The effect of oral alpha-lipoic acid on oxidative stress in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Pediatr Diabetes. 2008 Jun;9(3 Pt 2):69-73. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-5448.2007.00342.x. Epub 2008 Jan 22.

Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications. Alpha-lipoic acid (LA), a potent antioxidant, has been shown to be an effective treatment for diabetic neuropathy when given intravenously. Recently, an oral controlled-release formulation of alpha-lipoic acid (CRLA) was developed, and a pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that CRLA maintained significant plasma levels for 67% longer than a common quick-release formulation.

Objective: To determine if CRLA is an effective antioxidant in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) by measuring its effects on markers of oxidative damage and total antioxidant status.

Methods: Forty pubertal and postpubertal adolescents with T1D underwent a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of CRLA for 3 months. 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, protein carbonyl, total reactive antioxidant potential, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and spot random urine collected for albumin to creatinine ratio were measured before and after treatment.

Results: There was no significant change in any measurement of oxidative damage, total antioxidant status, HbA1c, or microalbuminuria prevalence after treatment with either placebo or CRLA.

Conclusion: In this pilot study, CRLA was not an effective treatment for decreasing oxidative damage in T1D, although efficacy may have been limited by issues with compliance.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adolescent
  • Age of Onset
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight
  • Child
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Placebos
  • Puberty
  • Reference Values
  • Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances / metabolism
  • Thioctic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Thioctic Acid / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Placebos
  • Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances
  • Thioctic Acid