Advances in non-hormonal pharmacotherapy for the treatment of male infertility: the role of inositols.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Several antioxidants are available for the treatment of male infertility. Although the benefit of myo-inositol (MYO) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI) for female infertility is recognized, their role in male infertility is a matter of debate.

AREAS COVERED:

The authors review the impact that treatment with MYO and/or DCI may have on conventional and bio-functional sperm parameters [mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), sperm chromatin compactness, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF)], seminal oxidative stress (OS), and pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth rates, and the possible mechanisms involved. Furthermore, the authors gather evidence on the effects of MYO and/or DCI on sperm function in vitro.

EXPERT OPINION:

MYO can improve sperm count, motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction, and MMP. No data are currently available on the effects of DCI in vivo. Both MYO and DCI ameliorate sperm motility and MMP in vitro. Therefore, the use of inositols should be preferred in patients with idiopathic asthenozoospermia, especially in case of impaired sperm mitochondrial function. Due to their insulin-sensitizing action, a role for these molecules may be envisaged for the treatment of infertility caused by carbohydrate metabolism derangement.

• Authors: Rosita A Condorelli, Rossella Cannarella, Andrea Crafa, Federica Barbagallo, Carmelo Gusmano, Ottavia Avola, Laura M Mongioì, Livia Basile, Aldo E Calogero, Sandro La Vignera
• Journal: Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy (Expert Opin Pharmacother) Vol. 23 Issue 9 Pg. 1081-1090 (Jun 2022) ISSN: 1744-7666 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 35348407 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Inositol

Topics

• Female
• Humans
• Infertility, Male (drug therapy)
• Inositol (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Pregnancy
• Semen (metabolism)
• Sperm Motility