Myoinositol Improves Embryo Development in PCOS Patients Undergoing ICSI

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with impaired fertility and oxidative stress.
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a common assisted reproductive technology.
• Myoinositol's role in PCOS and its impact on ICSI outcomes require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of myoinositol on pregnancy rates in PCOS women undergoing ICSI.
• To assess myoinositol's influence on embryo development, hormonal profiles, and oxidative stress markers.
• To compare outcomes between PCOS patients supplemented with myoinositol and folic acid versus folic acid alone.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 217 women undergoing ICSI, with 112 diagnosed with PCOS.
• PCOS patients were divided into two groups: Group I (folic acid) and Group II (myoinositol and folic acid).
• Measurements included pregnancy rate, embryo development, serum estradiol and progesterone, and follicular fluid superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT).

Main Results:

• Myoinositol supplementation (Group II) accelerated embryo/blastocyst development compared to folic acid alone (Group I).
• Significant differences in SOD concentration were observed between groups, with myoinositol restoring levels in PCOS patients.
• Pregnancy rates were 34.62% in the myoinositol group versus 20% in the control group (not statistically significant).

Conclusions:

• Myoinositol enhances embryo development dynamics and speeds up blastocyst stage attainment in PCOS women undergoing ICSI.
• Myoinositol supplementation effectively restores SOD levels, which are typically reduced in PCOS.
• While improving embryo development and antioxidant status, myoinositol did not significantly increase clinical pregnancy rates in this study.