Effect of Metformin therapy on lipid profile in obese and non-obese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Introduction and Aim: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine condition affecting the reproductive system in women. It is characterized by obesity, irregular menstruation, anovulation, hirsutism, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Metformin, an oral anti-diabetic drug is known to stabilize metabolic disturbances caused by PCOS. This study aims to determine the effect of metformin therapy on lipid profile in obese and non-obese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.  Materials and Methods: It is a prospective, clinical, interventional study, participated by sixty women aged between 13 to 45 years, suffering with PCOS, who are attending the gynecology outpatient department at SVS medical college and hospital, from a year. The subjects were divided into two groups, Group-1 (Obese women) and Group-2 (non-obese women) and received the anti-diabetic drug, Metformin orally with doses of 500mg/day for a year. Approval of our study was done by Ethical Institutional Board. Demographic parameters age, BMI, and lipid profile including High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Triglycerides (TAG), & Total Cholesterol (TC) were assessed. SPSS was applied for data analysis and p<0.001 was considered statistically significant. Results: A combined group study of obese and non-obese women subjects showed a BMI decrease in non-obese subjects at 6 months by Metformin therapy. HDL levels increased in non-obese women subjects with a statistical significance. LDL and TAG levels remained unchanged at 6 months by Metformin therapy in both groups. Total cholesterol levels were high in non-obese women and were decreased in the obese women group after Metformin treatment, this metformin therapy could be useful in controlling the metabolic disturbances in non-obese women suffering from PCOS. Conclusion: Metformin has an optimistic physiological effect on the BMI & lipid profile of women suffering from PCOS, hence can help control metabolic disturbances.

Tuberculous prostatitis: a condition not confined to the immunocompromised

Tuberculous (TB) prostatitis is rare; usually occurring in immunocompromised men. It can mimic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), chronic prostatitis or prostate cancer. This report in an immunocompetent 72-year-old man adds to the clinical spectrum of the five prior reported cases. A low threshold for prostatic biopsy led to a histological evaluation and subsequent microbiological confirmation of TB. This attests to the value of such an approach in arriving at the correct diagnosis and the institution of appropriate anti-tuberculous therapy even amongst immune-competent men.

Endoscopic ultrasound: what is it and when should it be used?

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an increasingly available diagnostic and therapeutic tool used within the U.K. it has wide applications both in the gastrointestinal tract and mediastinum with its current main uses being in the staging of luminal malignancies and assessment of pancreatic and subepithelial lesions. The emergence of linear EUS has opened up new therapeutic avenues with fine needle aspiration, trucut biopsies, coeliac plexus blocks and transmural pseudocyst drainage all now possible. Future developments include localised brachytherapy/chemotherapy and alcohol ablation of unresectable pancreatic malignancies and EUS-guided endoscopic surgery.