Effects of testosterone and metformin on glucose metabolism in endometrium

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of testosterone and metformin on glucose metabolism in endometrium.DesignIn vitro experiment.SettingReproductive and Genetic Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Peking University, Beijing, China.Patient(s)Premenopausal women undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy for uterine myoma or adenomyosis.Intervention(s)Endometrial glandular epithelial cell culture.Main Outcome Measure(s)Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4) expression in endometrial glandular epithelial cell.Result(s)After the action of testosterone solution, the protein expressions of IRS-1mRNA, IRS-1, and GLUT-4 in endometrial glandular epithelial cells all decreased significantly. Metformin may reverse this effect.Conclusion(s)The high androgen levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome could induce insulin resistance in endometrial glandular epithelial cell, whereas metformin has an antagonizing effect.