Impact of metformin and rosiglitazone treatment on glucose transporter 4 mRNA expression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
The insulin-resistant state of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was found to be associated with a decreased glucose transporter GLUT4 expression in the insulin target tissues. This study was performed to explore whether the well-known clinical, hormonal and metabolic efficacy of metformin or rosiglitazone treatment is reflected in the modulation of adipocyte GLUT4 mRNA expression in patients with PCOS.


METHODS
We enrolled 35 women with PCOS. They received either metformin or rosiglitazone for 6 months. A history, blood samples for the measurement of androgens and s.c. adipose tissue samples were taken at baseline and end point. Quantification of GLUT4 mRNA expression in adipose tissue was performed using real-time quantitative PCR. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA(IR)) score calculation was applied as a measure for insulin resistance (IR).


RESULTS
GLUT4 mRNA expression in adipose tissue increased significantly in both groups (P<0.001). The increase was more pronounced in the rosiglitazone group (P=0.040). There was a statistically significant improvement of HOMA(IR) in both groups (P=0.008). After treatment, frequencies of menstrual bleeding were significantly higher (P<0.001) and serum total testosterone levels significantly lower in both groups (P=0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
A 6-month therapy with insulin sensitizers resulted in marked improvement in adipose tissue GLUT4 mRNA expression in PCOS patients, rosiglitazone being more effective when compared with metformin. The augmentation of the insulin signal transduction was accompanied by a significant improvement of HOMA(IR), menstrual pattern and androgen profile.
Jensterle
Mojca
M
Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Centre, Zaloska 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Janez
Andrej
A
Mlinar
Barbara
B
Marc
Janja
J
Prezelj
Janez
J
Pfeifer
Marija
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D051275:Glucose Transporter Type 4 / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008687:Metformin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D000077154:Rosiglitazone; D045162:Thiazolidinediones / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
D000728:Androgens; D051275:Glucose Transporter Type 4; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D045162:Thiazolidinediones; D000077154:Rosiglitazone; D008687:Metformin