Preliminary data on effects of metformin on PED/PEA-15 cellular levels in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The cellular abundance of the phosphoprotein enriched in diabetes (PED/PEA-15), a 15 kDa protein related to insulin resistance (IR), is increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

AIM:

To investigate whether metformin (MET) has additive effects on PED/PEA-15 protein levels.

MATERIAL/SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

This is an open label, prospective clinical study over 6 months. Ten hyperandrogenic obese PCOS women [age: 24.6+/-1.6 yr; body mass index (BMI): 30.7+/-1.2 kg/m(2)] were treated with MET (1250 mg/day). Ten age- and BMI-matched normo-androgenic women were used as controls. Outcome measures are: PED/PEA-15 protein levels, fasting plasma glucose and insulin (FPI), reciprocal index of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (1/HOMA-IR); quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI); wholebody insulin sensitivity index (ISI); SHBG; total testosterone; free androgen index (FAI).

RESULTS:

At baseline FPI and PED/PEA- 15 protein levels were higher, while 1/HOMA-IR, QUICKI, and ISI were lower (p<0.001) in MET group than in controls. After treatment, independently of body weight and hyperandrogenism, FPI, and PED/PEA-15 protein levels decreased (p=0.001 and 0.004, respectively), while, 1/HOMA-IR, QUICKI, and ISI increased (p<0.001). PED/PEA-15 protein levels correlated significantly with ISI either before (r=0.636; p=0.048), and after treatment (r=0.758; p=0.011).

CONCLUSIONS:

PED/PEA-15 protein levels reduced after a short course of treatment with MET in a group hyperandrogenic obese PCOS women. This effect was independent of body weight and hyperandrogenism, and correlated with ISI, thus adding a further benefit to obese PCOS women.

• Authors: S Savastano, R Valentino, G Pizza, A De Rosa, F Orio, F Passaretti, P Formisano, G Lombardi, F Beguinot, A Colao
• Journal: Journal of endocrinological investigation (J Endocrinol Invest) 2010 Jul-Aug Vol. 33 Issue 7 Pg. 446-50 ISSN: 1720-8386 [Electronic] Italy
• PMID: 20671408 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Androgens
• Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
• Blood Glucose
• Insulin
• Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
• PEA15 protein, human
• Phosphoproteins
• Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin
• Metformin

Topics

• Adult
• Androgens (blood)
• Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
• Blood Glucose (metabolism)
• Female
• Humans
• Insulin (blood)
• Insulin Resistance (physiology)
• Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins (metabolism)
• Metformin (therapeutic use)
• Obesity (blood)
• Phosphoproteins (metabolism)
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (metabolism)