Asymmetrical dimethylarginine, inflammatory and metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome before and after metformin treatment.

Context: Insulin resistance plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and represents a link to the unfavorable cardiovascular risk profile frequently found in affected patients. The endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetrical dimethyl-L-arginine (ADMA) is associated with atherosclerosis and represents an independent marker for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Objective: We investigated ADMA levels among other cardiovascular, metabolic, and hormonal parameters in women with PCOS and the effects of metformin treatment on these parameters.