Metformin administration improves leukocyte count in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a 6-month prospective study

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder associated with a wide range of endocrine and metabolic abnormalities. Low-grade chronic inflammation is a related complication recently observed in PCOS. Increased white blood cell (WBC) count was previously reported in PCOS women.Objective: To evaluate the effects of six months metformin administration on WBC count in PCOS women. Patients and methods: Fifty normal-weight PCOS women without additional metabolic or cardiovascular diseases were enrolled and treated with metformin (8 50 mg twice daily) for 6 months in a prospective baseline-controlled clinical study. At baseline and after treatment, WBC count and C-reactive protein (CRP) were evaluated in each patient. The whole hormonal profile, serum insulin and glucose levels (at fasting and during a 75 g 2-h oral glucose tolerance test), serum lipid profile were also assessed.Results: A significant difference was observed in WBC count (7050 +/- 5 52 vs 6080 +/- 5 77 cell/mm(3) +/- S.D.. P<0.001) and CRP levels (1.8 +/- 0.9 vs 1.1 +/- 0.6mg/I +/- S.D).. P<0.001) after metformin treatment in comparison with baseline values. SHBG levels and the free androgen index also changed significantly (P<0.001). Finally. high-density lipoproteins and the area under curve for glucose/area under curve for insulin ratio also significantly increased (P< 0.001), whereas low-density lipoproteins and area under curve for insulin were significantly reduced (P < 0.001). No other change was found in any of the biochemical parameters evaluated.Conclusion: A six-month course of metformin reduces WBC count in PCOS women.