EFFECTS OF ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION ON CLINICAL STATUS AND ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES IN WOMEN WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is known as a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects. Also, recent studies have shown its lowering effect on weight. However, studying the effects of ALA in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been noticed rarely. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease often accompanied by functional disability, lower physical activity and consequent overweight. Therefore, we examined ALA effects on both clinical status and anthropometric indices in women with RA. RA patients (n=70) were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either ALA (1200 mg/day) or placebo for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken before and after the study to analyze serum rheumatoid factor (RF) and high sensitive C-reactive protein. Also, swollen and tender joints were examined to evaluate clinical status based on disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28). Anthropometric parameters (weight, body mass index, waist circumference and waist/hip ratio) were assessed at baseline and endpoint. There were significant reductions in DAS28 (p=0.015), RF (p=0.021) and waist circumference (p=0.022) in patients receiving ALA. However, changes in clinical variables (DAS28 and RF) and anthropometric parameters (Weight, BMI, waist circumference and waist/hip ratio) in ALA-treated group were not statistically significant compared with placebo-treated group. This study showed that ALA may have potential beneficial effects in RA patients. However, more comprehensive studies are needed to determine the effects of this promising antioxidant in RA.