title: Metabolism and Ovarian Function in PCOS Women: A Therapeutic Approach with Inositols.
abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by chronical anovulation and hyperandrogenism which may be present in a different degree of severity. Insulin-resistance and hyperinsulinemia are the main physiopathological basis of this syndrome and the failure of inositol-mediated signaling may concur to them. Myo (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI), the most studied inositol isoforms, are classified as insulin sensitizers. In form of glycans, DCI-phosphoglycan and MI-phosphoglycan control key enzymes were involved in glucose and lipid metabolism. In form of phosphoinositides, they play an important role as second messengers in several cellular biological functions. Considering the key role played by insulin-resistance and androgen excess in PCOS patients, the insulin-sensitizing effects of both MI and DCI were tested in order to ameliorate symptoms and signs of this syndrome, including the possibility to restore patients' fertility. Accumulating evidence suggests that both isoforms of inositol are effective in improving ovarian function and metabolism in patients with PCOS, although MI showed the most marked effect on the metabolic profile, whereas DCI reduced hyperandrogenism better. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on inositol signaling and correlate data on biological functions of these multifaceted molecules, in view of a rational use for the therapy in women with PCOS.
authors: Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy.
authors: Antonio Simone
authors: 0000-0003-1543-2802
authors: AS
authors: Laganà
authors: Unit of Diabetology and Endocrino-Metabolic Diseases, Cannizzaro Hospital, 95126 Catania, Italy.
authors: Paola
authors: P
authors: Rossetti
authors: Unit of Diabetology and Endocrino-Metabolic Diseases, Cannizzaro Hospital, 95126 Catania, Italy.
authors: Massimo
authors: M
authors: Buscema
authors: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Research Centre of Motor Activity and Metabolic Rehabilitation in Diabetes (CRAMD), University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
authors: Sandro
authors: 0000-0002-7113-2372
authors: S
authors: La Vignera
authors: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Research Centre of Motor Activity and Metabolic Rehabilitation in Diabetes (CRAMD), University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
authors: Rosita Angela
authors: RA
authors: Condorelli
authors: Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy.
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Gullo
authors: Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy.
authors: Roberta
authors: 0000-0003-0318-9390
authors: R
authors: Granese
authors: Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy.
authors: Onofrio
authors: O
authors: Triolo