked decrease in central adiposity could partly explain the improvements in reproductive function, insulin-glucose parameters, and adiponectin observed in these overweight women with PCOS treated with COM therapy. Larger trials of longer duration are warranted to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of combined EX-MET therapy in overweight women with PCOS.