Altered Ovarian Inositol Ratios May Account for Pathological Steroidogenesis in PCOS

Vittorio Unfer, Simona Dinicola, Antonio Simone Laganà, Mariano Bizzarri
2020 International Journal of Molecular Sciences  
The presence of abnormal ovarian ratios of myo-inositol (MI) to D-chiro-inositol (DCI) is a recurrent feature in PCOS. Available evidence suggests that MI and DCI may modulate steroid biosynthesis, likely in an opposite manner. Specifically, MI seems to induce estrogen production, while DCI has a role in the synthesis of androgens. Elevated insulin levels, generally associated with PCOS, alter the physiological MI/DCI ratio, increasing MI-to-DCI conversion through activation of a specific
more » ... ase enzyme. DCI directly increases testosterone biosynthesis in thecal cells and reduces its conversion to estradiol by downregulating aromatase enzyme in granulosa cells. This manuscript reviews the literature that supports the connection between altered MI/DCI ratios and pathological steroidogenesis observed in PCOS women. Furthermore, it discusses the application of inositol-based treatment protocols in managing PCOS symptoms and improving the quality of patients' life.
doi:10.3390/ijms21197157 pmid:32998310 fatcat:3sfgwa3c5jaqnmerhg32fvd2mq