Effects of alpha-lipoic acid treatment on serum progranulin levels and inflammatory markers in diabetic neuropathy

Abstract

Objectives Progranulin (PGRN) is a secreted growth factor that helps to regulate neuronal survival by blocking tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) receptors. The antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is used in diabetic neuropathy to improve nerve conduction and relieve neuropathic pain, but its effects on PGRN levels have not yet been elucidated. Methods In this prospective study, 54 patients with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy received 600 mg of ALA daily for 6 months. Twenty-four patients with diabetes without neuropathy were also included in the study. Serum PGRN and TNFα levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In addition, current perception threshold (CPT) testing was used to assess sensory neuropathy. Results After ALA treatment, serum PGRN levels were significantly increased and CPT values were significantly improved. Furthermore, there were significant positive correlations among TNFα, ICAM-1, and PGRN levels both before and after ALA treatment. A significant negative correlation was observed between the improvements in CPT and the PGRN levels. Furthermore, ICAM-1 levels were an independent predictor of PGRN levels. Conclusions Changes in serum PGRN levels indicate that ALA treatment may have beneficial effects on endothelial function and neuronal inflammation.

Crucial Regulatory Role of Organokines in Relation to Metabolic Changes in Non-Diabetic Obesity

“…Circulating PGRN/TNFα ratio was found to be an independent predictor of systolic blood pressure in overweight hypertensive adults [ 67 ]. In another interventional study, 6-month alpha-lipoic acid treatment significantly increased circulating PGRN levels; in addition, the improvement of current perception threshold correlated negatively with PGRN after treatment in obese type 2 diabetic patients [ 68 ]. Interestingly, Brock et al [ 69 ] investigated serum PGRN concentrations as well as subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue PGRN expression in morbid obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery.…”

Evaluation of the protective roles of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on nanomaterial-induced toxicity: A meta-analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies

“…Clinically, ALA is commonly used for the treatment of diseases related to the nervous system ( 53 , 54 ). Although the neuroprotective mechanisms may be complex, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ALA play main roles ( 53 – 57 ), indicating ALA supplementation may antagonize nanomaterial-induced neurotoxicity.…”

“…Clinically, ALA is commonly used for the treatment of diseases related to the nervous system ( 53 , 54 ). Although the neuroprotective mechanisms may be complex, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ALA play main roles ( 53 – 57 ), indicating ALA supplementation may antagonize nanomaterial-induced neurotoxicity. In line with the expectation, we found the AchE, an enzyme that mediates the neuromuscular impulse transmission and promotes regeneration of neurites, in rats exposed to nanomaterials was significantly increased by ALA treatment, which was accompanied by improved pathological changes of cerebrum neuron ( 19 , 35 ).…”

A study of the effect of gene polymorphism of xenobiotic biotransformation system, matrix metalloproteinases and interleukins on the development and course of distal neuropathy and diabetic foot syndrome in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

“…Полиморфизм -308А гена TNFα также требует изучения, так как TNFα играет важную роль в воспалительной реакции эндотелиальных клеток сосудов посредством индукции адгезии нейтрофилов к ним и связан с большим количеством микрососудистых осложнений у пациентов с СД 2 типа, включая пациентов с ДН [16].…”