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A systematic review of GLP-1 agonists on the metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovaries

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Abstract

Purpose

Glucagon-like peptides receptor agonists are currently approved as anti-obesity agents, yet the experience with their use in polycystic ovarian syndromes (PCOS)-related obesity and insulin resistance is still limited.

Methods

We examined the effects of liraglutide on obesity, insulin resistance, and androgen levels in PCOS through a meta-analysis.

Results

Seven RCTs where women with PCOS were treated with liraglutide were identified. The variables that were examined before and after a 90-day treatment included waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), fasting insulin concentrations, insulin resistance using homeostatic model (HOMA-IR), serum testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The analysis included 178 women. Only 172 patients had post-treatment measurements. While BMI significantly dropped by −1.65 (0.72–2.58) Kg/m2 after 3 months treatment with liraglutide, waist circumference did not change significantly. Similarly, fasting insulin levels, insulin sensitivity, and SHBG did not change significantly. However, serum testosterone decreased by 0.29 nmol/L in 88 women (P = 0.0003).

Conclusion

In a limited number of the women with PCOS, BMI and serum testosterone are only variables that significantly decrease after 3 months of treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Larger sample size studies with longer durations of treatment may be required to examine potential benefits of these medications in improving insulin sensitivity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Endocrine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, IRAN

    Mitra Niafar

  2. Deptartment of Anesthesiology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA

    Leili Pourafkari, Jahan Porhomayon & Nader Nader

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  1. Mitra Niafar
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  2. Leili Pourafkari
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Correspondence to Nader Nader.

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Niafar, M., Pourafkari, L., Porhomayon, J. et al. A systematic review of GLP-1 agonists on the metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovaries. Arch Gynecol Obstet 293, 509–515 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-015-3976-7

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