Ovarian Stimulation: Inositol and Melatonin

Summary

An efficient protocol of ovarian stimulation is a key part of assisted reproductive technology. In order to obtain the highest oocyte retrieval with no adverse effects, numerous studies have evaluated the efficiency of the clinical approaches currently available. Recent studies have shown that two natural compounds, such as inositol and melatonin, play an important role in oocyte maturation and quality. Therefore, the present study aims at investigating whether inositol and melatonin are able to improve the number of oocytes obtained after ovarian stimulation with Recombinant Follicle Stimulating Hormone (rFSH). To this purpose, a randomized double-blind trial will be established where 150 healthy women in reproductive age undergoing to assistant reproductive technology (ART) because of male infertility will be divided in two groups. Group A will be treated with 225IU rFSH alone, group B will be treated with 225IU rFSH, 4g inositol and 3mg melatonin. As primary outcome of the study, oocyte quality, total number of oocytes retrieved, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate will be evaluated in group A vs. group B.

Timeline

Start

2010-12

Primary completion

2013-12

Completion

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Publications

• Background Rizzo P, Raffone E, Benedetto V. Effect of the treatment with myo-inositol plus folic acid plus melatonin in comparison with a treatment with myo-inositol plus folic acid on oocyte quality and pregnancy outcome in IVF cycles. A prospective, clinical trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2010 Jun;14(6):555-61.
• Background Papaleo E, Unfer V, Baillargeon JP, Chiu TT. Contribution of myo-inositol to reproduction. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2009 Dec;147(2):120-3. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2009.09.008. Epub 2009 Oct 2.
• Background Tamura H, Nakamura Y, Korkmaz A, Manchester LC, Tan DX, Sugino N, Reiter RJ. Melatonin and the ovary: physiological and pathophysiological implications. Fertil Steril. 2009 Jul;92(1):328-43. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.05.016. Epub 2008 Sep 18.

Drugs

Indications