Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning ›› 2024, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (4): 343-347.doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20240097

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

New Progress in the Mechanism of Metformin Therapy for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

LI Dan-ping, LIAN Fang, XIANG Shan()   

  1. The First Clinical Medical College of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China (LI Dan-ping, XIANG Shan); Department of Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China (LIAN Fang)
  • Received:2024-02-28 Published:2024-07-15 Online:2024-07-24
  • Contact: XIANG Shan E-mail:axiangshan@163.com

Abstract:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disease, mainly manifested by ovulation disorders, menstrual cycle disorders, hyperandrogenemia, etc., and often accompanied by insulin resistance, obesity and metabolic abnormalities. The pathogenesis of PCOS involves genetic factors, environmental factors, chronic inflammation, autoimmune and so on. Metformin as an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator can enhance insulin sensitivity and decrease AMPK-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and thereby reduce the expression of gluconogenic enzymes. Metformin can promote follicle development and maturation, improve insulin resistance and restore the menstrual cycle, by relieving chronic inflammation, resisting oxidative stress, restoring mitochondrial function, inhibiting ferroptosis, and many other aspects. In addition, the activation of AMPK by metformin is closely related to the reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and the alleviation of liver damage in PCOS patients. The mechanism of AMPK activated by metformin in the treatment of PCOS was reviewed in this paper.

Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Metformin, AMP-activated protein kinases, Therapy