The effect of N-acetylcysteine on metabolic dysfunction associated with fatty liver disease and polycystic ovary syndrome as metabolic disorders

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Dar El-Salam Cancer Center, Cairo, Egypt

2 Department of Liver Transplantation, National Hepatology and Tropical Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt

3 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction associated with fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are common disorders often related to metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance, obesity, and oxidative stress contribute to the pathogenesis of both MAFLD and PCOS.
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and insulin-sensitizing properties, and arises as a possible therapeutic option for MAFLD and PCOS. This review aims to investigate the effect of NAC alone or in combination on the metabolic parameters associated with MAFLD and PCOS. Using pre-defined keywords, PubMed, Google Scholar, and clinical trial.gov were systemically searched to identify related studies. A total of 10 studies related to MAFLD and 17 other studies related to PCOS were included. In conclusion, most of the included studies showed a promising impact of NAC in reducing elevated transaminases and the degree of liver steatosis in MAFLD through reducing oxidative stress and insulin resistance. Regarding PCOS, NAC was reported to have a positive effect on endometrial thickness, ovulation rate, and pregnancy rate either alone or when combined with clomiphene citrate. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. 

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