Multiple human health-beneficial effects have been related to highly phosphorylated inositol hexaphosphate (IP6). This naturally occurring carbohydrate and its parent compound, myo-inositol (Ins), are abundantly present in plants, particularly in certain high-fiber diets, but also in mammalian cells, where they regulate important cellular functions. However, the striking and broad-spectrum anticancer activity of IP6, consistently demonstrated in different experimental models, has been in a spotlight of the scientific community dealing with the nutrition and cancer during the last several decades. First experiments were performed in colon cancer 30 years ago. Since then, it has been shown that IP6 reduces cell proliferation, induces apoptosis and differentiation of malignant cells with reversion to normal phenotype, affecting several critical molecular targets. Enhanced immunity and antioxidant properties also contribute to the tumor cell destruction. Although Ins possesses a modest anticancer potential, the best anticancer results were obtained from the combination of IP6 + Ins. Here we review the first experimental steps in colon cancer, when concepts and hypotheses were put together almost without real knowledge and present clinical studies, that were initiated in colon cancer patients. Available as a dietary supplement, IP6 + Ins has been shown to enhance the anticancer effect of conventional chemotherapy, controls cancer metastases, and improves quality of life in cancer patients. Emerging clinical and still vast amount of experimental data suggest its role either as an adjuvant or as an “alternative” to current chemotherapy for cancer.

Although multiple health-beneficial effects have been related to inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), the most striking is its anticancer effect. This natural, highly phosphorylated carbohydrate and its parent compound, myo-inositol (Ins), are abundantly present in plants, but also in mammalian cells, where they regulate important cellular functions. IP6 reduces proliferation and induces apoptosis and differentiation of malignant cells, enhances immunity, and affects several critical molecular targets. The best results were obtained from the combination of IP6 + Ins. Available as a dietary supplement, IP6 + Ins can enhance the anticancer effect of conventional chemotherapy, and improve quality of life in cancer patients, reducing burden of chemotherapy. Here we present the first, but encouraging, clinical observational study with IP6 and Ins in colon cancer patients during chemotherapy. These results were the basis for several randomized controlled trials organized later. We hope that more clinical trials and mechanistic studies would follow to clarify these intriguing findings.

The chapter provides an overview of current findings on the influence of inguinal hernia surgery on male infertility, with special reference to the possibility of immunological sensitization as a cause of infertility. Numerous studies have been published on this topic, most of which indicate that inguinal hernia surgery using a mesh does not lead to infertility, as our research has also shown; however, there are still conflicting opinions. The chapter presents a review of the previous literature as well as the results from our two studies conducted at the Clinic for Surgery and the Department of Radiology, KBC Split, Croatia. In the first study, research was conducted on the impact of elective procedures using the Lichtenstein operation and TAP on testicular flow and immunological sensitization. Another study examined the same outcomes in a patient with a strangulated inguinal hernia who underwent a Lichtenstein operation.