Alpha Lipoic Acid and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Insulin resistance commonly occurs in patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and may be responsible for many of the long term complications of PCOS. Patients with PCOS are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome (hypertension, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease). Data suggest that oxidative stress contributes to insulin resistance and thus inhibitors of oxidative stress improve insulin action. Alpha Lipoic Acid (LA) is synthesized in the liver and other tissues and is a key component of several mitochondrial enzyme complexes responsible for oxidative glucose metabolism and cellular energy production. When used pharmacologically, LA functions as a safe and effective antioxidant, recycling vitamins C and E,elevating glutathione levels,and lowering reactive oxygen species. Cell culture studies reveal that LA reverses the effects of oxidative stress and improving insulin action. Preliminary clinical data indicate that antioxidants may improve insulin resistance in PCOS patients. We propose, therefore, to study LA's effects on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake (insulin clamp) in a well characterized population of insulin resistant PCOS patients. Because these patients usually present in the adolescent and teenage years, the development of safe, long-term, treatment strategies are needed.