Open AccessMetformin as a new therapy for endometriosis, its effects on both clinical picture and cytokines profile
Author(s) -
Ashraf A. Foda,
Ibrahim Ahmad Abdel Aal
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
middle east fertility society journal/middle east fertility society journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.322
H-Index - 18
eISSN - 2090-3251
pISSN - 1110-5690
DOI - 10.1016/j.mefs.2012.09.001
Subject(s) - metformin , medicine , endometriosis , vegf receptors , infertility , gastroenterology , therapeutic effect , oncology , pregnancy , insulin , biology , genetics
Background: Metformin has both anti-inflammatory properties and a modulatory effect on ovarian steroid production. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have yet examined the effects of metformin therapy on patients with endometriosis.Objective: To determine the effects of metformin therapy on the patient’s complaints and on the serum levels of some cytokines.Population: Sixty-nine infertile patients were diagnosed by diagnostic laparoscopy to have stages 1 & 2 endometriosis. They were subdivided into a control group and a treated group.Methods: Analysis of IL-6, IL-8 and VEGF levels using ELISA kits.Main study outcome: The effects of metformin therapy on the serum IL-6, IL-8 and VEGF levels after 3 and 6 months were compared with the control group (non-treated cases).Results: Metformin therapy resulted in a significant reduction in the patient’s complaints (P < 0.01) and in the serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 & VEGF.Conclusion: Metformin therapy in patients with endometriosis resulted in a significant reduction in the symptomatic cases, increased chance of pregnancy, and a decrease in the levels of serum cytokines, suggesting that it may have a therapeutic potential as an anti-endometriotic drug