Effects of acarbose on polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Whether or not acarbose benefits patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to synthesize the literature regarding the therapeutic effects of acarbose on PCOS.
METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using terms, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, ovary polycystic disease, PCOS, hyperandrogenemia, acarbose, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), in the following bibliographic databases: Medline; Embase; and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. The identified reference lists were checked manually.
RESULTS: 6 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Based on the meta-analysis of 3 studies, acarbose was superior to placebo or no treatment in reducing serum levels of testosterone (Std MD = - 3.38, 95% CI:-5.97~-0.78, P = 0.01) and acarbose caused a significantly higher incidence of side effects, such as abdominal distention and diarrhea (OR = 23.78, 95% CI: 5.67~99.75, P < 0.0001). The changes in Ferriman-Gallwey score or body mass index (BMI) were not significant. Based on the meta-analysis of 2 studies, acarbose were superior to placebo or no treatment in reducing triglycerides (TG; WMD = -18.18, 95% CI:-36.30~-0.06, P = 0.05) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol (WMD = - 6.49, 95% CI:-9.14~-3.84, P < 0.00001), and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (WMD = 5.14, 95% CI:1.73~8.55, P = 0.003). There were no significant…
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