Journal of North Khorasan

Abstract Background & Objectives: Gestational diabetes is an state of glucose intolerance that is diagnosed during pregnancy. Metformin is a biguanide oral hypoglycemic agent and is used in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, but its use in treatment of gestational diabetes has been controversial. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of metformin on serum lipid profile in hyperglycemic pregnant rats and their progenies. Materials & Methods: Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: intact control, sham, hyperglycemic and 2 experimental groups treated with metformin at doses of 160 and 300 mg/kg. The hyperglycemia was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of hypertonic glucose (4g/kg) and medroxyprogesterone (3mg/kg) twice daily since the 5th day of pregnancy through the end of the gestational period. Furthermore, experimental groups received 160 and 300 mg/kg metformin in drinking water since 5th day of gestation through the end of the pregnancy. The maternal blood samples were taken on days 0, 5, 15 and 20 of pregnancy, while neonatal samples were collected on postnatal days of 15 and 30. Biochemical factors (triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol) were measured spectrophotometrically by routine laboratory techniques. Results: Following injection of hypertonic glucose and medroxyprogesterone, serum glucose levels were significantly increased in hyperglycemic pregnant rats compared to control. Serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels in hyperglycemic pregnant rats and their newborns were partially increased in comparison to control group. Treatment of hyperglycemic pregnant rats with metformin at dosages of 160 and 300 mg/kg decreased the lipid levels in the mothers and their newborns compared to hyperglycemic group, although the changes were not significant. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the hyperglycemic pregnant rat model is a reliable model for gestational diabetes in human. Metformin is a safe and effective treatment for rat dams during gestational diabetes and their progenies. Therefore, it may be suggested that metformin can be used in treatment of gestational diabetes in pregnant women.