PCOS: metformin associated with improved endothelial function

Takeaway

• Metformin is associated with improved endothelial function in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a small trial.

Why this matters

• PCOS has been linked to increased risk for cardiometabolic syndrome.

Key results

• Metformin was associated with improved endothelial function in patients with abnormal baseline endothelial function (P<.001).
• Metformin was not associated with altered endothelial function in patients with normal baseline endothelial function (P=.11).
• Baseline endothelial dysfunction was a significant predictor of change in endothelial function in analysis adjusted for homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (P=.002).

Study design

• 42 women with PCOS were randomly assigned to 1500 mg/day of metformin (N=29) or no treatment (N=13) for 3 months.
• Funding: St. Jude Medical Foundation; NIH; National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.

Limitations

• Small patient sample size.
• No long-term follow-up.
• No placebo-controlled group.