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Myers SH, Montanino Oliva M, Nordio M, Unfer V. PCOS phenotype focus: phenotype D under the magnifying glass. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024:10.1007/s00404-024-07408-2. [PMID: 38502188 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07408-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is defined as the combination of polycystic morphology, hyperandrogenism, and ovulatory disruption; this heterogeneity presents a conundrum for the medical community. The Rotterdam criteria have governed the diagnosis of PCOS, separating the patient cohort into four distinct phenotypes. It has been suggested that the lone normoandrogenic phenotype, so-called phenotype D, should not be classified as a PCOS subtype, with phenotypes A, B, and C displaying a hyperandrogenic biochemical and clinical profile thought to be characteristic of PCOS. To understand how to treat phenotype D patients, this review shines a spotlight on the phenotype, gathering various reports of how phenotype D is differentiated from the other PCOS phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Montanino Oliva
- The Experts Group On Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161, Rome, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Santo Spirito Hospital, 00193, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Nordio
- The Experts Group On Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161, Rome, Italy
- A.S.L. RMF, Civitavecchia, Italy
| | - Vittorio Unfer
- The Experts Group On Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161, Rome, Italy.
- UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, 00156, Rome, Italy.
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Salehi S, Allahverdy J, Pourjafar H, Sarabandi K, Jafari SM. Gut Microbiota and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Understanding the Pathogenesis and the Role of Probiotics as a Therapeutic Strategy. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024:10.1007/s12602-024-10223-5. [PMID: 38421576 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-024-10223-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common disorders among women in modern societies. A variety of factors can contribute to the development of PCOS. These women often exhibit high insulin resistance (IR), hyperandrogenism, irregular periods, and infertility. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota (GMB) in women with PCOS has attracted the attention of many researchers. Porphyromonas spp., B. coprophilus, and F. prausnitzii are found in higher numbers in the gut of women with PCOS. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by the intestinal microbiota through fermentation, play an essential role in regulating metabolic activities and are helpful in reducing insulin resistance and improving PCOS symptoms. According to studies, the bacteria producing SCFAs in the gut of these women are less abundant than in healthy women. The effectiveness of using probiotic supplements has been proven to improve the condition of women with PCOS. Daily consumption of probiotics improves dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome and increases the production of SCFAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Salehi
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javad Allahverdy
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Students' Research Committee, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadi Pourjafar
- Dietary Supplements and Probiotic Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Khashayar Sarabandi
- Research Institute of Food Science and Technology (RIFST), Km 12 Mashhad-Quchan Highway, PO Box 91895, Mashhad, 157-356, Iran
| | - Seid Mahdi Jafari
- Department of Food Materials and Process Design Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.
- Halal Research Center of IRI, Iran Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran.
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Pustotina O, Myers SH, Unfer V, Rasulova I. The Effects of Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro-Inositol in a Ratio 40:1 on Hormonal and Metabolic Profile in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Classified as Phenotype A by the Rotterdam Criteria and EMS-Type 1 by the EGOI Criteria. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2024; 89:131-139. [PMID: 38295772 DOI: 10.1159/000536163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
SETTING Insulin resistance (IR) and compensatory hyperinsulinemia are considered contributing factors toward polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). OBJECTIVES This study evaluates the frequency of metabolic abnormalities in PCOS patients and the effects of myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI), in a 40:1 ratio on hormonal and metabolic parameters. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-four women with PCOS phenotype A (endocrine-metabolic syndrome [EMS-type 1]) between the ages of 20-40. DESIGN Open prospective study with phenotype A (EMS-type I, n = 34) supplemented with 2,255 mg/day of inositol (MI and DCI in a 40:1 ratio) for 3 months. METHODS The following were measured before and after treatment: serum levels of follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, total and free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index (FAI), anti-Müllerian hormone, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS 55.9% of the enrolled patients were overweight or obese, 50% affected by IR, 17.6% with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus, and 61.8% had familial diabetes mellitus. At the conclusion of the study, BMI (p = 0.0029), HOMA-IR (p < 0.001) significantly decreased, along with decreased numbers of patients with elevated insulin levels. The supplementation resulted in decreased total testosterone (p < 0.001), free testosterone (p < 0.001), FAI (p < 0.001), and LH (p < 0.001); increased SHBG (p < 0.001) and estradiol (p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS The present analysis was limited to a 12-week follow-up, which precluded a long-term evaluation of the effects of MI and DCI combination. Also, this period was insufficient to achieve and analyze clinical changes such as restoration of the menstrual cycle, restoration of reproductive function, and clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism. CONCLUSIONS Supplementation improved metabolic and hormonal profile in PCOS phenotype A (EMS-type I) patients. This builds upon previous work that demonstrated that combined inositol treatment may be effective in PCOS. The study presented herein, used a reduced concentration than in prior literature; however, a significant change in hormonal and metabolic parameters was still observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Pustotina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with Reproductive Medicine, F.I. Inozemtsev Academy of Medical Education, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | | | - Vittorio Unfer
- UniCamillus, Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
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Wang K, Li Y, Chen Y. Androgen excess: a hallmark of polycystic ovary syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1273542. [PMID: 38152131 PMCID: PMC10751361 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1273542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic, reproductive, and psychological disorder affecting 6-20% of reproductive women worldwide. However, there is still no cure for PCOS, and current treatments primarily alleviate its symptoms due to a poor understanding of its etiology. Compelling evidence suggests that hyperandrogenism is not just a primary feature of PCOS. Instead, it may be a causative factor for this condition. Thus, figuring out the mechanisms of androgen synthesis, conversion, and metabolism is relatively important. Traditionally, studies of androgen excess have largely focused on classical androgen, but in recent years, adrenal-derived 11-oxygenated androgen has also garnered interest. Herein, this Review aims to investigate the origins of androgen excess, androgen synthesis, how androgen receptor (AR) signaling mediates adverse PCOS traits, and the role of 11-oxygenated androgen in the pathophysiology of PCOS. In addition, it provides therapeutic strategies targeting hyperandrogenism in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Wang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanhua Li
- Department of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Chen
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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Myers SH, Russo M, Dinicola S, Forte G, Unfer V. Questioning PCOS phenotypes for reclassification and tailored therapy. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2023; 34:694-703. [PMID: 37661546 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Precise diagnoses are essential for defining appropriate treatments. This is particularly true for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), whose phenotypical manifestations have recently suggested a possible diversity of etiological factors. PCOS is defined on the basis of gynecological and endocrinological alterations, but the patients often display considerable metabolic impairments, such as insulin resistance, that may worsen typical symptoms. The Rotterdam criteria fail to address this aspect, and the medical community has recently started to consider them as misleading diagnostic tools, casting doubts on whether the term PCOS is suited to describe all the clinical manifestations observed. This Opinion collects and critically discusses the scientific reports that question the definition of PCOS, calling for a revision of the current diagnostic criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Simona Dinicola
- R&D Department, Lo.Li Pharma, 00156 Rome, Italy; The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research, Rome 00161, Italy
| | | | - Vittorio Unfer
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research, Rome 00161, Italy; UniCamillus - Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome 00156, Italy.
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Najafabadi MS, Moludi J, Salimi Y, Saber A. A comparison of the portfolio low-carbohydrate diet and the ketogenic diet in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2023; 24:509. [PMID: 37559131 PMCID: PMC10410796 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07569-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most frequent endocrine disorders among women of fertile age. Women with PCOS manifest clinical symptoms like menstrual dysfunction, hirsutism, insulin resistance, and hyperinsulinemia. As excessive amounts of insulin levels directly increase ovarian production of androgens, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance are considered as the pathogenesis factors of PCOS. The portfolio low-carbohydrate diet (PLCD) is a plant-based diet with 40% carbohydrates combined with five cholesterol-lowering foods and nutrients. On the other hand, the ketogenic diet (KD) is a nutritional protocol with 10% carbohydrates. The purpose of this study is to determine whether PLCD or KD is more effective in alleviating PCOS symptoms. METHODS Forty-six overweight or obese women diagnosed with PCOS will be randomly stratified to receive either PLCD or KD for 8 weeks. Measures related to anthropometric and body composition, glucose, and insulin level, HOMA-IR, sex hormones, lipid profile, quality of life, dietary intake, physical activity, and Ferriman-Gallwey score of all participants will be accessed before and after the intervention. DISCUSSION Since the first line treatment of PCOS is lifestyle adjustment including diet control and exercise, there has not been determined the optimal diet for this population of women yet. Hence, the goal of conducting this study is to determine whether the PLCD or the KD could have more advantageous effects on attenuating PCOS manifestations. The result of this investigation will give us new insight into curing this disease and will provide evidence-based recommendations for prescribing an optimal diet for PCOS women. TRIAL REGISTRATION IRCT20200912048693N3, Trial registered 2022-12-14. https://www.irct.ir/trial/67548.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Sharifi Najafabadi
- Student Research Committee, School of Nutritional Sciences and Food Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Jalal Moludi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Nutritional Sciences and Food Technology, Across From Farabi Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Isar Sq., P.O. Box 6719851552, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Yahya Salimi
- Social Development & Health Promotion Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Amir Saber
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Nutritional Sciences and Food Technology, Across From Farabi Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Isar Sq., P.O. Box 6719851552, Kermanshah, Iran.
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Basciani S, Nordio M, Dinicola S, Unfer V, Gnessi L. Diet Plus Inositols, α-Lactalbumin and Gymnema sylvestre: The Successful Combo to Restore Body Weight and Metabolic Profile in Obese and Dysmetabolic Patients. Nutrients 2023; 15:3142. [PMID: 37513560 PMCID: PMC10385591 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary control of dysmetabolic patients is extremely challenging worldwide, with inadequate dietary habits and sporadic physical activity among the key risk factors for metabolic syndrome onset. Nowadays, there is no exclusive treatment for this condition, and considering that preventive measures usually fail, new therapeutic approaches need to be proposed and investigated. This present pilot study compared the effects of diet alone and in association with a combination of myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol in their 40:1 ratio, α-lactalbumin, and Gymnema sylvestre on different metabolic parameters in obese dysmetabolic patients. To this purpose, 37 patients with BMI between 30 and 40 and fasting blood glucose between 100 and 125 mg/dL were divided into two groups: (i) the control group followed a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet, (ii) while the study group was also supplemented with a daily dosage of two sachets, each one containing 1950 mg myo-inositol, 50 mg d-chiro-inositol, 50 mg α-lactalbumin, and 250 mg Gymnema Sylvestre. After a 6-month treatment, all parameters improved in both groups. Nevertheless, the treated group experienced a greater improvement, especially concerning the variation from the baseline of HOMA index, triglycerides, BMI, body weight, and waist circumference. These findings support the supplementation with myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol in the 40:1 ratio, α-lactalbumin, and Gymnema sylvestre as a therapeutical strategy to potentiate the beneficial effects induced via dietary programs in dysmetabolic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Basciani
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Nordio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Dinicola
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161 Rome, Italy
- R&D Department, Lo.Li. Pharma, 00156 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Unfer
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161 Rome, Italy
- UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucio Gnessi
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Unfer V, Russo M, Aragona C, Bilotta G, Montanino Oliva M, Bizzarri M. Treatment with Myo-Inositol Does Not Improve the Clinical Features in All PCOS Phenotypes. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1759. [PMID: 37371854 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects produced by a treatment with myo-Inositol (myo-Ins) in women presenting polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) of different phenotypes. METHODS We performed a retrospective study to evaluate whether patients presenting different PCOS phenotypes, treated for 6 months with myo-Ins, might exhibit a differential response to the treatment. On this premise, we clustered women with PCOS phenotypes A, B, and C in the first study group (hyperandrogenic PCOS or H-PCOS), and women presenting PCOS phenotype D in a separate study group (non-hyperandrogenic PCOS or NH-PCOS) to evaluate if the presence of hyperandrogenism, shared by H-PCOS, might imply a metabolic/endocrine condition rather than a gynecological issue. RESULTS The administration of myo-Ins induced a significant improvement in metabolic and endocrine parameters in H-PCOS, while the effects on NH-PCOS were negligible. Additionally, myo-Ins treatment improved the endometrial thickness of H-PCOS. CONCLUSIONS Subjects selected for the study exhibited a differential response to myo-Ins therapy according to their PCOS phenotypes. The data suggest that the same treatment might not equally improve the parameters of the PCOS condition in each sub-group of patients. It is crucial to distinguish the various phenotypes to properly select the therapeutical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Unfer
- UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cesare Aragona
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161 Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group Lab, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mario Montanino Oliva
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Santo Spirito Hospital, 00193 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161 Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group Lab, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, Via A. Scarpa 16, 00160 Rome, Italy
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Porcaro G, Bilotta G, Capoccia E, Bezerra Espinola MS, Aragona C. D-Chiro-Inositol in Endometrial Hyperplasia: A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10080. [PMID: 37373229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial hyperplasia is a threatening pathology driven by unopposed estrogen stimulus. Moreover, insulin may act on the endometrium, prompting further growth. We aimed at assessing whether D-chiro-Inositol, an insulin sensitizer with estrogen-lowering properties, might improve the condition of patients with simple endometrial hyperplasia without atypia. We enrolled women with simple endometrial hyperplasia without atypia and related symptoms, including abnormal uterine bleeding. We treated the patients with one tablet per day, containing 600 mg of D-chiro-inositol for six months. Patients underwent ultrasound to assess the thickness of the endometrium at baseline, after three months, and at the end of this study. Endometrial thickness went from 10.82 ± 1.15 mm to 8.00 ± 0.81 mm after three months (p < 0.001) and to 6.9 ± 1.06 mm after six months (p < 0.001 versus baseline; p < 0.001 versus three months). D-chiro-inositol treatment also improved heavy menstrual bleeding and the length of menstruation. Despite the fact that our data should be validated in larger studies with appropriate control groups, our promising results support the hypothesis that D-chiro-inositol may represent a useful treatment in the case of endometrial hyperplasia without atypia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Porcaro
- Women's Health Centre, USL Umbria 2, 05100 Terni, Italy
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00156 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Salomé Bezerra Espinola
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00156 Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group Lab, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cesare Aragona
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00156 Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group Lab, 00161 Rome, Italy
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