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A systematic review of GLP-1 agonists on the metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovaries

Niafar M, Pourafkari L, Porhomayon J, Nader N

Archives of gynecology and obstetrics, 2016

178 participants

Abstract

PURPOSE: Glucagon-like peptides receptor agonists are currently approved as anti-obesity agents, yet the experience with their use in polycystic ovarian syndromes (PCOS)-related obesity and insulin resistance is still limited.

METHODS: We examined the effects of liraglutide on obesity, insulin resistance, and androgen levels in PCOS through a meta-analysis.

RESULTS: Seven RCTs where women with PCOS were treated with liraglutide were identified. The variables that were examined before and after a 90-day treatment included waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), fasting insulin concentrations, insulin resistance using homeostatic model (HOMA-IR), serum testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The analysis included 178 women. Only 172 patients had post-treatment measurements. While BMI significantly dropped by -1.65 (0.72-2.58) Kg/m(2) after 3 months treatment with liraglutide, waist circumference did not change significantly. Similarly, fasting insulin levels, insulin sensitivity, and SHBG did not change significantly. However, serum testosterone decreased by 0.29 nmol/L in 88 women (P = 0.0003).

CONCLUSION: In a limited number of the women with PCOS, BMI and serum testosterone are only variables that significantly decrease after 3 months of treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Larger sample size studies with longer durations of treatment may be required to examine potential benefits of these medications in improving insulin sensitivity.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 178 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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