Does Alpha-lipoic acid improve effects on polycystic ovary syndrome?

A.S. Laganà, N. Monti, V. Fedeli, G. Gullo, M. Bizzarri

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Filippo Del Ponte” Hospital, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy. mariano.bizzarri@uniroma1.it

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• Endocrinology
• Gynecology

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) plays a key role in many physiological processes, exerting anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, detoxifying, and insulin sensitizing activities. Since ALA improves insulin resistance (IR), it has been suggested that ALA could be beneficial it in the treatment of PCOS. The natural polyol myo-Inositol (myo-Ins) and its isomers (D-Chiro-Inositol, D-Chiro-Ins) has proven to improve PCOS features and clinical outcome, according to a compelling body of available studies. Few studies have proposed to strengthen the inositol effect by associating ALA. ALA does not seem to influence significantly reproductive hormones, while its beneficial effects are presumably restricted to the metabolic features of insulin resistant PCOS women. Therefore, ALA usefulness in improving inositol activity still awaits convincingly confirmation.  Experimental studies as well as proper randomized clinical trials, should be specifically tailored to assess this hypothesis. In absence of reliable evidence, ALA should not be recommended in the routinary clinical management of PCOS, even if associated to myo-Ins.

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