Metformin decreases the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: an experimental study

ELIA EVELIN MARIEL; QUINTANA RAMIRO; CARRERE CARLOS; BAZZANO MARÍA VICTORIA; REY-VALZACCHI GASTÓN ; PAZ DANTE AGUSTÍN; PUSTOVRH MARÍA CAROLINA

J Ovarian Res

BioMed Central

Año: 2013 vol. 6 p. 62 - 70

1757-2215

Background In assisted reproduction cycles, gonadotropins are administered to obtain a greater number of oocytes. A majority of patients do not have an adverse response; however, approximately 3-6% develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Metformin reduces the risk of OHSS but little is known about the possible effects and mechanisms of action involved. Objective To evaluate whether metformin attenuates some of the ovarian adverse effects caused by OHSS and to study the mechanisms involved. Material and methods A rat OHSS model was used to investigate the effects of metformin administration. Ovarian histology and follicle counting were performed in ovarian sections stained with Masson trichrome. Vascular permeability was measured by the release of intravenously injected Evans Blue dye (EB). VEGF levels were measured by commercially immunosorbent assay kit. COX-2 protein expression was evaluated by western blot and NOS levels were analyses by immunohistochemistry. Results Animals of the OHSS group showed similar physiopathology characteristics to the human syndrome: increased body weight, elevated progesterone and estradiol levels (P