Adiponectin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: impact of metformin treatment in a randomized controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). As follow-up on a previous paper describing hormonal and metabolic factors, this paper focuses on correlations between adiponectin and anthropometric, hormonal, and metabolic factors in PCOS and the effect of metformin.


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study.


METHODS
District and university hospital.


METHODS
Fifty-two women with PCOS. Three groups were defined according to baseline adiponectin.


METHODS
Metformin or placebo for 6 months, followed by 3 months' washout before switching to opposite treatment. Blood tests and measurements were performed before and after treatment periods.


METHODS
Adiponectin, insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index, and testosterone.


RESULTS
Waist-hip ratio (WHR), insulin, and HOMA index were significantly higher in the lower adiponectin group than in the upper and middle group, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was higher in the upper than in the lower adiponectin group. Multiple regression analysis with adiponectin as the dependent variable and HOMA index, HDL cholesterol, testosterone, and WHR as independent variables showed an R(2) of 0.43 with β-coefficients of -0.12 for the HOMA index, 0.72 for HDL cholesterol, and -1.49 for WHR. Testosterone did not contribute to the prediction of adiponectin levels. Metformin had no effect on adiponectin in spite of significant decreases in weight, fasting glucose, and insulin resistance.


CONCLUSIONS
In PCOS, adiponectin levels are closely linked to insulin resistance, HDL cholesterol, and abdominal adiposity and unaffected by metformin.
Trolle
Birgitta
B
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark. ditte.trolle@dadlnet.dk
Lauszus
Finn Friis
FF
Frystyk
Jan
J
Flyvbjerg
Allan
A
D052242:Adiponectin / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D008687:Metformin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D055815:Young Adult
C499918:ADIPOQ protein, human; D052242:Adiponectin; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D010919:Placebos; D013739:Testosterone; D008687:Metformin