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Performed pooled analyses on the number of follicles and endometrial thickness revealed that the effects of NAC on these variables were not in a dose-dependent manner. However, in a dose-dependent manner, its combination with acrylamide led to the significant elevation of the number of ovarian follicles and the levels of FSH, E2 and progesterone(Reference Naimi, Shariati and Naimi31). WMD, weighted mean difference; SMD, standardised mean difference; LH, luteinising hormone; FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone; E2, oestradiol; NR, not reported. Removing an individual research at a time by sensitivity analysis did not affect the results. There were no significant changes in results following subgroup analysis (Table 2). The blinding of subjects and researchers was reported in four studies(Reference Hashim, Anwar and El-Fatah22,Reference Nasr9,Reference Chandil, Pande and Sen27,Reference Gayatri, Kumar and Kumar28) . Overall, five studies were defined as high quality(Reference Hassan, Alalfy and Hassan18,Reference Badawy, El Nashar and El Totongy20,Reference El Sharkwy and Abd El Aziz24,Reference Kose and Naziroglu26,Reference Ghomian, Khadem and Moeindarbari5) .
The results of evaluating the quality of the included studies are presented in online Supplementary Fig. The duration of the intervention varied from 5 d to 24 weeks among the studies. Overall, eighteen clinical trials published between 2002 and 2021 were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria and enrolled in the meta-analysis.
N-acetylcysteine can be given orally, intravenously, topically, or through inhalation. NAC is commonly taken as a supplement for health and wellness and is used in clinical settings to treat drug overdose, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mucus thinning properties. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a precursor for the amino acid L-cysteine.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a safe, economic and affordable drug which is used for the stimulation of ovulation(Reference Ghomian, Khadem and Moeindarbari5). These patients may have missed, irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles or high levels of androgens. Overall, NAC supplementation might be effective in the improvement of reproductive system function in patients with PCOS. However, it is crucial to note that most research into NAC supplementation has taken place on a small scale. Very rarely, people have reported more severe side effects, such as low blood pressure, asthma attacks, and unexplained headaches. Alternatively, people can obtain l-cysteine from foods that contain protein.
Together, they work to neutralize harmful free radicals, reducing oxidative stress that can disrupt hormone balance. NAC supplementation should be considered as part of a holistic approach to supporting hormone balance, including recommendations related to dietary and lifestyle changes. Hormone profiles may also improve with lower FSH and LH levels and higher amounts of testosterone (22). NAC may exert antioxidant effects in the tissues, potentially supporting the reduction of lesion size in endometriosis and improving comfort. In individuals with PCOS, cells can become resistant to the effects of insulin, leading to elevated insulin levels in the bloodstream. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps regulate blood sugar levels. The liver is exposed to high levels of oxidative stress due to its metabolic functions.
These effects may indirectly support hormonal balance in women with PCOS, but it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized treatment. Does NAC interact with any medications that affect testosterone levels? Its antioxidant properties can protect sperm from oxidative damage, potentially improving sperm count, motility, and morphology. Yes, NAC has been shown to improve sperm quality in some studies. NAC might offer supportive benefits, but it’s not a primary treatment for low testosterone. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of your low testosterone and to explore appropriate treatment options. Most studies focus on NAC’s benefits and either show no significant impact on testosterone or suggest a potential indirect positive effect.
Briefly, blood samples were collected from the overnight fasting tail vein rats at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after glucose feeding (2 g/kg). The Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) was used for assessing peripheral insulin resistance as described in previous study . Plasma insulin levels were also measured using the Sandwich ELISA kit (LINCO Research, MO, USA).