Effect of metformin on serum visfatin levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate serum visfatin levels and to determine the effects of metformin treatment on visfatin levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: University hospital.

Patient(s): Nineteen patients with PCOS and 21 controls.

Intervention(s): Metformin was given to patients with PCOS, and serum visfatin levels were measured before and after treatment.

Main outcome measure(s): Glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, DHEAS, total T, insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and visfatin levels were measured.

Result(s): Serum visfatin levels were significantly higher in women with PCOS than in controls. Visfatin could differentiate between women with and without increased diabetogenic risk at a cut-off value of 19.24 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 84%. In bivariate analysis of subjects, T, insulin, and waist circumference were significantly and positively correlated with visfatin. Treatment resulted in a significant decrease in body mass index and a decrease in visfatin concentration. After therapy, statistically significant decreases in HOMA-IR, fasting insulin, free T, and DHEAS concentrations were observed for the PCOS group.

Conclusion(s): Circulating visfatin levels were higher in patients with PCOS than healthy controls, and metformin treatment significantly reduced circulating visfatin concentrations after 3 months of therapy.