The use of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) may have favourable effects on endothelial function and neuronal inflammation in type 2 diabetic individuals with peripheral neuropathy as determined from the altered serum progranulin (PGRN) levels, a study published in The Journal of International Medical Research elucidated.

This study aimed to examine the link between the levels of PGRN (secreted growth factor) and inflammation and endothelial dysfunction markers following the ALA (a potent antioxidant) treatment.

In this prospective study, a total of 54 diabetic patients (22 men and 32 women) with peripheral neuropathy were supplemented with ALA 600 mg every day for 6 months. Diabetic patients without neuropathy (n=24) were also counted in. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to ascertain the serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and PGRN levels.

As found, the serum PGRN levels considerably increased, and the values of the current perception threshold (CPT) remarkably improved following the therapy. In addition, a significant positive correlation among the levels of TNF-α, PGRN, Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) were observed prior to and after the treatment.

Improvements in CPT and the PGRN levels were associated with a noteworthy negative correlation. Also, ICAM-1 levels were independent predictors of the levels of PGRN. Thus, ALA administration is beneficial in the management of diabetic neuropathy.