Long-term effects of intrauterine exposure to metformin on offspring

Abstract

As an oral antidiabetic drugs, metformin has been widely used to treat various diseases such as gestational diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity in pregnant women. Current literature suggests that intrauterine metformin exposure has no significant impact on perinatal outcomes of the offspring, such as neonatal hypoglycemia, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, premature delivery and others. However, considering the possible transfer of metformin across the placental barrier, intrauterine metformin exposure may potentially influence the development of placenta and the fetus, cell metabolism, and hormone levels. According to the "Developmental Origins of Health and Diseases"theory, the long-term effect of intrauterine metformin exposure on the growth, metabolism, reproductive function and neuropsychological development of offspring reviewed here still need continuous attention. Key words: Metformin; Prenatal exposure delayed effects; Growth and development; Child development