Inositols in the Treatment of Insulin-Mediated Diseases

Renoprotective potential of myo-inositol on diabetic kidney disease: Focus on the role of the PINK1/Parkin pathway and mitophagy receptors

Recent studies have emphasized the role of mitochondria in renal function as well as in renal injury. Poor mitochondrial quality control mechanisms including mitochondrial fusion, fission and mitophagy are major contributors for progression of diabetic renal injury. The current study is aimed to evaluate the protective role of myo-inositol (MI) against diabetic nephropathy (DN) by utilizing high glucose exposed NRK 52E cell and streptozotocin (STZ) induced DN model. MI supplementation (at doses 37.5 and 75 mg/kg) ameliorated albuminuria and enhanced the renal function as indicated significant improvement in urinary creatinine and urea levels. On the other hand, the western blot analysis of both in vitro and in vivo studies has revealed poor mitophagy in renal cells which was reversed upon myo-inositol treatment. Apart from targeting the canonical PINK1/Parkin pathway, we also focused on the role mitophagy receptors prohibitin (PHB) and NIP3-like protein (NIX). A significant reduction in expression of NIX and PHB2 was observed in renal tissue of diabetic control rats and high glucose exposed NRK 52E cells. Myo-inositol treatment resulted in positive modulation of PINK1/Parkin pathway as well as PHB2 and NIX. Myo-inositol also enhanced the mitochondrial biogenesis in renal tissue of diabetic rat by upregulating Nrf2/SIRT1/PGC-1α axis. The current study thus underlines the renoprotective effect myo-inositol, upregulation of mitophagy proteins and mitochondrial biogenesis upon myo-inositol treatment.

Chronotype: A Tool to Screen Eating Habits in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age, whose lifestyle approach is an essential part of the treatment. Recently, chronotype, i.e., a trait that determines individual’s circadian preference in behavioral and biological rhythms, has been reported to play a role in determining nutrition preferences and the risk of developing chronic diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate if chronotype categories (morning, evening, and neither) could be used as tool to screen eating habits in women with PCOS. In this observational cross-sectional study, we assessed anthropometric measurements, lifestyle habits, chronotype categories, adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, dietary pattern, and metabolic parameters in 112 women with PCOS. Chronotype was classified as morning in 27.7%, evening in 42.9%, and neither in 29.5% of subjects. Women with PCOS with evening chronotype showed significantly higher percentages of grade I (p = 0.003) and grade II obesity (p = 0.001), did less regular exercise (p < 0.001), and most of them were smokers (p < 0.001) compared to those with neither and morning chronotypes. Women with PCOS with evening chronotype were significantly more insulin resistant (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HoMA-IR) cut off > 2.5) than other two chronotypes (p < 0.001). Women with PCOS with evening chronotype had the lowest PREvención con DIetaMEDiterránea (PREDIMED) score, consumed more calories (p < 0.001), total (p < 0.001) and simple carbohydrates (p < 0.001), total fat (p < 0.001) and saturated fatty acids (p < 0.001), polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.001) and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.001), and less fiber (p < 0.001) than women with PCOS with other chronotypes. In addition, women with PCOS with evening chronotype consumed less extra virgin olive oil (p = 0.001), legumes (p = 0.038), fish/seafood (p < 0.001), and tree nuts (p = 0.041) than women with PCOS of the other two chronotype categories and less red wine (p < 0.001) and more red/processed meat (p < 0.001) than women with PCOS with morning chronotype. In conclusion, in women with PCOS, evening chronotype has been associated with a most severe insulin resistance and unhealthiest eating habits. Thus, chronotype assessment could be an effective tool to screen the eating habits, and more generally the lifestyle, of women with PCOS.

"Forever young at the table": metabolic effects of eating speed in obesity

Background

Cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) are recognized as the main causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. In recent years eating speed (ES) has been of particular interest since some studies have associated it with the development of obesity and CMD. However, the different impact of the ES at which main meals are eaten on the risk of developing these diseases has not yet been identified. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of ES at the main meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) on the risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases (type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and hypertension) in middle-aged Caucasian subjects with obesity.

Methods

For this purpose we carried out a cross-sectional, observational study. One hundred and eighty-seven middle-aged subjects aged 43.6 ± 16 years were enrolled of which anthropometric parameters and lifestyle habits were studied. A dietary interview was performed to collect information about meal duration and eating habits at the main meals. According to median value of meal duration, meals were classified in two groups: fast eating group (FEG) and slow eating group (SEG).

Results

The prevalence of dyslipidaemia was more than twice in FEG compared to SEG at lunch and dinner. For all main meals, FEG had a significantly higher risk of dyslipidaemia than SEG (p < 0.05) in unadjusted model. However, when the model was adjusted for age, BMI, physical activity, smoking and alcohol use and medication, the result remained significant for lunch and dinner (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of our study suggest that fast eating increases at lunch and dinner increase the risk of developing dyslipidaemia in obesity.

PCOS and Assisted Reproduction Technique: Role and Relevance of Inositols

Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder often characterized by insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, especially in overweight/obese women. Among insulin sensitizers, the positive role of inositols has been increasingly established in recent years. The action of inositols not only concerns the metabolic parameters of these patients, but also the hormonal profile, resulting in beneficial effects on ovarian function. For this reason, many studies have tried to recognize their role in PCOS infertile women who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.

Metabolic health during a randomized controlled lifestyle intervention in women with PCOS

CONTEXT

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Both PCOS and MetS are associated with excess weight.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of a three-component lifestyle intervention (LSI) with or without short message service (SMS+ or SMS-, respectively) on the prevalence and severity of MetS and metabolic parameters, compared to care as usual (CAU).

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Women diagnosed with PCOS and a BMI >25 kg/m2 (n = 183) were either assigned to a 1-year three-component (cognitive behavioural therapy, diet, and exercise) LSI, with or without SMS support, or to CAU which provided weight-loss advice only. Main outcome measures included changes in the prevalence of MetS, the continuous MetS severity z-score (cMetS z-score), metabolic parameters, and the impact of weight loss.

RESULTS

After 1 year, the decrease in the cMetS z-score was greater in the SMS+ group than the CAU group (-0.39, P = 0.015). The prevalence of MetS changed with -21.6% (P = 0.037), -16.5% (P = 0.190), and +7.0% (P = 0.509) in both LSI groups and CAU group, respectively. A post hoc analysis for both LSI groups combined vs CAU resulted in a MetS difference of -25.9% (P = 0.046). Moreover, weight loss per se resulted in significantly favourable effects on all metabolic parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

This three-component LSI was more successful in improving metabolic health compared to CAU. Therefore, we recommend this intervention to women with PCOS and excess weight, provided that a clinically relevant weight loss is being pursued.

Effects of Soy Isoflavones, Resistant Starch and Antibiotics on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)-Like Features in Letrozole-Treated Rats

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive-aged women. Recently, various dietary interventions have been used extensively as a novel therapy against PCOS. In the present study, we show that soy isoflavone metabolites and resistant starch, together with gut microbiota modulations, were successful in decreasing the severity of PCOS-like reproductive features while increasing the expression of gut barrier markers and butyric acid in the gut. In the letrozole-induced PCOS model rats, the intake of both 0.05% soy isoflavones and 11% resistant starch, even with letrozole treatment, reduced the severity of menstrual irregularity and polycystic ovaries with a high concentration of soy isoflavones and equol in plasma. Antibiotic cocktail treatment suppressed soy isoflavone metabolism in the gut and showed no considerable effects on reducing the PCOS-like symptoms. The mRNA expression level of occludin significantly increased with soy isoflavone and resistant starch combined treatment. Bacterial genera such as Blautia, Dorea and Clostridium were positively correlated with menstrual irregularity under resistant starch intake. Moreover, the concentration of butyric acid was elevated by resistant starch intake. In conclusion, we propose that both dietary interventions and gut microbiota modulations could be effectively used in reducing the severity of PCOS reproductive features.

PCOS and nutritional approaches: Differences between lean and obese phenotype

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine/metabolic disorder with an ever-increasing prevalence. It has various clinical characteristics; the cardinals are androgen excess, oligo-anovulatory infertility, polycystic ovaries, insulin resistance (IR), and cardiometabolic alterations. These disturbances are a consequence of PCOS's complex etiology. PCOS is mainly related to women with obesity; however, there are many PCOS lean patients too. Even though they share some aspects in their metabolic profiles, each group has individual differences in body composition and other parameters. Thus, in order to achieve successful therapeutic strategies, they should be tailored to these details. The authors reviewed PubMed's updated and related publications about body composition and nutritional strategies for PCOS lean and obese patients. As previous reports have determined, dietary patterns are essential in PCOS treatment. Several diets have been studied to control and improve IR, infertility, and cardiometabolic dysfunctions in PCOS. This review will explain the specific features in metabolic characterization and body composition among these patients. Finally, the diverse nutritional strategies used in women with PCOS will be analyzed depending on their lean or obese phenotype.

Melatonin and Myo-Inositol: Supporting Reproduction from the Oocyte to Birth

Human pregnancy is a sequence of events finely tuned by several molecular interactions that come with a new birth. The precise interlocking of these events affecting the reproductive system guarantees safe embryo formation and fetal development. In this scenario, melatonin and myo-inositol seem to be pivotal not only in the physiology of the reproduction process, but also in the promotion of positive gestational outcomes. Evidence demonstrates that melatonin, beyond the role of circadian rhythm management, is a key controller of human reproductive functions. Similarly, as the most representative member of the inositol’s family, myo-inositol is essential in ensuring correct advancing of reproductive cellular events. The molecular crosstalk mediated by these two species is directly regulated by their availability in the human body. To date, biological implications of unbalanced amounts of melatonin and myo-inositol in each pregnancy step are growing the idea that these molecules actively contribute to reduce negative outcomes and improve the fertilization rate. Clinical data suggest that melatonin and myo-inositol may constitute an optimal dietary supplementation to sustain safe human gestation and a new potential way to prevent pregnancy-associated pathologies.

An innovative approach to polycystic ovary syndrome

Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are insulin sensitising agents. In the ovary, myo-inositol acts as second messenger of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). Both molecules were administered to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) women. The gynaecologist Vittorio Unfer was the first to give specific value to myo-inositol for the treatment of PCOS: this important innovation opened new ways of research to identify efficient therapies based on myo-inositol alone or with low doses of D-chiro-inositol. Significant successes were also gained using myo-inositol in treating male and female infertility. Unfer's researches allowed to identify "the D-Chiro-Inositol Paradox in the Ovary" and the best myo-inositol/D-chiro-inositol ratio (40:1) for the treatment of PCOS. Furthermore, his studies allowed to improve the inositol's efficacy using alpha-lactalbumin. As shown in this review, the main stages of Unfer's scientific career have been closely intertwined with important phases of the recent pharmacological research about the topic.

Adipocyte-Specific Fatty Acid-Binding Protein (AFABP) and Chemerin in Association with Gestational Diabetes: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Adipocytokines participate in regulating the inflammatory response in glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes. However, among these peptides, the role of adipocyte-specific fatty-acid-binding protein (AFABP), chemerin, and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) in gestational diabetes (GDM) has not been fully investigated.

METHOD

The maternal fasting level of adipocytokines of 53 subjects with GDM and 43 normal pregnant (NGDM) was measured using multiplex immunoassay at 24-28 weeks, before delivery, immediate postpartum, and 2-6 months postpuerperium.

RESULTS

Higher levels of AFABP were associated with a 3.7-fold higher risk of GDM. Low chemerin levels were associated with a 3.6-fold higher risk of GDM. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) was inversely associated with the risk of GDM. SPARC had no association with GDM. AFABP was directly correlated to interleukin-6 (r = 0.50), insulin resistance index (r = 0.26), and body mass index (r = 0.28) and inversely correlated to C-reactive protein (r = -0.27). Chemerin levels were directly and strongly correlated with IL-10 (r = 0.41) and interleukin-4 (r = 0.50) and inversely correlated to insulin resistance index (r = -0.23) in GDM but not NGDM. In the longitudinal assessment, there were no significant differences in AFABP and chemerin concentrations of both studied groups.

CONCLUSION

AFABP and chemerin were associated with a higher risk of GDM. These adipocytokines were related to insulin resistance, body mass index, and inflammation in pregnant women diagnosed with GDM.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity: clinical aspects and nutritional management

INTRODUCTION

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by androgen excess, oligo-anovulatory infertility, polycystic ovaries in ultrasound examination, insulin resistance, and cardiometabolic disorders, with overweight/obesity and visceral adiposity. This review aims to provide an overview of the clinical characteristics and nutritional therapy of PCOS and obesity.

METHODS

The authors analyzed the updated and relevant publications found on Pubmed about clinical aspects and nutritional management of PCOS and obesity in studies done in animal and human models.

DISCUSSION

It is crucial an early detection and intervention in PCOS patients to avoid the more challenging control of the onset of more impaired-health conditions that this pathology causes. It is presented evidence that clearly shows the close interaction among oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, and PCOS. It is also analyzed the relevance of treating metabolic and nutritional correlations of PCOS with a complete therapeutic strategy that includes individualized medication, diet, and healthy habits.

CONCLUSIONS

By an integral approach and treatment that includes not only medications for PCOS symptoms, supplementation of minerals and vitamins to control PCOS complications but an antiinflammatory diet, nutritional education, exercise individualized program, lifestyle changes, it is possible to improve insulin resistance, sustained weight loss, ovulation rates, among other goals for the management of this disease. Further studies are needed to clarify mechanisms, beneficial effects, and doses of supplements and precise medication to determine the best combination of diets and exercise programs according to these patients' specific requirements.

Placental Inositol Reduced in Gestational Diabetes as Glucose Alters Inositol Transporters and IMPA1 Enzyme Expression

CONTEXT

Perturbed inositol physiology in insulin-resistant conditions has led to proposals of inositol supplementation for gestational diabetes (GDM) prevention, but placental inositol biology is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

Investigate associations of maternal glycemia with placental inositol content, determine glucose effects on placental expression of inositol enzymes and transporters, and examine relations with birthweight.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

Case-control study of placentae from term singleton pregnancies (GDM n = 24, non-GDM n = 26), and culture of another 9 placentae in different concentrations of glucose and myo-inositol for 48 hours.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Placental inositol was quantified by the Megazyme assay. Relative expression of enzymes involved in myo-inositol metabolism and plasma membrane inositol transport was determined by quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblotting. Linear regression analyses were adjusted for maternal age, body mass index, ethnicity, gestational age, and sex.

RESULTS

Placental inositol content was 17% lower in GDM compared with non-GDM. Higher maternal mid-gestation glycemia were associated with lower placental inositol. Increasing fasting glycemia was associated with lower protein levels of the myo-inositol synthesis enzyme, IMPA1, and the inositol transporters, SLC5A11 and SLC2A13, the expression of which also correlated with placental inositol content. In vitro, higher glucose concentrations reduced IMPA1 and SLC5A11 mRNA expression. Increasing fasting glycemia positively associated with customized birthweight percentile as expected in cases with low placental inositol, but this association was attenuated with high placental inositol.

CONCLUSION

Glycemia-induced dysregulation of placental inositol synthesis and transport may be implicated in reduced placental inositol content in GDM, and this may in turn be permissive to accelerated fetal growth.

D-Chiro-Inositol Regulates Insulin Signaling in Human Adipocytes

D-Chiro-Inositol (D-Chiro-Ins) is a secondary messenger in the insulin signaling pathway. D-Chiro-Ins modulates insulin secretion, the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and glycogen storage. Due to these actions D-Chiro-Ins has been proposed to correct defective insulin function in a variety of conditions characterized by metabolic dysfunction, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, gestational diabetes and fat accumulation at menopause. Since it is unclear whether D-Chiro-Ins directly acts on adipocytes, we aimed to study D-Chiro-Ins's actions on adipocyte viability, proliferation, differentiation, and insulin-related protein expression using a human adipocyte cell line derived from Simpson-Golabi-Behmel Syndrome (SGBS) which fully differentiates to mature adipocytes. Throughout differentiation, cells were treated with D-Chiro-Ins, 17β-estradiol (E2) or Insulin. Cell viability and proliferation were not affected by D-Chiro-Ins, then D-Chiro-Ins promoted cell differentiation only during the final days of the process, while E2 enhanced it from the first phases. D-Chiro-Ins stimulated lipid storage and the production of big lipid droplets, thus reducing the content of free fatty acids. We also found that D-Chiro-Ins, either alone or in combination with insulin and E2 increased the expression and activation of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS1) and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4). In conclusion, this work shows that D-Chiro-Ins plays a direct role in the differentiation and in the function of human adipocytes, where it synergizes with insulin and estrogen through the recruitment of signal transduction pathways involved in lipid and glucose storage. These findings give clear insights to better understand the actions of D-Chiro-Ins on fat metabolism in women in physiology and in a variety of diseases.

Inositol and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review on Deficiencies and Supplementation

Liver lipid accumulation is a hallmark of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), broadly associated with insulin resistance. Inositols (INS) are ubiquitous polyols implied in many physiological functions. They are produced endogenously, are present in many foods and in dietary supplements. Alterations in INS metabolism seems to play a role in diseases involving insulin resistance such as diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome. Given its role in other metabolic syndromes, the hypothesis of an INS role as a supplement in NAFLD is intriguing. We performed a systematic review of the literature to find preclinical and clinical evidence of INS supplementation efficacy in NAFLD patients. We retrieved 10 studies on animal models assessing Myoinosiol or Pinitol deficiency or supplementation and one human randomized controlled trial (RCT). Overall, INS deficiency was associated with increased fatty liver in animals. Conversely, INS supplementation in animal models of fatty liver reduced hepatic triglycerides and cholesterol accumulation and maintained a normal ultrastructural liver histopathology. In the one included RCT, Pinitol supplementation obtained similar results. Pinitol significantly reduced liver fat, post-prandial triglycerides, AST levels, lipid peroxidation increasing glutathione peroxidase activity. These results, despite being limited, indicate the need for further evaluation of INS in NAFLD in larger clinical trials.

Meta-analysis of gene expression profiles of lean and obese PCOS to identify differentially regulated pathways and risk of comorbidities

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex multigenic disorder and women with PCOS suffer from several comorbidities. Although, obesity is a known risk factor for PCOS, the incidence of lean women with PCOS is on the rise. A systematic and comparative study on lean and obese PCOS with respect to genes, pathways and comorbidity analysis has not been attempted so far. Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across tissue types for lean and obese PCOS revealed that the majority of them were downregulated for lean and obese PCOS. Ovarian and endometrial tissues shared several commonly dysregulated genes, suggesting shared PCOS pathophysiology mechanisms exist across tissues. Several pathways for cellular homeostasis, such as inflammation and immune response, insulin signaling, steroidogenesis, hormonal and metabolic signaling, regulation of gonadotrophic hormone secretion, cell structure and signaling that are known to be affected in PCOS were found to be enriched in our gene expression analysis of lean and obese PCOS. The gene-disease network is denser for obese PCOS with a higher comorbidity score as compared to lean PCOS.

An Evaluation of a Nutraceutical with Berberine, Curcumin, Inositol, Banaba and Chromium Picolinate in Patients with Fasting Dysglycemia

AIM

To evaluate if a nutraceutical containing Berberine, Curcumin, Inositol, Banaba, and Chromium Picolinate (Reglicem^®), can ameliorate glycemic status in patients with dysglycemia.

METHODS

We enrolled 148 patients with impaired fasting plasma glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, not taking any hypoglycemic compounds. Patients were randomized to take nutraceutical or placebo for 3 months, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Both nutraceutical and placebo were self-administered once a day, 1 tablet during the breakfast.

RESULTS

A reduction of fasting and post-prandial plasma glucose was observed with the nutraceutical combination (p < 0.05 vs baseline and p < 0.05 vs placebo, respectively). Furthermore, a decrease of glycated hemoglobin, and fasting plasma insulin was observed with the nutraceutical combination (p < 0.05 vs baseline and p < 0.05 vs placebo, respectively). Then, there was a reduction of homeostasis model assessment index with the nutraceutical combination (p < 0.05 vs baseline and p < 0.05 vs placebo). M value was higher (p < 0.05 vs baseline and p < 0.05 vs placebo) in the nutraceutical combination group at the end of the treatment. We observed a reduction of total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.05 vs baseline) and triglycerides (Tg) (p < 0.05 vs baseline and p < 0.05 vs placebo) with the nutraceutical combination, respectively. Finally, high sensitivity C-reactive protein was reduced after 3 months with nutraceutical combination therapy (p < 0.05 vs baseline and p < 0.05 vs placebo, respectively).

CONCLUSION

A nutraceutical containing Berberine, Curcumin, Inositol, Banaba, and Chromium Picolinate can be helpful in improving glyco-metabolic compensation, TC and Tg value, and in reducing inflammatory status in patients with dysglycemia.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Implication for Drug Metabolism on Assisted Reproductive Techniques-A Literature Review

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 6-10% of women and could be considered one of the most common endocrine alterations in women of reproductive age. The syndrome is characterized by several hormonal and metabolic alterations, including insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism, which play a severe detrimental role in the patient's fertility. We aimed to offer an overview about drug metabolism in the PCOS population. Nevertheless, we did not find any study that directly compared drug metabolism between PCOS and healthy women. We therefore decided to summarize briefly how hormonal and insulin sensitizer drugs act differently in healthy and PCOS women, who show altered steroidogenesis by theca cells and metabolic imbalance, focusing especially on assisted reproductive techniques. To date, data about drug metabolism in the PCOS population appears to be extremely limited. This important gap could have significant implications for therapeutic approaches and future perspectives: the dosage of drugs commonly used for the treatment of PCOS women should be tailored according to each patient's characteristics; we should implement new clinical trials in order to identify the best pharmacologic strategy for PCOS patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF); it would be advisable to create an international expert panel to investigate the drug metabolism in the PCOS population.

Metformin improves ovarian follicle dynamics by reducing theca cell proliferation and CYP-17 expression in an androgenized rat model

Background

Metformin influences insulin receptor signaling, which might interfere with the proliferation of ovarian follicular structures and steroidogenesis. We hypothesize that reductions in glucose and insulin levels might interfere with CYP-17 expression and histomorphological changes in an androgenized rat model. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of metformin on CYP-17 expression, follicular dynamics, and proliferative parameters in neonatally androgenized female rats.

Methods

Thirty-six newborn rats were randomly allocated to the following three groups on the third day of life: control (CG, n = 12), androgenized (GA, n = 12), and androgenized + metformin (GAmet, n = 12). The GA and GAmet animals were administered 0.1 mL of testosterone propionate (1.25 mg/animal) diluted in castor oil (vehicle) in a single dose; the CG rats received a subcutaneous injection of the vehicle in the dorsum. After 90 days, gavage treatment was initiated, distilled water was administered to the CG and GA rats, and metformin (150 mg/kg) was administered to the GAmet animals. The treatment was administered daily for six weeks. Following anesthesia, blood was drawn for biochemical measurements, and the ovaries were removed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses of Ki67, VEGFA and CYP17 expression. The glucose and insulin levels were also measured.

Results

The comparison of the GA and GAmet animals revealed that metformin decreased the weight as well as the glucose and insulin levels, slowed the proliferation of the theca interna and interstitial cells, as evidenced by Ki-67 and VEGF-A expression, and diminished CYP17 expression in the analyzed ovarian structures. In addition, metformin reduced the number of degenerating follicles and interstitial cells and improved angiogenesis.

Conclusion

Metformin improves the carbohydrate metabolism, reduces proliferation, and decreases CYP-17 expression in the follicular structures of androgenized rats.

Soy, Soy Foods and Their Role in Vegetarian Diets

Soy is a basic food ingredient of traditional Asian cuisine used for thousands of years. In Western countries, soybeans have been introduced about a hundred years ago and recently they are mainly used for surrogate foods production. Soy and soy foods are common nutritional solutions for vegetarians, due to their high protein content and versatility in the production of meat analogues and milk substitutes. However, there are some doubts about the potential effects on health, such as the effectiveness on cardiovascular risk reduction or, conversely, on the possible disruption of thyroid function and sexual hormones. The soy components that have stimulated the most research interest are isoflavones, which are polyphenols with estrogenic properties highly contained in soybeans. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of soy and soy foods, focusing on their nutrient content, including phytoestrogens and other bioactive substances that are noteworthy for vegetarians, the largest soy consumers in the Western countries. The safety of use will also be discussed, given the growing trend in adoption of vegetarian styles and the new soy-based foods availability.

Myo-inositol effects in women with PCOS: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Myo-inositol (MI) supplementation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been evaluated over the last years. Many hormonal and reproductive impairments associated with this disorder seem relieved by the supplement. The objective of the meta-analysis was to assess the effects of MI alone or combined with d-chiro-inositol (DCI) on the endocrine and metabolic abnormalities of women with PCOS. Literature was retrieved from selected databases, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and Research Gate (up to November 2016). Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of MI alone or combined with DCI were reviewed. Nine RCTs involving 247 cases and 249 controls were included. Significant decreases in fasting insulin (SMD = -1.021 µU/mL, 95% CI: -1.791 to -0.251, P = 0.009) and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index (SMD = -0.585, 95% CI: -1.145 to -0.025, P = 0.041) were identified after MI supplementation. The trial sequential analysis of insulin meta-analysis illustrates that the cumulative z-curve crossed the monitoring boundary, providing firm evidence of the intervention effect. A slight trend toward a reduction of testosterone concentration by MI with respect to controls was found (SMD = -0.49, 95% CI: -1.072 to 0.092, P = 0.099), whereas androstenedione levels remained unaffected. Throughout a subgroup's meta-analysis, a significant increase in serum SHBG was observed only in those studies where MI was administered for at least 24 weeks (SMD = 0.425 nmol/L, 95% CI: 0.050-0.801, P = 0.026). These results highlight the beneficial effect of MI in improving the metabolic profile of women with PCOS, concomitantly reducing their hyperandrogenism.

Erratum to "Inositols in the Treatment of Insulin-Mediated Diseases"

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2016/3058393.].