title: Effects of myo-inositol supplementation on oocyte's quality in PCOS patients: a double blind trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common cause of chronic anovulation infertility in women in fertile period, and it's characterized by an increased production of androgens and estrogens. The administration of myo-inositol, a B complex vitamin, was associated with a decreased of serum testosterone and simultaneously, due to its ability to increase insulin sensitivity, women who received myo-inositol showed a great improvement of the ovulary function. Besides, the supplementation of inositol improves the oocytes' quality and increase the number of oocytes collected after ovarian stimulation in patients undergoing IVF (in vitro fertilization).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to determine the effects of myo-inositol on oocyte's quality on a sample of women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  The patients were divided into two groups: patients of Group A in-took 2 g of myo-inositol + 200 microg of folic acid (Inofolic, LO.LI. Pharma, Rome, Italy) while Group B only 200 microg of folic acid, both groups took the treatment twice a day, continuously for 3 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the end of treatment, the number of follicles of diameter > 15 mm, visible at ultrasound during stimulation, and the number of oocytes recovered at the time of pick-ups were found to be significantly greater in the group treated with myo-inositol, so as the aver-age number of embryos transferred and embryo Score S1. Significantly reduced was the average number of immature oocytes (vesicles germ and degenerated oocytes) too.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data suggest that myoinositol may be useful in the treatment of PCOS patients undergoing ovulation induction, both for its insulin-sensitizing activity, and its role in oocyte maturation.
authors: Microbiological and Gynecological Science Department, Gynecology Section Santo Bambino Hospital (Catania), University of Catania, Italy.
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Ciotta
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Stracquadanio
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Pagano
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Carbonaro
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Palumbo
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Gulino
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007294:Inositol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009865:Oocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D007294:Inositol