New Insights into the Activities of D-Chiro-Inositol: A Narrative Review

Abstract

D-chiro-inositol (DCI) is a natural compound detectable in cell membranes, which is highly conserved as a biological signaling molecule. In mammals, its function is primarily characterized in the intracellular transduction cascade of insulin. In particular, insulin signal promotes the release of pivotal DCI-containing molecules. In fact, impaired release of DCI is a common feature of insulin-resistant tissues, and insulin-sensitizing pharmaceuticals induce higher concentrations of free DCI. Moreover, it also plays important roles in several other processes. DCI is involved in the regulation of steroidogenesis, due to its regulatory effects on steroidogenic enzymes, including 17α-hydroxylase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and aromatase. Such regulation of various enzymes indicates a mechanism by which the body regulates different processes via a single molecule, depending on its concentration. DCI also reduces the expression of integrin β3, which is an adhesion molecule involved in embryo implantation and cellular phenomena such as survival, stemness, and invasiveness. In addition, DCI seems to have important anti-inflammatory activities, like its 3-O-methyl-ether, called pinitol. In vitro evidence demonstrates that treatment with both compounds induces a reduction in pro-inflammatory factors—such as Nf-κB—and cytokines—such as TNF-α. DCI then plays important roles in several fundamental processes in physiology. Therefore, research on such molecule is of primary importance.

D-Chiro-Inositol and Myo-Inositol Induce WAT/BAT Trans-Differentiation in Two Different Human Adipocyte Models (SGBS and LiSa-2)

“…Considering our observations, we hypothesized that D-chiro-Ins and myo-Ins could perform their WAT/BAT trans-differentiation effects by an undefined mechanism involving the estrogen receptor; these results are also supported by a recent study by Montt-Guevara and collaborators [ 18 ], who demonstrated that D-Chiro-Ins can regulate human adipocytes (SGBS) directly, by enhancing their differentiation and insulin receptor signaling in synergy with estrogen. Nonetheless, two clinical trials in men showed that treatment with D-chiro-Ins significantly increased androgen levels and decreased estrogen levels [ 35 , 36 ], supporting its current therapeutic use in specific pathologies, i.e., those characterized by excessive estrogens or reduced androgens [ 37 , 38 , 39 ]. In this scenario, our current data opens a new window on the effects of these compounds and indicates that the mechanism of action of D-chiro-Ins and myo-Ins is more complex than previously thought.…”

The Translational Role of miRNA in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: From Bench to Bedside—A Systematic Literature Review

“…GATA6 is an important androgen-production-related gene whose protein has been shown to stimulate the human CYP17 promoter activity [ 111 ]. IRS-2 is an insulin receptor gene whose products lead to increased PI3K activity and could further promote androgen production by regulating the activity of thecal 17α-hydroxylase [ 112 ]. Therefore, miR-92a and miR-92b downregulation may play a role in the androgen biosynthesis dysregulation in theca cells of women with PCOS.…”

Analysis and comparison of bioactive phytochemical composition and antibacterial property of two Ethiopian indigenous medicinal plants

“…D-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexanehexol, is a Sorbitol, also called D-Glucitol in the systematic chemical nomenclature, is one type of sugar alcohol (polyols) used in food manufacturing and in medical tests. [39,40] D-Glucitol-derived sorbitan esters (spans)/ ethoxylated sorbitan esters (Tween) and other similar compounds have found widespread use in healthcare products, cosmetics, and the food industry. These substances serve as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and excipients.…”