title: Efficacy of myo-inositol in the treatment of cutaneous disorders in young  women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine cause of hirsutism, acne and pattern alopecia, often characterised by ovulation disorders (usually manifested as oligo- or amenorrhea). In addition, 30-40% of women with PCOS have impaired glucose tolerance, and a defect in the insulin signalling pathway seems to be implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. For this reason, insulin-lowering medications represent novel approach in women with PCOS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of myo-inositol (MYO), an isoform of inositol, belonging to the vitamin B complex, in the treatment of cutaneous disorders like hirsutism and acne.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty patients with PCOS were enrolled in the study. BMI, LH, FSH, insulin, HOMA index, androstenedione, testosterone, free testosterone, hirsutism and acne were evaluated at the baseline and after receiving MYO therapy for 6 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 3 months of MYO administration, plasma LH, testosterone, free testosterone, insulin and HOMA index resulted significantly reduced; no significant changes were observed in plasma FSH and androstenedione levels. Both hirsutism and acne decreased after 6 months of therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MYO administration is a simple and safe treatment that ameliorates the metabolic profile of patients with PCOS, reducing hirsutism and acne.
authors: Gynecological-Obstetric Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy. m.zacche@gmail.com
authors: Martino Maria
authors: MM
authors: Zacchè
authors: Luigi
authors: L
authors: Caputo
authors: Susanna
authors: S
authors: Filippis
authors: Gabrio
authors: G
authors: Zacchè
authors: Moreno
authors: M
authors: Dindelli
authors: Augusto
authors: A
authors: Ferrari
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007294:Inositol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007328:Insulin; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D013739:Testosterone; D007294:Inositol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone