Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 25, 2025
12:03
Fertility Preservation in Patients with Severe Ovarian Dysfunction
Published on: March 25, 2021
4.7K
Inositols in the ovaries: activities and potential therapeutic applications
Antonio Simone Laganà1,2, Gianpiero Forte3, Mariano Bizzarri1,4
1The Experts Group on Inositols in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), Rome, Italy.
Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology
|April 26, 2022
Summary
Myo-inositol (MI) and d-chiro-inositol (DCI) are vital for ovarian function. Maintaining the correct MI-to-DCI ratio is crucial for hormone balance, while imbalances link to gynecological disorders like PCOS.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Inositol biochemistry
Background:
- Myo-inositol (MI) and d-chiro-inositol (DCI) are key ovarian messengers for insulin and gonadotropins.
- These inositol isomers are integral to steroid biosynthesis.
- Reduced MI-to-DCI ratios correlate with sex hormone imbalances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the ovarian distribution and function of MI and DCI.
- To elucidate their role in ovarian steroidogenesis.
- To discuss the impact of insulin resistance on ovarian inositol ratios.
Main Methods:
- Expert opinion based on existing literature.
- Analysis of ex-vivo and in-vitro experimental data.
- Review of clinical observations.
Main Results:
- Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia lower ovarian MI-to-DCI ratios.
- This imbalance contributes to hyperandrogenism, irregular cycles, and infertility.
- Specific physiological roles and ratios of MI and DCI are essential for ovarian homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- Inositol supplementation requires careful consideration of patient needs and DCI dosage to avoid adverse effects.
- Further research is needed on inositol's effects across different PCOS phenotypes for tailored therapy.
Related Concept Videos
02:07Oogenesis
64.6K
In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
64.6K
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
3.6K
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
3.6K
02:30siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
17.1K
Small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, are short regulatory RNA molecules that can silence genes post-transcriptionally, as well as the transcriptional level in some cases. siRNAs are important for protecting cells against viral infections and silencing transposable genetic elements.
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...
17.1K
01:28Infertility in Females
414
Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
414
01:26Ovaries
1.4K
The ovaries are roughly the size of almonds and measure approximately 2 to 3 centimeters in length. These paired structures are situated within the pelvic region and are anchored by the mesovarium—a peritoneal extension that also connects them to the wider structure of the broad ligament. The support system extends to the suspensory ligament, housing blood and lymphatic vessels. In addition, the ovarian ligament tethers the ovaries to the uterus.
On the ovarian surface, a layer of...
On the ovarian surface, a layer of...
1.4K
01:20Folliculogenesis
1.2K
Folliculogenesis is the development of ovarian follicles, the specialized structures within the ovarian cortex where oogenesis, or egg development, occurs. This process is essential for female reproductive health and begins during fetal development when primordial follicles are formed. Each primordial follicle comprises a primary oocyte in the center, surrounded by a single layer of squamous pre-granulosa cells. These follicles remain dormant in late prophase I of meiosis until triggered by...
1.2K