Abstract: To investigate the effect of metformin on serum level of monocyte chemoattractant protein1 ( MCP1 ) and body compositon in obese patients and the correlation between MCP1 and body composition. Methods： Fasting serum level of MCP1 was assayed by ELISA in controls, obese patients, and patients accepted 12week treatment with metformin. Body composition was detected by bioelectrical impedance analysis in all objects. The differences of MCP1 and body composition among different groups and the relations between serum level of MCP1 and body composition were also analyzed. Results： Serum level of MCP1 in obese patients was significantly increased compared with controls(P＜0.05), while serum level of MCP1 in patients treated with metformin for 12 weeks was significantly decreased(P＜0.05). Serum MCP1 levels positively correlated with body mass index(BMI) (r= 0.326, P＜0.05) and waist circumference(r=0.344, P＜0.05). Conclusion： Obese patients exhibit a increased serum level of MCP1. Metformin can decrease the circulating MCP1 level and improve the inflammatory processes involved in atherogenesis.

Key words: Monocyte chemoattractant protein1, Obesity, Body composition, Metformin