Myoinositol (MI) and D-chiro inositol (DCI) are isomeric forms of inositol that were found to
have insulin-like properties, acting as second messengers in the insulin intracellular
pathway; both of these molecules are involved in the increasing insulin sensitivity of
different tissues to improve metabolic and ovulatory functions. Myoinositol is the
predominant form that can be found in nature and food.
Inositol has been mainly used as a supplement in treating several pathologies such as
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and
gestational diabetes (GDM). In the case of GDM, a condition defined as a glucose impairment
first detected in pregnancy, a preventive role of inositol for GDM onset was recognized. In
addition, inositol has been studied as a therapeutic option for the treatment of GDM and
T2DM. The main effect of inositol is decreasing the level of insulin resistance.
Consequently, a potential role of inositol as a treatment option could be hypothesized for
other conditions typically characterized by insulin resistance like metabolic syndrome and
obesity.
Zinc also plays an important role in insulin action and carbohydrate metabolism. It may also
have a protective role in the prevention of atherogenesis. Several human studies have
demonstrated that Zinc supplementation reduces total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and
triglycerides, in addition to increasing the HDL cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that
diabetes is accompanied by hypozincemia and high levels of Zinc in urine. In addition Zinc is
also an integral part of key anti-oxidant enzymes and Zinc deficiency impairs their
synthesis, resulting in increased oxidative stress.
A supplementation with Myo-Inositol and Zinc could represent a valid strategy in paediatric
obesity in addiction to a standard approach. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the
supplementation of Myo-inositol and Zinc in the treatment of paediatric obesity.
Phase:
Phase 4
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carita