['Animal studies suggest that cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB-1) blockade reduces inflammation and neovascularization by decreasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels associated with a reduction in inflammatory markers, thereby potentially reducing cardiovascular risk.', 'To determine the impact of CB1 antagonism by rimonabant on VEGF and inflammatory markers in obese PCOS women.', 'Randomized, open-labelled parallel study.', 'Endocrinology outpatient clinic in a referral centre.', 'Twenty patients with PCOS (PCOS) and biochemical hyperandrogenaemia with a body mass index of ≥30 kg/m', 'Post hoc review to detect VEGF and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL6, IL-8, IL-10 and MCP-1 before and after 12 weeks of treatment.', 'After 12 weeks of rimonabant treatment, there was a significant increase in VEGF (99·2 ± 17·6 vs 116·2 ± 15·8 pg/ml, P < 0·01) and IL-8 (7·4 ± 11·0 vs 18·1 ± 13·2 pg/ml, P < 0·05) but not after metformin (VEGF P = 0·7; IL-8 P = 0·9). There was no significant difference in the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL6, IL-8, IL-10 and MCP-1 following either treatment.'] Does endocannabinoid receptor blockade increase vascular endothelial growth factor and inflammatory markers in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome?