The effect of Myo-Inositol supplement on molecular regulation of folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, and assisted reproductive technique outcomes in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

RESEARCH QUESTION: The mechanism of Myo-Inositol, as an adjuvant, on key signaling pathways related to oocyte maturation, fertilization rate, and embryo quality as well as ovarian steroidogenesis in cumulus cells of PCOS patients, is still unclear. DESIGN: Infertile patients who were candidates for ART cycles were divided into three groups (n = 30 in each group), including group 1: PCOS patients only receiving folic acid, group 2: PCOS patients receiving daily Myo-Inositol combined with folic acid, and a control group (group 3): normal ovulatory women without PCOS receiving only folic acid from 1 month prior to IVF cycle until the day of ovum pick up. During the ART procedure, oocytes maturation, fertilization rate, and embryo quality were assessed. The gene expressions of FSHR, LHR, CYP11A1, CYP19A1, 3ß-HSD2, and StAR were also analyzed using qRT-PCR. Western blot analysis was performed for the evaluation of AKT, ERK, CREB, and AMPK phosphorylation. RESULT: Despite equal number of retrieved oocytes, the percentages of MII oocytes, fertilization rate, and embryo quality were found to be significantly higher in group 2 due to the administration of inofolic. The expressions of all the studied genes were significantly higher in the cumulus cells of group 1 compared to the group 2. Higher phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was found in the groups 2 and 3 compared to the group 1. On the other hand, p-Akt has significantly decreased in the group 2 compared to the group 1. CONCLUSION: Our study provides new insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the positive effect of Myo-Inositol on intrinsic ovarian defects in PCOS, steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, fertilization rate, and embryo quality.

Protective effect of ghrelin on acetaminophen-induced liver injury in rat.

Ghrelin is a peptide that has protective effects on many tissues of the body. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Acetaminophen, a commonly used analgesic-antipyretic drug, has hepatotoxic side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective role of ghrelin in liver toxicity due to acetaminophen overdose. Thirty male rats were used in this study and divided into five groups. They were control, propylene-glycol (as a solvent of acetaminophen), acetaminophen, acetaminophen and NAC, acetaminophen and ghrelin groups. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and hepatic enzymes, AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase), were assessed and histologic study of liver were performed as indicators of liver damage following acetaminophen toxicity. Results showed that Ghrelin decreased ALT and AST to the normal level, and also reduced TNF-α. Although NAC (the standard antidote of acetaminophen toxicity) also reduced ALT, AST and TNF-α levels, our results show that ghrelin is more potent than NAC in protecting the liver from acetaminophen-induced liver injury.