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Treatment With Metformin and Combination of Metformin and Pioglitazone in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Effects of Metformin and Combination of Metformin and Pioglitazone on Plasma Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-8 Levels in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Status
Completed
Phases
Early Phase 1
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03117517
Enrollment
106
Registered
2017-04-18
Start date
2017-03-20
Completion date
2018-03-07
Last updated
2020-03-02

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Keywords

PCOS

Brief summary

Objective: 1. To investigate the changes in the levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 after 3 months treatment with metformin alone and combination of metformin and pioglitazone in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). 2. To evaluate insulin resistance in all the groups at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Design: Two-Arm Randomized Clinical trial. Setting: Out-Patient Department (OPD) of Mardan Medical Complex, Khyber Medical University. Patient(s): One hundred and two patients with PCOS. Intervention(s): 51 women will receive metformin according to the body weight with maximum dose of 1000 mg (BD) daily. Remaining 51 will receive metformin and pioglitazone combination according to the body weight with maximum dose of 1000 mg and 30 mg (BD) daily. Main outcomes measure(s): Serum concentrations of fasting blood glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and i-nterleukin-8 (IL-8).

Detailed description

Effects of metformin and combination of metformin and pioglitazone on plasma IL-6 and IL-8 levels in polycystic ovarian syndrome Sponsor: Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar, Pakistan Hayatabad, Phase 5. Collaborations: This study is a collaborative project between Khyber Medical University Peshawar; Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan and Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood Gaetano Barresi, University of Messina (Italy). Coordinating Center: Clinical Trial Unit (CTU), Khyber Medical University, Peshawar Pakistan Email: CTU@kmu.edu.pk Study Chair Dr. Mohsin Shah Collaborative Group Chairs Dr. Farhat Rehman, Dr. Salvatore Giovanni Vitale M.D. CTU KMU Staff: Clinical Lead: Dr. Asif Ali Statistician: Dr. Muhammad Naseem/Dr. Zia Ul Haq Project Manager: Dr. Mohsin Shah, Dr. Dur-e- Shehwar Ali Emergency contact: Name: Dr. Farhat Rehman; Phone: 0301 8192880 1. Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy affecting women of reproductive age, with a frequency of about 4 to 7% (11). The syndrome is characterized by chronic oligo-anovulation, polycystic ovaries and hyperandrogenism (1). The patient has signs and symptoms of infertility, increased risk of insulin resistance, irregular menstruation (oligo-amenorrhea), hyperinsulinemia, type II diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, increase hair growth (1). Metformin, basically a biguanide, is an anti-hyperglycemic agent that improves glucose tolerance, increases the action of insulin at cellular levels without affecting insulin secretion (2). Metformin has been used in the management of insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and lipid abnormalities (2). A positive effect of metformin is proved by several studies on both metabolic and reproductive aspects in PCOS women (9). Metformin reduces obesity and decreases serum c-reactive protein levels in PCOS women (10). Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione (TZD) with hypoglycemic (anti-hyperglycemic, antidiabetic) action in the management of diabetes. It is also useful for reducing the cardiovascular risks associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome, having both anti-inflammatory and anti-arteriosclerotic properties (3). Pioglitazone was suggested to reduce the incidence of diabetes mellitus by more than 50% with administration of pioglitazone in PCOS (3). Interestingly, the protection from developing diabetes mellitus in these patients remained even when pioglitazone was stopped (3). IL-6, a major pro-inflammatory cytokine, shows an essential part in endocrine system, particularly related to ovarian growth and the course of fertilization and implantation (1). IL-6 plays an important role in facilitating low grade chronic inflammation in patients with PCOS (1). IL-6 has been shown to be closely related to insulin resistance and cardiovascular abnormalities (4). Obesity, a major risk factor for type II diabetes, was reported to be associated with elevated IL-6 levels (4). IL-8 is a chemokine formed via macrophages and other cell types like endothelial cells, airway smooth muscle cells and epithelial cells (6). The levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were decreased in patients of PCOS after they reduced their insulin resistance and body weight (4). The manifestation of increased markers such as c-reactive protein, IL-6, IL-8 levels and raised leukocyte count is indication of low grade inflammation in women with PCOS (8). Elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were related with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and future myocardial infarction (4). The investigators designed this study to elucidate the role of metformin and combination of metformin and pioglitazone in reducing the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in patients with PCOS. The study will help in deciding a better treatment regimen for patients with PCOS. IL-6 and IL-8 may emerge as predictive biomarkers of treatment response. 2. Aims and objectives Objectives: The objectives of this study are 1. Primary To investigate the changes in the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 after 3 months treatment with metformin alone and combination of metformin and pioglitazone in patients with PCOS. 2. Secondary To evaluate insulin resistance in all the groups at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. 3. Hypothesis: Combination of metformin and pioglitazone may decrease the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in women with PCOS better than metformin. 5\. Materials and Methods: 1. Study design: Two-Arm Randomized Clinical trial. 2. Study settings: Out-Patient Department (OPD) of Mardan Medical Complex, Khyber Medical University 3. Study duration: Six Months after approval of proposal 4. Sample size: The sample size was calculated using OpenEpi software. With an expected reduction in IL-6 and IL-8 values of 15% in the metformin arm, the investigators would need 102 women with PCOS to demonstrate a 40% reduction in IL-6 and IL-8 in the metformin and pioglitazone arm with a power of at least 80% and a ratio of 1 in the two arms. Arm#1: 51 women with PCOS will be selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants will receive metformin according to the body weight with maximum dose of 1000 mg (BD) daily. Arm#2: 51 women with PCOS will be selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants will receive metformin and pioglitazone combination according to the body weight with maximum dose of 1000 mg and 30mg (BD) daily. 5. Sampling techniques: Blood samples will be taken from ante cubital vein after an overnight fast. Samples will be taken from all groups at the initiation and at the end of 3 months. Serum levels luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, testosterone, IL-6, IL-8 and insulin will be analyzed by ELISA method. Fasting glucose will be performed by chemistry analyzer. Evaluation of insulin resistance will be performed by using HOMA-IR Index (Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance) with following formula. : HOMA-IR= fasting plasma insulin (µIU/mL) x fasting plasma glucose (mmol/L) /22.5 6\. Subject Population: 6.1 Target population Women with PCOS visiting the outpatient department of participating hospitals. 6.2 Sample selection: Participants will be recruited in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. 6.3 Screening: Before the study-specific screening and investigations, patient will sign a written informed consent and the investigator will also sign the consent with date. 6.4 Registration: Subjects will be registered before starting study treatment and a registration number will be allotted. Requests for registration will only be accepted from authorized investigators at sites that have received ethical approval. Treatment would be planned to start after registration. Registration would be done according to the instructions in the protocol only after all screening assessments have been performed and the responsible investigator has both verified the subject's eligibility and signed the completed registration form. Once the registration process has completed as per the instructions in the protocol, the subject will be assigned a subject, study number, and written confirmation of registration will be provided to the site. Individuals must be registered once in this trial. 6.5 Randomization: Randomization will be performed using Block Randomization technique using online software Sealed Envelope. 7\. Data Collection Procedure: 7.1 Patient Recruitment: Approval of the study will be obtained from the Khyber Medical University, Ethics Board. Potential participants will be identified in the participatory center. Purpose and components of the study will be explained to each potential participant. Once the participant has agreed to take part, the participant will be screened for eligibility criteria. All eligible participants will be asked to give a written informed consent. Data regarding age, weight, height, menstrual irregularity, hirsutism, past medical and surgical history, serum testosterone and fasting insulin will be taken. Each participant will undergo ultrasound for assessment of ovarian changes. The study participants will be grouped in the following two arms. Arm#1: 51 women with PCOS will be selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants will receive metformin according to the body weight with maximum dose of 1000 mg (BD) daily. Arm#2: 51 women with PCOS will be selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants will metformin and pioglitazone according to the body weight with maximum dose of 1000 mg and 30 mg (BD) daily. Arm 1 metformin (1000 mg) Arm 2 metformin (1000 mg) and pioglitazone (30 mg) 7.2 Concomitant medication reporting and treatment: Concomitant medications will not be recorded during the study. The following medications and treatment are recommended during the study. 7.2.1 Permitted The following medications are permitted during the study: Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), multivitamins, antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). 7.2.2 Use with caution There are no medications that should specifically be used with caution in this study. 7.2.3 Prohibited There are no medications and treatments that are specifically prohibited in this study. 7.2.4 Compliance Subject medication compliance will be determined at each visit after 1 month and the patient will be counseled appropriately if significant non-compliance is determined. 7.2.5 Treatment discontinuation The treatment of the patient or study on the subject will be discontinued in case of pregnancy or any disease given in exclusion criteria and in patient with hypersensitivity to drugs. There is no serious adverse effect observed after treatment discontinuation. Data Analysis Procedure: Mean ± SD will be used for numeric data generated from our work. In each arm the mean difference in the IL-6 and IL-8 values will be calculated using paired sample t test. For between arms analysis, mean difference in the IL-6 and IL-8 values will be calculated using independent sample t test. Non-parametric statistics will be used if the data is skewed. A cut-off will be calculated for IL-6 and IL-8 separately using ROC curve analysis. Based on the cut-off, a binary logistic regression analysis will be performed to evaluate the predictive significance of the two treatment arms in reducing the levels of inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-8. P-value of \< 0.05 will be considered significant. Results will be presented in form of tables & figures. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21 will be used for all the statistical analysis.

Interventions

DRUGMetformin

Metformin (1000 mg)

DRUGMetformin, Pioglitazone

Metformin (1000 mg) Pioglitazone (30 mg)

Sponsors

Khyber Medical University Peshawar
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Caregiver, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
20 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Clinically diagnosed patients of PCOS. * Must Swallow the tablet(s). * Must give informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

* Women with cushing syndrome, hyperprolactinemia. * Late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen-producing tumors, pregnancy. * Insulin dependent diabetes. * Thyroid disease. * Medications that alters the biochemical or hormonal profile.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Cytokines and Chemokines MeasurementsBaseline and after 3 MonthsIL-6 and IL-8 levels by ELISA method using commercially available kits.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Hormonal ProfilesBaseine and after 3 MonthsSerum level of LH was measure at baseline and after 3 months of treatment
Insulin ResistanceBaseline and after 3 monthsInsulin resistance was measure by calculating HOMA-IR from the data of insulin and sugar levels.

Countries

Pakistan

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Metformin
Drug intervention: Metformin 500 mg tablet twice orally for 3 months Metformin: Metformin (1000 mg)
53
Metformin, Pioglitazone
Drugs intervention: Combination of Metformin (1000 mg) and pioglitazone (30 mg) tablets will be given orally for 3 months Metformin, Pioglitazone: Metformin (1000 mg) Pioglitazone (30 mg)
53
Total106

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicMetformin, PioglitazoneTotalMetformin
Age, Continuous25.44 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.74
25.53 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.42
25.63 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.55
Race and Ethnicity Not Collected0 Participants
Region of Enrollment
Pakistan
53 Participants106 Participants53 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
53 Participants106 Participants53 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 00 / 0
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 00 / 0
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 00 / 0

Outcome results

Primary

Cytokines and Chemokines Measurements

IL-6 and IL-8 levels by ELISA method using commercially available kits.

Time frame: Baseline and after 3 Months

Population: Measurement of IL-6 levels in serum samples at baseline and after 3 months of treatment

ArmMeasureGroupValue (GEOMETRIC_MEAN)
MetforminCytokines and Chemokines MeasurementsIL-6 levels at baseline14.60 pg/ml
MetforminCytokines and Chemokines MeasurementsIL-6 levels after 3 months of treatment12.65 pg/ml
MetforminCytokines and Chemokines MeasurementsIL-8 Llevels at baseline61.92 pg/ml
MetforminCytokines and Chemokines MeasurementsIL-8 Llevels after treatment32.70 pg/ml
Metformin, PioglitazoneCytokines and Chemokines MeasurementsIL-8 Llevels after treatment22.00 pg/ml
Metformin, PioglitazoneCytokines and Chemokines MeasurementsIL-6 levels at baseline14.12 pg/ml
Metformin, PioglitazoneCytokines and Chemokines MeasurementsIL-8 Llevels at baseline41.86 pg/ml
Metformin, PioglitazoneCytokines and Chemokines MeasurementsIL-6 levels after 3 months of treatment11.12 pg/ml
Secondary

Hormonal Profiles

Serum level of LH was measure at baseline and after 3 months of treatment

Time frame: Baseine and after 3 Months

Population: Serum LH level at basline

ArmMeasureGroupValue (GEOMETRIC_MEAN)
MetforminHormonal ProfilesLH level at baseline5.79 mIU/ml
MetforminHormonal ProfilesLH level after treatment4.92 mIU/ml
Metformin, PioglitazoneHormonal ProfilesLH level at baseline6.625 mIU/ml
Metformin, PioglitazoneHormonal ProfilesLH level after treatment5.16 mIU/ml
Secondary

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance was measure by calculating HOMA-IR from the data of insulin and sugar levels.

Time frame: Baseline and after 3 months

Population: Insulin resistance was determined by HOMA-IR

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
MetforminInsulin ResistanceHOMA-IR at baseline7.19 unitlessStandard Deviation 3
MetforminInsulin ResistanceHOMA-IR after treatment3.97 unitlessStandard Deviation 2.03
Metformin, PioglitazoneInsulin ResistanceHOMA-IR at baseline6.22 unitlessStandard Deviation 2.65
Metformin, PioglitazoneInsulin ResistanceHOMA-IR after treatment3.84 unitlessStandard Deviation 2.13

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026