P-51: The Role of Metformin in Reduction SerumC-Reactive Protein Levels in Women withPolycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background: Low-grade chronic inflammation, reflected in elevated levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), has recently been linked to obesity, insulin resistance syndromes such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Because the insulin sensitizer metformin has been shown to improve metabolic disturbances in PCOS, it was of particular interest to examine serum CRP levels during metformin therapy. Materials and Methods: Sixty women with PCOS were randomized to receive either metformin (500 mg twice daily for 6 months, N=30) or oral contraceptive pills (for 6 months, N=30) . Serum concentrations of CRP was measured at the start and the end of study in both groups. Results: The serum concentrations of CRP were significantly higher in PCOs women. In metformin group treatment, serum CRP levels decreased significantly from 3.08 ± 0.7 mg/liter to 1.52 ± 0.26 mg/liter at 6 months (p=0.006). In contrast, oral contraceptive pills group increased serum CRP levels from 2.91 ± 0.68 mg/liter to 4.58 ± 0.84 mg/liter (p