European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
Volume 147, Issue 2 , Pages 120-123, December 2009

Contribution of myo-inositol to reproduction

  • E. Papaleo

      Affiliations

    • Centro Natalità, Gynaecological-Obstetric Department, San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author at: Centro Natalità, Gynaecological-Obstetric Department, IRCCS San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milano, Italy. Tel.: +39 02 26432202; fax: +39 02 26434311.
    • ,
  • V. Unfer

      Affiliations

    • AGUNCO Obstetrics and Gynecology Centre, via G. Cassiani, Rome 15-00155, Italy
    • ,
  • J.P. Baillargeon

      Affiliations

    • Department of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
    • ,
  • T.T. Chiu

      Affiliations

    • Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, China

Received 9 April 2009; received in revised form 11 August 2009; accepted 11 September 2009. published online 24 September 2009.

Abstract 

Myo-inositol is involved in several aspects of human reproduction.

Elevated concentrations of myo-inositol in human follicular fluids appear to play a positive function in follicular maturity and provide a marker of good quality oocytes.

Nevertheless its positive role in PCOS women is a consequence of a defect in the insulin signaling pathway (inositol-containing phosphoglycan mediators) that seems to be primarily implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance.

This article will review the involvement of inositol in female reproduction. After describing the biologic function of inositol and its derivatives, studies are quoted in which the role of inositol in fertility, oogenesis, and polycystic ovary syndrome are examined.

Keywords: Inositol, Oogenesis, PCOS, Fertility

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PII: S0301-2115(09)00546-6

doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2009.09.008

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
Volume 147, Issue 2 , Pages 120-123, December 2009

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