Changes in IL-18 Level in Response to Metformin Treatment in Iraqi Women with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (Placebo Controlled Study)

Background The most common endocrine disorder affect women between the ages of 18 and 44 is PCOS. ovaries stimulated by high level of luteinizing hormone ( LH) from the anterior pituitary gland or by excessive insulin (hyperinsulinaemia). A majority of women with PCOS have insulin resistance. IL-18 play a role in some inflammatory conditions. [17] In women PCOS, serum IL 18 is increased and there is a strong association with increased insulin resistance. Metformin is a drug used in type 2 diabetes. It acts by reducing glucose synthesis by the liver and increasing insulin sensitivity to enhance peripheral glucose uptake to reduce. In PCOS it is used to reduce insulin resistance and improve ovarian function. Aim of the work To find changes in IL 18 level in response to metformine treatment. Patients and methods Double blind placebo controlled study carried from November 2016 to February 2017 in which 50 patients blindly assigned into two groups by codes placebo and treatment group. recieving 850mg once daily of starch and metformin successively for three months. Body mass index, hormonal profile and serum IL18 was measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Results At the end of study the code was opened and 30 patient was in the treatment group while 20 patients in the placebo group. all measures was compared between baseline and at the end of the study. mean level of IL-18 was (312.1199.164) before metformin treatment in the placebo group and (306.200.186.989) in the treatment group. At the end of the study there was marked decrease (106.6699.281) in the treatment group with statistically significant change in the treatment group but not in the placebo group (341.33102.996). also there was significant difference between placebo and treatment group at the end of the study. Conclusion metformin in addition to its role as insulin sensitizer it also reduces inflammation in PCOS patients marked by significant reduction of S. IL 18.