C-reactive protein levels are unaffected by metformin during pretreatment and an IVF cycle in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
Low-grade chronic inflammation, evaluated by serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, has been connected with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Effects of metformin on CRP before and during IVF treatment in women with PCOS are unknown.


METHODS
A prospective double-blind placebo-controlled study.


METHODS
Single-center IVF clinic.


METHODS
Sixty-three PCOS women.


METHODS
Treatment with 2000 mg/day metformin or identical placebo tablets for at least 14 weeks before and then during IVF treatment, ending on the day of hCG injection.


METHODS
The CRP levels at five time points ending on the day of ovum collection.


RESULTS
At inclusion of infertile untreated PCOS women, body mass index associated with CRP in multivariable regression analysis (r = 0.18). Androgen levels did not associate with CRP levels. Metformin did not influence CRP levels during pretreatment or IVF cycle. After hCG injection, CRP increased in both the metformin and the placebo groups with no significant difference between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
In infertile PCOS women, CRP levels are unaffected by metformin treatment. The CRP level increases during IVF treatment, and this increase is unaffected by concomitant metformin. We observed an association between CRP levels and body mass index.
Kjøtrød
Sigrun B
SB
IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway. sigrun.kjotrod@stolav.no
Romundstad
Pål
P
von Düring
Vidar
V
Sunde
Arne
A
Carlsen
Sven M
SM
D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002096:C-Peptide / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008687:Metformin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D054315:Oocyte Retrieval; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D000728:Androgens; D015415:Biomarkers; D002096:C-Peptide; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D008687:Metformin