GLP-1 receptor agonists versus metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Publication date: Available online 25 April 2019Source: Reproductive BioMedicine OnlineAuthor(s): Yi Han, Yingjie Li, Bing HeABSTRACTThis meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a GLP-1 receptor agonist on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients by comparing its effect with that of metformin. Electronic databases dating from their establishment to June 2018 were searched to find all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists versus metformin for patients with PCOS. Therapeutic parameters included menstrual cycle, sex hormone and clinical manifestations, glucose metabolism and other metabolic indexes. Eight RCTs among 462 related articles were included in our review. The meta-analysis showed that: compared with metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists were more effective in improving insulin sensitivity (SMD −0.40 [95% CI −0.74, −0.06], P=0.02) and reducing BMI (SMD −1.02 [95% CI −1.85, −0.19], P=0.02) and abdominal girth (SMD −0.45 [95% CI −0.89, −0.00], P=0.05). GLP-1 receptor agonists had a higher incidence of nausea and headache than metformin, but no significant difference on other data. Therefore, compared to metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists might be a good choice for the obese patients with PCOS, especially with insulin resistance. The available evidence is inconclusive given its moderate to low quality. More high-quality research is needed to assess the efficacy of a GLP-1 receptor agonist on...
Source: Reproductive BioMedicine Online - Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research