Inositols and metabolic disorders: From farm to bedside.

Inositol and its derivates are catching interest in metabolism since taking part in several physiological processes, including endocrine modulation. Through several mechanisms mostly mediated by insulin signaling, these compounds regulate the activities of several hormones and are essential in oocytes maturation. It is interesting to point out the contribution of an inositol deficiency in the development of several diseases, mainly in the metabolic and endocrine setting. Inositols derive from both diet and endogenous production; among causes of inositol deficiency reduced dietary intake, increased catabolism and/or excretion, decreased biosynthesis, inhibition of gut and cellular uptake and altered microbiota could be considered. Mounting direct and indirect evidence suggests that the two main isoforms (Myo-inositol-inositol, D-chiro-inositol) are implied in glycemic and lipidic metabolism and supplementation yield a beneficial effect on these parameters without hazards for health. Moreover, they have a role in polycystic ovary syndrome, acting as insulin-sensitizing agents and free radical scavengers, helping to regulate metabolism and promoting ovulation. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the role of inositols in metabolic function disorders paying attention to whether these compounds could be efficacious and safe as a therapeutic agent with a focus on dietary intake and the role of gut microbiota.

[Preliminary data on the effectiveness of resveratrol in a new formulation in treatment of hot flushes]. / Dati preliminari sull'efficacia del resveratrolo in una nuova formulazione nel trattamento delle hot flushes.

AIM: We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of resveratrol absorbed orally, conveyed through a new patented technology that increases the absorption through the oral mucosa in treatment of hot flushes (HF) during menopause. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled double-blind study with crossover design. From October 2012 to July 2014 we considered the first 50 patients enrolled at the Center for Menopause Maggiore Hospital of Charity of Novara, with diagnosis of physiological or surgical menopause. Each woman received a diary in which she indicated the weekly number of HF and the perceived intensity, in a 0-10 Scale (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS). RESULTS: Reduction of the monthly number of vasomotor episodes. Resveratrol 16/28 (57.1%); P2/22 placebo (9.1%) <0.001. The resveratrol group gets a positive result 6.28 times more compared to the placebo arm (95% CI: 1.61-24.49). Improvement of the intensity of symptoms and improving quality of life: resveratrol 22/28 (78.6%); placebo 4/22 P (18.2%) <0.001. Resveratrol group obtained a positive result 4:32 times more than the placebo arm (95% CI: 1.74-10.71). CONCLUSION: Resveratrol is effective in reducing the number of episodes vasomotor and the intensity of HF, with the transition from moderate/severe to mild symptoms in 78.6% of patients. Resveratrol has the characteristics to be an alternative therapy in the treatment of HF in menopause.

Clinical-pathological changes in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) over time (1997-2010): data from the University Hospital "Maggiore della Carità" in Novara.

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is an important clinical entity in our population (Novara, Piedmont, Italy) which is characterized by important environmental influences, as iodine deficiency (ID) and subsequent supplementation, thyroiditis and occupational exposure. To evaluate the features of DTC in our population 20 years after the iodine-prophylaxis pondering the effects of the introduction of the new guidelines for diagnosis and management of DTC after 2005. 322 patients [244 females, age: mean (±SD) 53.8 ± 15.8 years] treated for DTC in a tertiary care center between 1997 and 2010 were retrospectively evaluated. Medical history, demographics, and pathological features were considered. Patients were subdivided into two groups: A (n = 139, diagnosis 1997­2005) and B (n = 183, diagnosis 2006­2010). The population of group A showed a mild ID, while normal iodine status was recorded in group B. A significant increase in histological tumor-associated thyroiditis was found from group A to B (p = 0.021). Recurrent or persistent diseases were found to be correlated with lymph nodes metastases and/or a distant disease at diagnosis, stimulated thyroglobulin levels at the first follow-up and an additional radioiodine therapy. Twenty percent of our patients were females employed in textile industries. The tumor-related inflammation and the occupational exposure should be considered as important factors in the pathogenesis of DTC. Further studies are required in order to confirm our findings.