| Abstract
Purpose Glucagon-like peptides receptor agonists are currently approved as anti-obesity agents, yet the experience
with their use in polycystic ovarian syndromes (PCOS)-related obesity and insulin resistance is still limited.
Methods We examined the effects of liraglutide on obesity, insulin resistance, and androgen levels in PCOS
through a meta-analysis.
Results Seven RCTs where women with PCOS were treated with liraglutide were identified. The variables that
were examined before and after a 90-day treatment included waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), fasting
insulin concentrations, insulin resistance using homeostatic model (HOMA-IR), serum testosterone, and sex hormonebinding
globulin (SHBG). The analysis included 178 women. Only 172 patients had post-treatment measurements.
While BMI significantly dropped by -1.65 (0.72–2.58) Kg/m2 after 3 months treatment with liraglutide,
waist circumference did not change significantly. Similarly, fasting insulin levels, insulin sensitivity, and
SHBG did not change significantly. However, serum testosterone decreased by 0.29 nmol/L in 88 women
(P = 0.0003).
Conclusion In a limited number of the women with PCOS, BMI and serum testosterone are only variables that significantly decrease after 3 months of treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Larger sample size studies with longer durations of treatment may be required to examine potential benefits of these medications in improving insulin sensitivity. |