Role of alpha-lipoic acid in protection from cardiovascular events in patients with hemodialysis

Background: The leading cause of death in patients on hemodialysis (HD) is cardiovascular events (CVEs). Objective: This study aimed to assess the protective effects of alpha-lipoic acid against possible CVEs. Methods: 70 HD patients were randomly allocated into two groups, tested and control groups; in a randomized clinical study. The tested group received ALA supplementation, a daily capsule of 600 mg, whereas the control group received placebo capsules daily for 3 months. Serum levels of AGEs, Fe, hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity were detected in both groups before and after treatment. Results: No significant differences in age, sex, duration of dialysis, and contributing factors for dialysis were found between both groups (P>0.05). After three months of ALA intervention, AGEsserum levels were significantly reduced. On the other hand, serum levels of adiponectin, Fe, and Hb were significantly increased in the tested group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). ALA did not affect lipid profiles including triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C.
Conclusions: The use of alpha-lipoic acid in patients with HD may lead to a decrease in the chance of atherosclerosis progression, and so decrease in CVEs. We recommend that alpha-lipoic acid should be one of the corner stores in the management of HD patients.