Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To determine if metformin improves markers of inflammation, thrombosis, and intrahepatic fat contents in children with uncomplicated obesity.
METHODS
Obese children with normal glucose tolerance but elevated highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and/or fibrinogen concentrations (>2 standard deviations) were randomized to structured diet/exercise or diet/exercise and metformin for 6 months. Blood samples, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry data, and liver magnetic resonance images were obtained.
RESULTS
Forty-two of 66 recruited children (7-18 years) completed 6 months. Weight loss was modest but more pronounced in the metformin group (-4.9 +/- 1.0 kg) than in the diet/exercise group (-1.7 +/- 1.1 kg, p<0.03), whereas hsCRP and fibrinogen decreased more in the diet/exercise pubertal group. Baseline intrahepatic fat was high but decreased only in the diet/exercise (not metformin) pubertal group.
CONCLUSIONS
Six months of metformin therapy improved weight loss and reduced abdominal adiposity, but did not enhance the beneficial effect of diet and exercise on markers related to inflammation, thrombosis, or hepatic fat in obese children with normal glucose tolerance.

Authors

Mauras N, DelGiorno C, Hossain J, Bird K, Killen K, Merinbaum D, Weltman A, Damaso L, Balagopal P

Institution

Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Nemours Children's Clinic, Jacksonville, FL32207, USA. nmauras@nemours.org

Source

Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM 25:1-2 2012 pg 33-40

MeSH

Abdominal Fat
Adolescent
Biological Markers
C-Reactive Protein
Child
Female
Fibrinogen
Glucose Tolerance Test
Humans
Hypoglycemic Agents
Male
Metformin
Obesity
Weight Loss

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22570948