Myo-inositol modulates insulin and luteinizing hormone secretion in normal weight patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Aim: To investigate hormonal dynamics in a group of non-obese polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients under myo-inositol (MYO) administration.

Methods: Hormonal profiles, insulin response to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and luteinizing hormone (LH) response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test before and after the administration of a preparation of MYO (3 g p.o. daily) mixed with lactoferrin and bromelin, in a group (n = 24) of normal weight PCOS patients.

Results: After the treatment interval, body mass index (BMI) did not change while LH, LH/follicle-stimulating hormone, 17-hydroxy-progesterone and androstenedione decreased significantly. Insulin response to OGTT was significantly reduced after the treatment interval (P < 0.05) as well as GnRH-induced LH response (P < 0.05). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein decreased significantly after the treatment interval.

Conclusion: MYO administration positively modulates insulin sensitivity in non-obese PCOS patients without compensatory hyperinsulinemia, improving hormonal parameters. The presence of bromelin in the formulation modulated the pro-inflammatory state that characterizes PCOS, independently of BMI.

Keywords: C-reactive protein; hyperinsulinism; insulin resistance; myo-inositol; polycystic ovary syndrome.