title: Combination of alpha lipoic acid and superoxide dismutase leads to physiological and symptomatic improvements in diabetic neuropathy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The management of diabetic neuropathy is still a challenge for physicians. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a new combination of alpha lipoic acid and superoxide dismutase for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The setting of this study was ambulatory (outpatient) care. A prospective, non-randomized, open-label study was conducted in 50 patients with diabetes mellitus and with a deficit in both motor and sensory nerve conduction. Treatment was with a new combination of alpha lipoic acid and superoxide dismutase (ALA600SOD®) for 4 months. Electroneurographic parameters and perceived pain were assessed at baseline and after treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 4 months of treatment, patients significantly (p < 0.001) improved their electroneurographic parameters and their perception of pain. Best improvements were observed in sensory nerve conduction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combination of two powerful antioxidant agents leads to improvement in both subjective and objective parameters in patients with diabetic neuropathy. New profitable directions for investigations are opened for a non-invasive treatment of diabetic neuropathy in the future.
authors.affiliation: Neurophysiology Laboratory, Spine Unit at Santa Corona Hospital, Pietra Ligure, Savona, Italy.
authors.forename: Fulvio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bertolotto
authors.forename: Antonino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Massone
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003928:Diabetic Nephropathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010543:Peroneal Nerve / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013497:Sural Nerve / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008063:Thioctic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D008063:Thioctic Acid; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase