Data from: An investigation of the therapeutic effects of statins with metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objectives: To investigate the therapeutic effects of statins with
metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Settings: Endocrinology
department. Participants: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of
Controlled Trials were searched until October 2014. Studies comparing
statins and placebo, as well as the combination of statins and metformin
and metformin alone, were included in the analysis. Interventions: Data
were independently extracted by two researchers; any convergence was
resolved by a third reviewer. Primary and secondary outcome measures: The
following properties were extracted from the qualified trials to identify
the effects of statins: clinical variables, metabolic characteristics,
hormone outcomes, sign of inflammation, glucose parameters and insulin
outcomes. Results: Data from four trials comparing statin and metformin
with metformin alone were analysed. The combination of statins and
metformin decreases the levels of C reactive protein (standardised mean
difference (SMD) −0.91; 95% CI −1.81 to −0.02; p=0.046), triglyceride (SMD
−1.37; 95% CI −2.46 to −0.28; p=0.014), total cholesterol (SMD −1.28; 95%
CI −1.59 to −0.97; p=0.000) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
(SMD −0.74; 95% CI −1.03 to −0.44; p=0.000). However, the combined therapy
fails to reduce fasting insulin (SMD −0.92; 95% CI −2.07 to 0.24;
p=0.120), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (SMD −1.15;
95% CI −3.36 to 1.06; p=0.309) and total testosterone (SMD −1.12; 95% CI
−2.29 to 0.05; p=0.061). Analysis of the five trials comparing statin with
placebo shows that statin monotherapy reduces LDL-cholesterol,
triglyceride and total cholesterol. Conclusions: Combined statin and
metformin therapy can improve lipid and inflammation parameters, but
cannot effectively improve insulin sensitivity and reduce hyperandrogenism
in women with PCOS. A large-scale randomised controlled study must be
conducted to ascertain the long-term effects of the therapy.