Combination of alpha lipoic acid and superoxide dismutase leads to physiological and symptomatic improvements in diabetic neuropathy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

The management of diabetic neuropathy is still a challenge for physicians. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a new combination of alpha lipoic acid and superoxide dismutase for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

METHODS:

The setting of this study was ambulatory (outpatient) care. A prospective, non-randomized, open-label study was conducted in 50 patients with diabetes mellitus and with a deficit in both motor and sensory nerve conduction. Treatment was with a new combination of alpha lipoic acid and superoxide dismutase (ALA600SOD®) for 4 months. Electroneurographic parameters and perceived pain were assessed at baseline and after treatment.

RESULTS:

After 4 months of treatment, patients significantly (p < 0.001) improved their electroneurographic parameters and their perception of pain. Best improvements were observed in sensory nerve conduction.

CONCLUSION:

The combination of two powerful antioxidant agents leads to improvement in both subjective and objective parameters in patients with diabetic neuropathy. New profitable directions for investigations are opened for a non-invasive treatment of diabetic neuropathy in the future.

• Authors: Fulvio Bertolotto, Antonino Massone
• Journal: Drugs in R&D (Drugs R D) Vol. 12 Issue 1 Pg. 29-34 (Mar 01 2012) ISSN: 1179-6901 [Electronic] New Zealand
• PMID: 22329607 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antioxidants
• Thioctic Acid
• Superoxide Dismutase

Topics

• Aged
• Ambulatory Care
• Antioxidants (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Diabetic Nephropathies (diagnosis, drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Neural Conduction (drug effects, physiology)
• Pain Measurement
• Peroneal Nerve (drug effects, physiology)
• Pilot Projects
• Prospective Studies
• Superoxide Dismutase (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Sural Nerve (drug effects, physiology)
• Thioctic Acid (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome