1.
Differential efficacy of methylcobalamin and alpha-lipoic acid treatment on symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Han, Y, Wang, M, Shen, J, Zhang, Z, Zhao, M, Huang, J, Chen, Y, Chen, Z, Hu, Y, Wang, Y
Minerva endocrinologica. 2018;(1):11-18
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic hyperglycemia damages peripheral nerves by triggering ischemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and methylcobalamin (MC) are known to improve signs of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), possibly by enhancing neural and vascular endothelial cell metabolism and antioxidant capacity. We evaluated differences in efficacy following short-term MC or ALA treatment on DPN symptoms to guide clinical drug selection. METHODS Forty DPN patients were randomly divided into MC and ALA treatment groups (both N.=20) and assessed by the Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Scoring System (TCSS), total symptom score (TSS), visual analog scale (VAS) of positive symptoms, and easy sensory test (EST) for negative symptoms before and after 2 weeks of treatment. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also measured. RESULTS Neuropathy as measured by TCSS, TSS, and VAS scores was significantly reduced by both treatments (P<0.05) but magnitude varied by symptom. The VAS score reductions for burning and pain were significantly greater following ALA (P<0.01), while MC reduced numbness and paresthesia VAS scores to a slightly greater extent than ALA (P>0.05). Numbers of abnormal (low-response) points for pressure and pinprick sensation were reduced by MC but not by ALA, while both treatments induced a significant reduction in vibratory perception threshold (P<0.01). Neither MC nor ALA improved temperature sensation or tendon reflexes (P>0.05). Alpha-lipoic acid, increased SOD and reduced MDA (P<0.05), indicating enhanced antioxidant capacity, while MC had no effect. CONCLUSIONS Due to differences in efficacy, MC or ALA should be chosen according to the symptoms of individual patients.
2.
Effect of high/low dose N-acetylcysteine on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Shen, Y, Cai, W, Lei, S, Zhang, Z
COPD. 2014;(3):351-8
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, characterised by persistent airflow limitation, mucus hypersecretion, oxidative stress and airway inflammation. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which have been shown an uncertain benefit in COPD patients. METHOD Systematic searches were conducted in Cochrane, Medline and Embase electronic databases. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the different effect between high and low-dose NAC treatment on COPD exacerbation. RESULTS This review yielded 11 studies. The methodological quality of included studies were scored using the Jadad score, with a scale of 1 to 5 (score of 5 being the highest). Data showed high-dose NAC can reduce both the total number of exacerbations (RR = 0.59, 0.47 to 0.74, 95%CI, p < 0.001) and the proportion of patients with at least one exacerbation (RR = 0.76, 0.59 to 0.98, 95%CI, p = 0.03). In the low-dose group, subgroup with jadad ≤ 3 showed a significant decrease (RR = 0.69, 0.61 to 0.77, 95%CI, p < 0.001) in the proportion of patients with exacerbation, the other subgroup with Jadad score > 3 showed no significant decrease (RR = 0.98, 0.90 to 1.06, 95%CI, p = 0.59). And low-dose NAC showed no benefit in the total number of exacerbations (RR = 0.97, 0.68 to 1.37, 95%CI, p = 0.85). Neither high nor low-dose NAC treatment showed benefit in forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1)(WMD = 1.08, -9.97 to 12.13, 95%CI, p = 0.85). CONCLUSION Long-term high-dose NAC treatment may lead to a lower rate of exacerbations. But the effect of low-dose NAC treatment remains uncertain. Further researches are needed to confirm this outcome and to clarify its mechanisms.