Metformin as a new therapy for endometriosis, its effects on both clinical picture and cytokines profile

Background: Metformin has both anti-inflammatory properties and a modulatory effect on ovarian steroid production. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have yet examined the effects of metformin therapy on patients with endometriosis. Objective: To determine the effects of metformin therapy on the patient’s complaints and on the serum levels of some cytokines. Population: Sixty-nine infertile patients were diagnosed by diagnostic laparoscopy to have stages 1 & 2 endometriosis. They were subdivided into a control group and a treated group. Methods: Analysis of IL-6, IL-8 and VEGF levels using ELISA kits. Main study outcome: The effects of metformin therapy on the serum IL-6, IL-8 and VEGF levels after 3 and 6 months were compared with the control group (non-treated cases). Results: Metformin therapy resulted in a significant reduction in the patient’s complaints (P < 0.01) and in the serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 & VEGF. Conclusion: Metformin therapy in patients with endometriosis resulted in a significant reduction in the symptomatic cases, increased chance of pregnancy, and a decrease in the levels of serum cytokines, suggesting that it may have a therapeutic potential as an anti-endometriotic drug