title: No effect of Implanon® on inflammatory cardiovascular parameters.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Recently, we found decreased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) during use of the low-dosed contraceptive implant Implanon®. To further elucidate, whether this finding might be a sign for a lower inflammatory reaction and is associated with changes in levels of other cytokines, we investigated the effect of this implant on interleukin-6 (IL-6) and adiponectin. Plasma lipids and sex hormone levels have been shown to interact with the investigated parameters in vivo and in vitro. Therefore these parameters were measured as well.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective case-control study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Family-planning centre, University hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-six non-smoking women with regular cycles.
  
  
  METHODS
  Blood samples for the measurements were taken in the early follicular phase of the cycle in both groups. A second sample was taken 12 weeks after Implanon insertion or in the controls during the early follicular phase of cycle 4.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Implanon did not cause significant changes in IL-6, adiponectin or lipoprotein (Lp)(a). At baseline, there was a significant positive correlation between IL-6 and CRP and a negative correlation between adiponectin and CRP.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We did not observe a negative impact of Implanon on risk markers for atherosclerotic disease such as IL-6, adiponectin, and Lp(a). These data are reassuring for clinicians who prescribe progestagen-only preparations as first choice contraceptives in females with cardiovascular risk factors.
authors: Clinic for Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland. gabriele.merki@usz.ch
authors: Gabriele S
authors: GS
authors: Merki-Feld
authors: Marinella
authors: M
authors: Rosselli
authors: Bruno
authors: B
authors: Imthurn
authors: Katharina
authors: K
authors: Spanaus
mesh_terms: D052242:Adiponectin / Q000097:blood; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D017270:Lipoprotein(a) / Q000097:blood; D045167:Progesterone Congeners / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D052242:Adiponectin; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D015850:Interleukin-6; D017270:Lipoprotein(a); D045167:Progesterone Congeners; C044815:etonogestrel; D017135:Desogestrel; D002097:C-Reactive Protein