Metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 6.6-6.8% of women in reproductive age. Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia play a critical role in the pathogenesis of PCOS and are associated with a high risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiometabolic abnormalities. Metformin has been introduced as a therapeutic option in PCOS, targeting of cardiometabolic and reproductive abnormalities on the basis of its action on the reduction of glucose levels and the attenuation of insulin resistance. The tissue-specific actions of metformin as well as the molecular mechanisms involved in the liver, the muscle, the endothelium, and the ovary are elucidated in this review. The use of metformin in pregnant women with PCOS is another of its positive features. Overall, available data supports the therapeutic usefulness of metformin on cardiometabolic risk and reproduction assistance in PCOS women.
Diamanti-Kandarakis
Evanthia
E
Third Department of Medicine, Endocrine Unit, Medical School University of Athens, Sotiria General Hospital, Greece. akandara@otenet.gr
Economou
Frangiskos
F
Palimeri
Sotiria
S
Christakou
Charikleia
C
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D008687:Metformin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin