Occurrence The common isomer
myo-inositol is converted into DCI in the human body by an
insulin dependent
enzyme,
NAD/NADH epimerase.
Insulin interactions D-
chiro-inositol is known to be an important
secondary messenger in
insulin signal transduction. It accelerates the dephosphorylation of glycogen synthase and pyruvate dehydrogenase, rate limiting enzymes of non-oxidative and oxidative glucose disposal. Exogenous DCI may act to bypass defective normal epimerization of
myo-inositol to DCI associated with insulin resistance and at least partially restore insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal. In clinical practice, it improves insulin signaling, thus restoring physiological insulin levels in resistant subjects.
Hormonal treatment D-
chiro-inositol has been used to induce ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. DCI depresses the expression of the
steroidogenic enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for the conversion of
androgens to
estrogens. One pilot study found males taking DCI had increased androgens and reduced estrogen. == References ==