Melatonin and Myo-Inositol: Supporting Reproduction from the Oocyte to Birth

Abstract

Human pregnancy is a sequence of events finely tuned by several molecular interactions that come with a new birth. The precise interlocking of these events affecting the reproductive system guarantees safe embryo formation and fetal development. In this scenario, melatonin and myo-inositol seem to be pivotal not only in the physiology of the reproduction process, but also in the promotion of positive gestational outcomes. Evidence demonstrates that melatonin, beyond the role of circadian rhythm management, is a key controller of human reproductive functions. Similarly, as the most representative member of the inositol’s family, myo-inositol is essential in ensuring correct advancing of reproductive cellular events. The molecular crosstalk mediated by these two species is directly regulated by their availability in the human body. To date, biological implications of unbalanced amounts of melatonin and myo-inositol in each pregnancy step are growing the idea that these molecules actively contribute to reduce negative outcomes and improve the fertilization rate. Clinical data suggest that melatonin and myo-inositol may constitute an optimal dietary supplementation to sustain safe human gestation and a new potential way to prevent pregnancy-associated pathologies.

Myo-Inositol Moderates Glucose-Induced Effects on Human Placental 13C-Arachidonic Acid Metabolism

“…Myo-inositol has been suggested as an intervention to lower gestational glycemia, to prevent GDM and lower the risk of adverse effects in pregnancy and the offspring [ 37 ]. We therefore investigated the effects of in vitro myo-inositol treatment on placental 13 C-AA metabolism and whether myo-inositol could attenuate the changes caused by glucose treatment.…”

Supplementation with myo-inositol and Selenium improves the clinical conditions and biochemical features of women with or at risk for subclinical hypothyroidism

“…Considering that thyroid dysfunctions may lead to menstrual cycle disturbances ( 38 ), we proved that myo-Ins supplementation is beneficial in ameliorating menstrual cycle regularity in women with hypothyroidism ( Figure 2A ). This improvement observed in menstrual cycle regularity, may be due to the activity of myo-Ins in the ovary, which amplifies the FSH signaling and favors the selection of the dominant follicle during the oogenesis process, effectively contributing to oocyte development ( 55 , 56 ). Of note, there was no distinction for PCOS or not PCOS women enrolled in the study.…”

A PCOS Paradox: Does Inositol Therapy Find a Rationale in All the Different Phenotypes?

“…Myo-Ins, in particular, plays a pivotal role in sustaining the entire reproduction process [ 47 ] and improving gestation outcomes in PCOS patients [ 48 ]. Indeed, myo-Ins administration in women with PCOS enhances the oocyte quality and competence [ 49 ] and ameliorates the endometrial status, thereby improving the fertilization phase [ 50 ] and thus resulting in an overall reduction in possible pregnancy complications [ 51 ].…”