Metformin decreases serum 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels in polycystic ovary syndrome

ObjectiveTo learn whether metformin treatment affects oxidative stress as measured by serum concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG).DesignDouble-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.SettingUniversity outpatient clinic.Patient(s)The study cohort consisted of 50 obese women (body mass index [BMI] ≥27 kg/m2) and 60 nonobese patients (BMI <27 kg/m2), mean age was 27.7 ± 4.0 SD years.Intervention(s)Randomization to receive metformin or placebo for 3 months.Main Outcome Measure(s)Serum levels of 8-OHdG before and after medical treatment.Result(s)The levels of 8-OHdG were equal at baseline in the placebo and metformin groups. Obese women had higher baseline serum concentrations of 8-OHdG. Levels of 8-OHdG were statistically significantly reduced with metformin treatment, especially in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. This study was a secondary subanalysis of a previously conducted prospective multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study on the effects of metformin on miscarriage, pregnancy, and miscarriage rates.Conclusion(s)Metformin treatment, compared with placebo, statistically significantly decreased 8-OHdG levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Clinical Trial Registration NumberNCT00994812.