Authors:
V Unfer , F Facchinetti
Abstract
Over the past few decades, the use of inositol(s) in the clinical practice is attracting ever-growing interest. After successfully launching the special issue of “Inositol(s) from Bench to Bedside in Endocrinology and Gynecology”, we introduce this new special issue on Update on Inositol(s). Inositol is apolyol naturally occurring in fruits, beans, grains, nuts as well as animals. The most common of its 9 different stereoisomers is myo-inositol, followed by D-chiro-inositol. Myo-inositol is found in phospholipids which exert a function as cellular mediators of signal transduction, in metabolic regulation, and cell growth1. Given its action as an insulin-sensitizing molecule, myo-inositol has shown positives effects on the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)2 , type II diabetes3 and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)4. Myo-inositol, as a dietary supplement, exhibits also promising benefits for promoting female and male fertility5 , restoring thyroid function6, as well as reducing metabolic syndrome7 and anxiety. The aim of this special issue is to endorse the continuing research on inositol(s) and its beneficial effect in different therapeutic fields. The studies are mainly focused on the role of three essential molecules myo-inositol, D-chiro-inositol, and inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6), a metabolite of myo-inositol. The articles cover 6 thematic areas: PCOS, infertility, GDM, thyroid disorders, and oncology including basic and clinical research, as well as reviews.
