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

Abstract

To evaluate serum visfatin levels and to determine the effects of metformin treatment on visfatin levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Cross-sectional study. University hospital. Nineteen patients with PCOS and 21 controls. Metformin was given to patients with PCOS, and serum visfatin levels were measured before and after treatment. 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. 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. 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.