It is well known that obesity affects fertility by altering ovarian and endometrial function and lowering the chance of successful pregnancy. For those with reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, metformin has proved to be a successful treatment option to increase the likelihood of pregnancy. The theory is that metformin somehow alters the changes in endometrial proteins induced by obesity.

This new study by Malliou-Becher et al. aimed to uncover metformin’s role in the endometrial layer through use of a C57 mouse model line, fed either a standard diet or a high-fat variation. Following this diet, the mice were either given metformin or remained without additional treatment.
Proteomic analysis uncovered significant alterations in the protein expression of the endometrial tissue specifically, due to the high-fat diet. This was restored to normal levels via metformin in most cases. Some of the specific proteins associated with reproductive health include calcium-independent phospholipase A2γ and apolipoprotein C-III. 

These findings suggest there may be a potential therapeutic role for metformin in correcting altered endometrial protein expression, which could improve fertility outcomes in women with obesity or insulin resistance.

Read the full article in Journal of Molecular Endocrinology 74 e240098 https://doi.org/10.1530/JME-24-0098