Summary
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with decreased fertility, insulin resistance
and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Treating PCOS patients
with metformin improves fertility and decreases cardiovascular complications. Given
that platelet activation contributes to both infertility and cardiovascular disease
development, we assessed platelet reactivity in PCOS patients and the consequences
of metformin treatment. Compared to washed platelets from healthy donors, platelets
from PCOS patients demonstrated enhanced reactivity and impaired activation of the
AMP-activated kinase (AMPK). PCOS platelets also demonstrated enhanced expression
of mitochondrial proteins such as the cytochrome c reductase, ATP synthase and the
voltage-dependent anion channel-1. However, mitochondrial function was impaired as
demonstrated by a decreased respiration rate. In parallel, the phosphorylation of
dynamin-related protein-1 (Drp-1) on Ser616 was increased while that on Ser637 decreased.
The latter changes were accompanied by decreased mitochondrial size. In insulin-resistant
PCOS patients (HOMA-IR> 2) metformin treatment (1.7 g per day for 4 weeks to 6 months)
improved insulin sensitivity, restored mitochondrial integrity and function and normalised
platelet aggregation. Treatment was without effect in PCOS patients with HOMA-IR<
2. Moreover, treatment of megakaryocytes with metformin enhanced mitochondrial content
and in the same cells metformin enhanced the phosphorylation of the Drp-1 on Ser637
via an AMPK[uni03B1]1-dependent mechanism. In conclusion, the improvement of mitochondrial
integrity and platelet reactivity may contribute to the beneficial effects of metformin
on cardiovascular disease.
Keywords
Metformin - polycystic ovary syndrome - platelets - dynamin-related protein 1 - AMP-activated
protein kinase