The efficacy of inositol and N-acetyl cysteine administration

• Published in: Obstetrics and gynecology international 2014-01
• Main Authors: Sacchinelli, Angela, Cirillo, Roberto, Zullo, Fulvio, Lucia, Antonella, Rania, Erika, Venturella, Roberta, Cello, Annalisa Di, Lico, Daniela
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Complications and side effects; Dosage and administration
• ISSN: 1687-9589

Objective. Substances such as inositol and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) have been recently shown to be effective in treatment of PCOS patients. The aim of this prospective trial is to evaluate the efficacy of NAC + Inositol + folic acid on ovulation rate and menstrual regularity in PCOS patients with and without insulin resistance. Methods. Among the 91 PCOS patients treated with NAC + Inositol + folic, insulin resistance was present in 44 subjects (A) and absent in 47 (B). The primary endpoint was the ovulation rate/year, determined by menstrual diary, serum progesterone performed between 21[degrees] and 24[degrees] days, ultrasound findings of growth follicular or luteal cysts, and luteal ratio. HOMA-index assessment after 6 and 12 months of treatment was evaluated as secondary endpoint. Results. In both groups there was a significant increase in ovulation rate and no significant differences were found in the primary outcome between two groups. In group A, a significant reduction of HOMA-index was observed. Conclusions. The association NAC + Inositol + folic, regardless of insulin-resistance state, seems to improve ovarian function in PCOS patients. Therefore, inositol and NAC may have additional noninsulin-related mechanisms of action that allow achieving benefits also in those patients with negative HOMA-index.