The effect of metformin treatment on leukocyte telomere length in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a prospective case–control study

Abstract

Purpose The study aimed to investigate the efect of metformin treatment on leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and the relationship of LTL with C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine, albumin, complete blood count, and HOMA-IR values in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Material and method A prospective case–control study consisting of 30 women with PCOS and 30 healthy women without PCOS was performed. The relationship between clinical and laboratory parameters and LTL was analyzed. PCOS patients were treated with metformin (850 mg/day) for three months. Before treatment (BT) and after treatment (AT), each patient’s LTL was evaluated and compared with the control group. Results In the comparison between PCOS and control groups, the diference was signifcant for LTL, age, body mass index (BMI), and CRP (p=0.002; p<0.001; p=0.001; p=0.01, respectively). In PCOS patients, the diference between BT and AT, LTL was not statistically signifcant (BT: 6.06±2.12; AT: 6.30±1.93; p=0.623; 95% C.I:−1.22–0.74); however, the diference for weight was signifcant (BT: 83.78±15.31; AT: 80.62±15.40; p=0.02; 95% CI: 1.34–4.99). The logistic regression model established by BMI (group 1: 21–24, group 2: 24–29, group 3: 29–34, group 4:>34), age, and RDW, which predicted the PCOS group by afecting the LTL level, was statistically signifcant (p<0.001/PPV=96.3%; NPV=88.5%). Each unit reduction in telomere length increased women’s probability of PCOS by 0.4 times (p=0.013; OR=0.419, 95% CI: 0.211–0.835). Conclusion Although statistically insignifcant, LTL increased after metformin use in PCOS patients, and the mean weight loss reduction was statistically signifcant. Telomere shortening increased the likelihood of PCOS 0.4 times.