The Comparative Effects of Myo-Inositol and Metformin Therapy on the Clinical and Biochemical Parameters of Women of Normal Weight Suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study investigated the comparative effects of myo-inositol (MI) and metformin (MET) therapy on clinical and biochemical parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The research focused on evaluating the impact of both therapies on insulin resistance (IR), hyperandrogenism, menstrual cycle regulation, and various metabolic markers in PCOS patients with normal BMI. The objective was to determine which therapy is more effective in improving these parameters.
Who was studied?
The study included 80 women diagnosed with PCOS who had insulin resistance but a normal body mass index (BMI). These participants were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: one group received myo-inositol, while the other group received metformin. The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial and aimed to assess the efficacy of these two insulin-sensitizing therapies.
What were the most important findings?
The results indicated that both myo-inositol and metformin significantly reduced insulin resistance, with a marked decrease in the area under the curve (AUC) of insulin during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for both groups. Both treatments led to improvements in the regulation of menstrual cycles, with more than 90% of patients experiencing regular cycles. The therapies also resulted in a statistically significant reduction in androgenic hormones (such as testosterone and SHBG), which are critical for managing symptoms like hirsutism. The findings suggest that both myo-inositol and metformin are effective in addressing insulin resistance, menstrual irregularities, and hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS, especially those with normal weight.
From a microbiome perspective, insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances are known to influence gut microbiota composition. Studies have shown that insulin resistance can contribute to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, potentially promoting pro-inflammatory taxa. Moreover, treatments like myo-inositol and metformin may have indirect effects on microbiota, such as modulating gut inflammation or affecting microbial populations associated with metabolic health.
What are the implications of this study?
The study highlights the potential of both myo-inositol and metformin as first-line treatments for managing PCOS in women with normal BMI, specifically targeting insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. The results suggest that both therapies can be effective in improving metabolic and endocrine outcomes in PCOS, but myo-inositol may offer the advantage of fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to metformin. This makes myo-inositol a promising alternative, particularly for women who experience adverse effects with metformin. The study also emphasizes the importance of considering personalized treatment options for women with PCOS, as different responses may be observed based on individual phenotypes.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance. It is often associated with metabolic dysfunctions and inflammation, leading to fertility issues and increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.