Effect Of Metformin on Homocysteine Levels and Insulin Resistance in South Indian Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Metformin is a biguanide widely used for managing insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients.  Hyperhomocysteinemia is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease However, previous studies have found that the effect of metformin on homocysteine levels were not consistent in PCOS patients.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of metformin on homocysteine levels and insulin resistance in south Indian women with PCOS patients.

Materials and Methods: A total number of 105 PCOS cases 95 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Base line Parameters such as anthropometric, reproductive hormones, insulin resistance markers, and homocysteine levels were measured by standard methods. All 104 PCOS cases received metformin 1500 mg/day for 8 weeks. At the end of 8-week treatment, insulin resistance was measured as HOMA-IR and serum homocysteine was measured by competitive immunoassay method by Chemiluminescence analyzer.

Results:   The results showed that no significant changes were observed serum homocysteine levels and whereas insulin resistance was significantly decreased after treatment with metformin(p<0.01)

Conclusion: The present study showed that treatment with metformin for 8 weeks in South Indian women with PCOS, no remarkable effect on homocysteine levels.