title: d-chiro-Inositol and alpha lipoic acid treatment of metabolic and menses disorders in women with PCOS.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of the combination of d-chiro-inositol (DCI) and alpha lipoic acid on menses and metabolic disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-six women (26 study group subjects and 20 controls) of reproductive age with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria were enrolled in this prospective study. Fasting serum samples were collected from each woman. Homeostasis model of insulin resistance, insulin levels, lipid profile, frequency of menstrual cycles, number of ovarian peripheral cysts and BMI of both groups were investigated at baseline and after 180 days. Clinical and metabolic aspects of women on DCI and lipoic acid treatment underwent improvement (p < 0.5) with respect to the control group. Regarding lipid profile, no statistically difference was observed in total cholesterol and triglycerides levels in both groups at follow-up with respect the baseline values (p = NS).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DCI and alpha lipoic acid treatment has been thought because it plays an essential role in mitochondrial specific pathways that generate energy from glucose and its potent effect as antioxidant. The association might have a strong impact on metabolic profile even with a short-term treatment. Further investigations are needed to evaluate other effects on reproductive physiology of women with PCOS.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, Gynecological Clinic, University of Catania , Catania , Italy.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cianci
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Panella
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fichera
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Falduzzi
authors.forename: Manuela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bartolo
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Caruso
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007294:Inositol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D008063:Thioctic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D007294:Inositol; D008063:Thioctic Acid
keywords: Alpha lipoic acid; PCOS; amenorrhea; d-chiro-inositol