title: The effects of metformin on the capillary permeability to albumin in women patients with cyclic edema.
abstract: An experimental work has suggested the efficacy of metformin, an oral antidiabetic agent, on capillary permeability. This agent has been tested in 10 women patients with cyclic edema, 7 of them being obese. The capillary permeability to albumin studied by an isotope test derived from Landis's method was initially increased. After a mean of six-weeks of treatment the albumin retention and an index demonstrating the interstitial protein elimination through the lymph route were significantly improved. Concomitantly, the swelling feelings were reduced in 8 cases and the lower limb edema had decreased or disappeared in 8 of 9 patients who initially presented these symptoms. The effects of metformin are beneficial and have been observed to be independent of glycemic change. The results suggest a special effect of this agent on the microcirculation. Nevertheless, a controlled study is required.
authors.affiliation: Service d'Endocrinologie-Diabétologie-Nutrition, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Université Paris-Nord, France.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Valensi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Behar
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Andre
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wiernsperger
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Attali
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000418:Albumins / Q000378:metabolism*; D002199:Capillary Permeability / Q000187:drug effects*; D004487:Edema / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008687:Metformin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D000418:Albumins; D008687:Metformin