Aim: To evaluate the effects of the combination of d-chiro-inositol (DCI) and alpha lipoic acid on menses and metabolic disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Methods: Forty-six women (26 study group subjects and 20 controls) of reproductive age with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria were enrolled in this prospective study. Fasting serum samples were collected from each woman. Homeostasis model of insulin resistance, insulin levels, lipid profile, frequency of menstrual cycles, number of ovarian peripheral cysts and BMI of both groups were investigated at baseline and after 180 days. Clinical and metabolic aspects of women on DCI and lipoic acid treatment underwent improvement (p < 0.5) with respect to the control group. Regarding lipid profile, no statistically difference was observed in total cholesterol and triglycerides levels in both groups at follow-up with respect the baseline values (p = NS).
Conclusion: DCI and alpha lipoic acid treatment has been thought because it plays an essential role in mitochondrial specific pathways that generate energy from glucose and its potent effect as antioxidant. The association might have a strong impact on metabolic profile even with a short-term treatment. Further investigations are needed to evaluate other effects on reproductive physiology of women with PCOS.
Keywords: Alpha lipoic acid; PCOS; amenorrhea; d-chiro-inositol.