Effects of metformin administration on endocrine-metabolic parameters, visceral adiposity and cardiovascular risk factors in children with obesity and risk markers for metabolic syndrome: A pilot study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226303
• Publication Date: 2019-12-10T13:27:31Z
• Authors: Judit Bassols; José-María Martín...; Inés Osiniri; Ferran Díaz-Roldán; Silvia Xargay-Tor...; Berta Mas-Parés; Estefanía Dorado-...; Anna Prats-Puig; Gemma Carreras-Ba...; Francis de Zegher; Lourdes Ibáñez; Abel López-Bermejo
• Keywords: Lipid Profile

Background Metformin treatment (1000–2000 mg/day) over 6 months in pubertal children and/or adolescents with obesity and hyperinsulinism is associated a reduction body mass index (BMI) the insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). We aimed to ascertain if long-term (24 months) lower doses of metformin (850 normalizes endocrine-metabolic abnormalities, improves composition, reduces carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) pre-puberal early obesity. Methods A pilot double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 18 (Tanner stage I-II) risk markers for metabolic syndrome. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) receive or placebo 24 months. Clinical, biochemical (insulin, lipids, leptin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP]), imaging (body composition [dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry magnetic resonance imaging]) parameters as well cIMT (ultrasonography) assessed at baseline 6, 12, Results The 12-month tend cause weight standard deviation scores (SDS), BMI-SDS, leptin–to–high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin ratio, hsCRP, cIMT, fat mass, liver metformin-treated compared placebo. effect leptin-to-HMW seemed be maintained after completing treatment. No changes sensitivity (HOMA-IR) adverse effects detected. Conclusion In this study, improve inflammation markers. Our data encourage development future fully powered trials using 850 mg/day young children, highlighting its excellent tolerance potential benefits.