Adolescents with classical polycystic ovary syndrome have alterations in the surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease but not in the endothelial function. The possible benefits of metformin

Abstract Study Objective To study whether adolescents with the classical form of polycystic ovary syndrome have alterations in metabolic and vascular structure and function. The effect of metformin was evaluated. Design Controlled study Setting University outpatient clinic Participants Eighteen PCOS non obese adolescents were enrolled. Seventeen healthy age-matched adolescents were recruited as controls. Interventions The metabolic profile and the endothelial structure and function were evaluated. Main Outcome Measure(s) Hormonal and lipid profile, blood pressure (BP) measurement, fasting glucose and insulin levels, C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine, tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and plasmin-antiplasmin complexes (PAP) were measured. Flow mediated dilation (FMD), central pulse wave velocity (PWV), radial artery pulse wave (AIx) and common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) were also assessed. PCOS girls were also studied 6 months after treatment with metformin (850 mg bid). Results PCOS adolescents were insulin resistant and/or hyperinsulinemic and they had higher BP values and levels of CRP and PAI-1 than the controls. The levels of t-PA and PAP were similar in both groups. FMD, PWV and IMT were also similar. Metformin significantly (p