Authors

Henri Sova, M.B., Ulla Puistola, M.D., Ph.D., Laure Morin-Papunen, M.D., Ph.D., Peeter Karihtala, M.D., Ph.D.

Volume 99, Issue 2, Pages 593-598, February 2013

Abstract

Objective:

To learn whether metformin treatment affects oxidative stress as measured by serum concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG).

Design:

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting:

University outpatient clinic.

Patients:

The study cohort consisted of 50 obese women (body mass index [BMI] ≥27 kg/m2) and 60 nonobese patients (BMI <27 kg/m2), mean age was 27.7 ± 4.0 SD years. Interventions:

Women were randomized to receive metformin or placebo for 3 months.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Serum levels of 8-OHdG before and after medical treatment.

Results:

The levels of 8-OHdG were equal at baseline in the placebo and metformin groups. Obese women had higher baseline serum concentrations of 8-OHdG. Levels of 8-OHdG were statistically significantly reduced with metformin treatment, especially in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. This study was a secondary subanalysis of a previously conducted prospective multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study on the effects of metformin on miscarriage, pregnancy, and miscarriage rates.

Conclusions:

Metformin treatment, compared with placebo, significantly decreased 8-OHdG levels in women with PCOS.

Clinical trial registration number:

NCT00994812

Read the full text at: http://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(12)02313-8/fulltext