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Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on asymmetric dimethylarginine and disability in multiple sclerosis patients: A
Mohammad Khalili1, Madjid Soltani2, Shirin Amiri Moghadam3
1Ph.D. of Nutrition, Assistant Professor, Neuroscience Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Background:
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Oxidative stress plays a major role in the onset and progression of MS. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) formation is dependent on oxidative stress status.
Objective:
We examined whether alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as a potent antioxidant could improve the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and decrease plasma level of ADMA in multiple sclerosis patients.
Methods:
In a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial conducted at Sina Hospital in Tehran, Iran, from September 2009 to July 2011, 24 patients with relapsing-remitting MS were divided into a treatment group receiving ALA (1200mg/day) for 12 weeks and a control group receiving placebo. Then patients' EDSS and Plasma levels of ADMA were measured at baseline and 12 weeks later. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS software version 16 using the K-S test, Chi square, Mann-Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon test.
Results:
The plasma levels of ADMA in the intervention group were decreased significantly (p=0.04). Also, no patient had increased EDSS score in the supplement group, where 2 out of 12 patients in the placebo group experienced so. Comparing the serum level of ADMA between the two groups failed to show any significant change in the supplement group compared with the control group.
Conclusion:
Considering that ADMA is produced by oxidative stress in MS patients and leads to increase of inflammation, ALA may have the potential of beneficial effects in them, in part, by decreasing the plasma level of ADMA and stopping progression.
Trial Registration:
The trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (http://www.irct.ir) with the Irct ID: No. IRCT138812222602N2.
Funding:
The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Insights
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) may benefit multiple sclerosis (MS) patients by reducing oxidative stress markers like asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). This antioxidant intervention showed potential in stabilizing disability scores and lowering ADMA levels in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system inflammatory and demyelinating disease.
- Oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis and progression of MS.
- Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) formation is linked to the oxidative stress status in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a potent antioxidant, in improving the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in MS patients.
- To assess the impact of ALA supplementation on plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blinded clinical trial involving 24 relapsing-remitting MS patients.
- Participants received either 1200mg/day of ALA or a placebo for 12 weeks.
- Measurements of EDSS and plasma ADMA levels were conducted at baseline and after 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in plasma ADMA levels observed in the ALA treatment group (p=0.04).
- No increase in EDSS scores was noted in the ALA group, whereas two patients in the placebo group experienced an increase.
- No significant difference in serum ADMA levels between the ALA and placebo groups.
Conclusions:
- ALA may offer beneficial effects for MS patients, potentially by mitigating oxidative stress.
- The observed decrease in ADMA suggests a mechanism involving reduced oxidative stress in ALA's potential therapeutic role.
- ALA supplementation shows promise in stabilizing disability progression in multiple sclerosis.
