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Serum vascular endothelial growth factor B is elevated in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and can be decreased with metformin treatment

Cheng F, Zhao L, Wu Y, Huang T, Yang G, Zhang Z, Wu Y, Jia F et al.

Clinical endocrinology, 2016

103 participants

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine serum vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) levels in polycystic ovary syndrome, their association with insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction, and the effect of metformin on serum VEGF-B levels.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional, interventional study.

PATIENTS: We recruited 103 women with polycystic ovary syndrome and 96 age-matched healthy controls. Serum VEGF-B levels were determined in all participants, and 44 polycystic ovary syndrome patients randomly received metformin.

MEASUREMENTS: We measured VEGF-B levels in healthy controls and women with polycystic ovary syndrome before and after metformin treatment.

RESULTS: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome had higher serum VEGF-B levels, which decreased with metformin treatment. In the lean and overweight/obese groups, patients with polycystic ovary syndrome had higher plasma VEGF-B levels than did healthy controls (P < 0·05). VEGF-B levels were correlated with body mass index, body fat percentage, M values, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and β-cell function indices. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that VEGF-B level was associated with M values after adjusting for age, body mass index, serum sex hormones and serum lipids in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS: Serum VEGF-B is significantly higher in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and is closely and positively related to insulin resistance. Metformin treatment reduces VEGF-B levels and…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 103 participants or records.

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