An experimental work has suggested the efficacy of metformin, an oral antidiabetic agent, on capillary permeability. This agent has been tested in 10 women patients with cyclic edema, 7 of them being obese. The capillary permeability to albumin studied by an isotope test derived from Landis's method was initially increased. After a mean of six-weeks of treatment the albumin retention and an index demonstrating the interstitial protein elimination through the lymph route were significantly improved. Concomitantly, the swelling feelings were reduced in 8 cases and the lower limb edema had decreased or disappeared in 8 of 9 patients who initially presented these symptoms. The effects of metformin are beneficial and have been observed to be independent of glycemic change. The results suggest a special effect of this agent on the microcirculation. Nevertheless, a controlled study is required.
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