Metabolic Syndrome Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis

Metabolic syndrome due to obesity is associated with elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Epidemiologic research suggests an association between obesity and autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis (MS; NEJM JW Neurol Mar 2013 and Neurology 2013; 80:548). Adipokines produced by adipose tissue are hypothesized to have several pro-inflammatory effects. Now, researchers have evaluated two oral hypoglycemic medications for diabetes within 50 obese patients with MS and metabolic syndrome in a prospective, open-label cohort study. Of the 50 patients, 20 received metformin, 10 received pioglitazone, and 20 elected not to take medication (included as controls).

Patients were followed quarterly for at least 24 months. …