Effect of (R)-[alpha]-Lipoic Acid Supplementation on Serum Lipids and Antioxidative Ability in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration

• Published in: Annals of nutrition and metabolism 2012-06, Vol.60 (4), p.293
• Main Authors: Sun, Ying-dong, Dong, You-dan, Fan, Rui, Zhai, Ling-ling, Bai, Ying-long, Jia, Li-hong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antioxidants; Dietary supplements; Lipids; Macular degeneration
• ISSN: 0250-6807; 1421-9697
• DOI: 10.1159/000338444

Background/Aims: Supplementation with antioxidants is of special interest in preventing or delaying the development and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This investigation aimed to assess the effect of α- lipoic acid (LA) on serum lipids, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in patients with AMD. Methods: A total of 62 patients (50-75 years old) with early and intermediate dry form of AMD were randomly assigned to two groups, i.e. LA administration (n = 32) and placebo (n = 30). The levels of serum lipids and MDA and SOD activity were measured before and after LA and placebo intervention. Results: Compared with the parameters at baseline, serum total cholesterol (CHO), triglyceride and high- and low-density lipoprotein CHO (HDL and LDL) levels were not significantly different after LA and placebo intervention. There was a slight but statistically nonsignificant decrease in serum MDA levels and a statistically significant increase in serum SOD activity after LA intervention. There were no statistically significant differences in serum MDA levels or SOD activity after placebo intervention. Conclusion: The apparent increase in SOD activity caused by LA supplementation indicates that LA may have a possible preventive effect in the development of AMD through an antioxidant mechanism. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]