1.
Myo-inositol as a male fertility molecule: speed them up!
Condorelli, RA, La Vignera, S, Mongioì, LM, Vitale, SG, Laganà, AS, Cimino, L, Calogero, AE
European review for medical and pharmacological sciences. 2017;(2 Suppl):30-35
Abstract
Myo-inositol (MYO) usually represents a therapeutic option for female infertility associated with insulin resistance. Recently, several evidences are accumulating about the potential use of MYO for the treatment of male infertility. This article summarizes the rationale for MYO in the treatment of male infertility. In particular, it illustrates the potential antioxidant and prokinetic role of MYO, and its importance for the modulation of hormonal regulation. In the final part of the manuscript has been added a proposal for a clinical algorithm reserved for patients with asthenozoospermia, where probably MYO could exert specific pharmacological effects.
2.
Myoinositol improves sperm parameters and serum reproductive hormones in patients with idiopathic infertility: a prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study.
Calogero, AE, Gullo, G, La Vignera, S, Condorelli, RA, Vaiarelli, A
Andrology. 2015;(3):491-5
Abstract
Male infertility is a multifactorial disorder that affects a significant percentage of couples. Its etiology and pathogenesis remain elusive in about one-third of the cases; this is referred to as idiopathic infertility. Inositols mediate the sperm processes involved into oocyte fertilization, such as penetration of the ovum cumulus oophorus, binding with the zona pellucida and the acrosome reaction. The aim of this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of myoinositol (the most abundant form of inositols present in nature) treatment in men with idiopathic infertility. To accomplish this, we evaluated the effects of myoinositol on sperm parameters and reproductive hormones at baseline and after 3 months of treatment in men with idiopathic infertility. No adverse reaction was observed. Myoinositol significantly increased the percentage of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa, sperm concentration, and total count and progressive motility compared to placebo. In addition, myoinositol rebalanced serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and inhibin B concentrations. The clinical improvement of idiopathic infertile patients should encourage myoinositol use for the treatment of this disorder, even though its detailed mechanisms at the testicular level remain still unclear.