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Adiponectin, interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and regional fat mass during 12-month randomized treatment with metformin and/or oral contraceptives in polycystic ovary syndrome

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Abstract

Context

Central obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with increased inflammatory markers and increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

Objective

To evaluate if improved body composition during treatment with metformin (M) vs. oral contraceptive pills (OCP) was associated with changes in circulating adiponectin, interleukin (IL)-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1.

Patients and interventions

Ninety patients with PCOS were randomized to 12-month treatment with M (2 g/day), M + OCP (150 mg desogestrel + 30 microgram ethinylestradiol) or OCP. Adiponectin, IL-6, MCP-1, whole body DXA scans, and clinical evaluations were performed before and after the intervention period in the 65 study completers.

Main outcome measures

Changes in inflammatory markers and changes in total and regional fat mass estimates.

Results

Adiponectin, IL-6, and MCP-1 levels were unchanged during the three types of medical intervention. Treatment with M and M + OCP was superior to OCP regarding decreased regional fat mass. Baseline adiponectin and IL-6 were associated with BMI, waist, and trunk fat mass. Changes in trunk fat were significantly associated with changes in IL-6 and MCP-1 during M + OCP.

Conclusions

Long-term treatment with M alone or in combination with OCP was associated with improved body composition compared to OCP, whereas inflammatory markers were unchanged. OCP was not associated with increased inflammatory markers despite a small but significant weight gain.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Lenette Pedersen, Pia Hornbek, Anette Riis Madsen, Lotte Hørlyck, Steffanie Anthony Christensen, Jane Nielsen, Donna Arbuckle-Lund, Elizabeth Hanmann, Jeannette Fogh Lindegaard, Mette Brøchner Hansen, Anne Mette Hangaard, Susanne Møller Pedersen, Geraldine Rasmussen and Thon Kowall Andersen for excellent technical assistance. Financial grants for the studies were supported by Jacob Madsen’s and Olga Madsen’s Foundation, Institute of Clinical Research, Odense University Hospital, Kolding Hospital, AP Møller’s Foundation, Bernhard and Marie Kleins Foundation, The Novo Nordisk Foundation, The Danish Medical Association. Oral contraceptive pills and metformin tablets were sponsored by Sandoz.

Conflict of interest

None of the authors have any conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported. Sandoz sponsored tablets, but were otherwise not involved in the projects’ economy, planning or writing of article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 6, 3rd floor, 5000, Odense C, Denmark

    Dorte Glintborg, Hanne Mumm, Magda Lambaa Altinok & Marianne Andersen

  2. Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology (MEA), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

    Bjørn Richelsen & Jens Meldgaard Bruun

  3. Medical Department, Regional Hospital Randers, Randers, Denmark

    Jens Meldgaard Bruun

Authors
  1. Dorte Glintborg
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  2. Hanne Mumm
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  3. Magda Lambaa Altinok
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  4. Bjørn Richelsen
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  5. Jens Meldgaard Bruun
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  6. Marianne Andersen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Dorte Glintborg.

Additional information

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, Registration Number NCT004515 68.

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Glintborg, D., Mumm, H., Altinok, M.L. et al. Adiponectin, interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and regional fat mass during 12-month randomized treatment with metformin and/or oral contraceptives in polycystic ovary syndrome. J Endocrinol Invest 37, 757–764 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-014-0103-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-014-0103-8

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