Administration of B-group vitamins reduces circulating homocysteine in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients treated with metformin: a randomized trial.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the current study was to assess the effects of B-group vitamins and folic acid administration on serum levels of homocysteine (Hcy) in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) on short-term metformin treatment.


METHODS
Patients were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. Group 1 patients (n = 20) received metformin (850 mg twice daily); group 2 patients (n = 20) received metformin (850 mg twice daily) and B-group vitamins (vitamin B1, 250 mg; vitamin B6, 250 mg; vitamin B12, 1000 microg twice daily); and group 3 patients (n = 20) received metformin (850 mg twice daily) and folic acid (174 microg twice daily). In all groups, lipid profiles and plasma total Hcy, vitamin B12, folic acid and glucose levels were recorded at baseline and at 3 months.


RESULTS
A 26.5% increase in Hcy levels was seen after 12 weeks of metformin therapy, while 21.17 and 8.33% decreases in Hcy levels were detected when B-group vitamins or folic acid plus metformin were given respectively. There were no statistically significant differences recorded in insulin sensitivity using homeostasis model assessment in the three groups.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that B-group vitamins and folic acid administration counteract the Hcy-increasing effect seen with metformin therapy.
Kilicdag
Esra Bulgan
EB
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey. esrabulgan1972@mynet.com
Bagis
Tayfun
T
Tarim
Ebru
E
Aslan
Erdogan
E
Erkanli
Serkan
S
Simsek
Erhan
E
Haydardedeoglu
Bulent
B
Kuscu
Esra
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008687:Metformin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids; D006710:Homocysteine; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D008687:Metformin; D005492:Folic Acid