Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder characterized by insulin resistance(1), mild inflammation(2), and impaired ovulation(1) . Metformin, an antidiabetic drug commonly used in the treatment of PCOS, may play an important role in the treatment of infertility in these patients by improving insulin resistance and reducing inflammation(2, 3) .The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of metformin on the levels of insulin, inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-ɑ) in serum and follicular fluid of women with PCOS. Women with PCOS (n=40) were randomly divided into two groups. Metformin (1500 mg) and placebo (25 mg ORS solution) were both administered for 8 weeks. Treatment was started two months before the ovulation cycle and continued until the day of oocyte retrieval. Insulin, IL-6, and TNF-ɑ levels in serum and follicular fluid of these patients were measured by ELISA. Data were analyzed using the independent T-Test, and the difference between means was considered significant at the P<0.05 level. A significant decrease in serum IL-6 (P<.001), TNF-ɑ (P<0.01), and insulin (P<.001) levels was observed in the metformin group, but no significant difference was observed in follicular IL-6, TNF-ɑ, and insulin levels between the two groups (P>0.05). Based on the findings of this study, metformin may improve insulin resistance and reduce inflammatory factors, creating a more suitable environment for the growth and maturation of follicles and oocytes.
