The Effect of Metformin on Serum Levels of FSH, LH, Oestrogen and Progesterone in Diabetic Rats
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Date
2013
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus represents one of the greatest global health threats. It contributes to sub-fertility in females and impairs the normal menstrual cycle and ovulation. This study was designed to investigate the effect of oral administration of metformin on FSH, LH, oestrogen, and progesterone in diabetic rats.
Twenty female rats were divided into four experimental groups of five rats each. Group A (control) received distilled water ad libitum. Group B were diabetic untreated; Group C received metformin only; Group D were diabetic and received metformin. At the end of the four-week treatment period, blood samples were collected for hormone assays.
The results showed significant (P<0.05) reductions in FSH and LH levels in all experimental groups compared to control. Progesterone levels significantly increased in Groups B and D compared to control, while oestrogen levels were reduced in all experimental groups but insignificantly (P>0.05). The study suggests that metformin’s ovulation-inducing effect is likely due to its direct action on the ovary, and not solely due to improved insulin sensitivity.
Description
Keywords
metformin, diabetes, oestrogen, progesterone, LH, FSH
Citation
Ojulari, L. S., Biliaminu, S. A., Ahmed, T. T., Abdulazeez, F. I., Oyekunle, O. F., Niyi-Odumosu, F. A., & Adegoke, O. A. (2013). The effect of metformin on serum levels of FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone in diabetic rats. The Tropical Journal of Health Sciences, 20 (1), 41-44