Serum resistin levels in women taking combined oral contraceptives containing desogestrel or gestodene.

Author(s): Rechberger T, Tomaszewski J, Pieprzowska-Bialek A, Kulik-Rechberger B, Skorupski P

Affiliation(s): Department of Gynaecological Surgery, University School of Medicine, 20-954 Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, Poland. rechbergt@yahoo.com

Publication date & source: 2004-06, Contraception., 69(6):477-80.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

Resistin is a hormone secreted by adipose tissue that could be involved in the development of insulin resistance. Previous studies confirmed that endogenous sex steroids may influence serum resistin concentration in women. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of combined oral contraceptives containing desogestrel or gestodene on circulating levels of resistin. Fifty-three women were enrolled in the study. Thirteen patients received 20 microg ethinylestradiol/150 microg desogestrel, 15 women were treated with 20 microg ethinylestradiol/75 microg gestodene, 11 with 30 microg ethinylestradiol/150 microg desogestrel and 14 with 30 microg ethinylestradiol/75 microg gestodene. Blood samples for estimation of serum resistin and insulin levels were drawn before administration of oral contraceptive and after 6 cycles of therapy. We found that serum resistin level remained unchanged in women receiving ethinylestradiol/desogestrel and was reduced in women treated with formulations containing gestodene. We conclude that ethinylestradiol combined with desogestrel or gestodene is unlikely to induce insulin resistance through resistin pathway. Copyright 2004 Elsevier Inc.