LAUSR

OBJECTIVE   D-chiro inositol (DCI), an isomer of inositol, possesses anti-oxidative and endothelial protective properties. Possibly due to a deficiency of insulin mediators, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often associated with insulin resistance (IR) and hyperinsulinemia, likely responsible for an elevated production of reactive oxygen species. We investigated oxidative-related alterations in blood of inositol in women with PCOS before and after treatment with DCI. METHODS   Thirty eight normal-weight PCOS women were investigated before and after DCI administration (500 mg/day for 12 weeks; n=38) by evaluating serum testosterone, serum androstenedione, fasting serum insulin, fasting serum glucose, and parameters of insulin resistance, From blood, we determined biomarkers of oxidative stress: superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide and index of lipid peroxidation. In hemolysate, activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase, glutathione (GSH) content, were also assessed. RESULTS   Data show that PCOS patients' plasma underwent oxidative stress as indicated by higher level of prooxidants and reduced cytosolic GSH content. DCI treatment significantly improved metabolic parameters. Also, serum values of testosterone were reduced. CONCLUSIONS   PCOS patients suffer from a systemic oxidative stress that induces endothelial dysfunction. Treatment with DCI is effective in reducing hormonal, metabolic, and oxidative abnormalities in PCOS patients by improving IR.