Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 17, 2024 2 hours, 23 minutes ago
Medical News: Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide, leading to complications like diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN), which causes severe nerve pain. This study, conducted by researchers from Vilnius University in Lithuania, explores a new approach using alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) to ease diabetic pain while addressing DNA damage caused by oxidative stress.
Alpha Lipoic Acid Offers New Hope for Diabetic Pain Relief
This
Medical News report dives into the groundbreaking discovery that short-term ALA therapy can reduce pain intensity and oxidative stress markers in diabetic patients. These findings offer hope to millions suffering from DPN, showcasing a practical treatment with real-world applications.
The Science Behind the Study
Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the development of DPN. It occurs when harmful molecules, called reactive oxygen species, overwhelm the body's natural defenses, damaging nerves and DNA. ALA, a powerful antioxidant, has been touted for its ability to counteract oxidative stress, enhance insulin sensitivity, and support nerve health.
The research team, led by Dr. Juozas R. Lazutka and colleagues at the Life Sciences Center and Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, focused on whether a brief intravenous course of ALA could bring measurable relief. Unlike lengthy and inconvenient treatment schedules, this study tested a 4–9 day protocol to align with practical healthcare settings.
Study Details: A Closer Look
The study enrolled 16 diabetic patients (six with Type 1 diabetes and ten with Type 2 diabetes) and 16 non-diabetic individuals for comparison. Participants with diabetes received daily doses of 600 mg ALA intravenously for 4–9 days. Researchers measured three key outcomes before and after treatment:
-Pain levels, assessed using the Universal Pain Assessment Tool.
-Oxidative stress markers in the blood, specifically 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a DNA damage indicator.
-DNA stability markers, including sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and micronucleated lymphocytes (MN).
Key Findings: Pain Relief and Reduced Oxidative Stress
The results were promising:
-Pain Relief: A significant reduction in pain intensity was observed after ALA therapy. Many patients experienced dramatic improvements, with some reporting their pain levels dropping from severe (10 out of 10) to mild (2 out of 10).
-Lower Oxidative Stress: Levels of 8-OHdG, a marker of oxidative stress and DNA damage, significantly decreased in diabetic patients following treatment. This indicates that ALA effectively reduces oxidative stress in a short timeframe.
-No Immediate DNA Stability Changes: Despite the pain relief and lower oxidative stress markers, no si
gnificant changes were detected in SCE and MN frequencies. Researchers attribute this to the short treatment duration, suggesting that more extended studies may reveal further benefits.
Why These Findings Matter
The study highlights ALA as a viable short-term treatment for DPN, offering rapid pain relief without the long hospital stays or complex oral regimens often associated with traditional methods. By reducing oxidative stress, ALA addresses one of the root causes of diabetic complications, paving the way for broader applications in managing the disease.
Conclusions: A Step Toward Better Care
Short-term intravenous ALA therapy shows great potential for improving the quality of life for diabetic patients. It not only alleviates pain but also combats oxidative stress, which is a significant contributor to diabetic complications. While more research is needed to explore long-term DNA stability impacts, these findings provide a solid foundation for using ALA in practical, real-world settings.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Pharmaceuticals.
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/11/1538
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/diabetes-global-surge-reaches-over-800-million-people-worldwide
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/canadian-study-finds-that-dietary-lifestyle-changes-show-promise-in-reducing-neuropathic-pain
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