Effects of testosterone and metformin on glucose metabolism in endometrium

Objective: To investigate the effects of testosterone and metformin on glucose metabolism in endometrium. Design: In vitro experiment. Setting: Reproductive and Genetic Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Peking University, Beijing, China. Patient(s): Premenopausal women undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy for uterine myoma or adenomyosis. Intervention(s): Endometrial glandular epithelial cell culture. Main Outcome Measure(s): Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4) expression in endometrial glandular epithelial cell. Result(s): After the action of testosterone solution, the protein expressions of IRS-1mRNA, IRS-1, and GLUT-4 in endometrial glandular epithelial cells all decreased significantly. Metformin may reverse this effect. Conclusion(s): The high androgen levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome could induce insulin resistance in endometrial glandular epithelial cell, whereas metformin has an antagonizing effect. (Fertil Steril (R) 2010; 93: 2295-8. (C) 2010 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)