Effects of alpha lipoic acid supplementation on serum levels of IL-8 and TNF-α in patient with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis

Chronic renal failure is a progressive and irreversible loss of kidney function, and the hemodialysis (HD) is one of the most common modalities in this regard. Oxidative stresses [like interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)] and inflammation are the main risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases and other complications in many organs in hemodialysis patients; meanwhile, antioxidants like alpha lipoic acid (ALA) may reduce the oxidative stress markers and the levels of inflammatory cytokines, so can improve of the patient's quality of life. In this randomized clinical trial study, 60 HD patients were randomly categorized in two case and control groups. Case group received a daily capsule of 600 mg of ALA supplementation for 8 weeks, and the control group received placebo capsules daily. The serum level of IL-8 and TNF-alpha was measured in both groups before and after the intervention. There were no significant differences in age, gender, duration of dialysis, and causative factor for dialysis between both groups (P > 0.05). The mean of IL-8 and TNF-alpha after the intervention in case group was 26.20 +/- A 15.34 and 21.25 +/- A 9.61, respectively; the difference between both groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Based on the better feeling and other beneficial effects of ALA were found in our study; we can conclude that it is a beneficial and recommended supplement, especially, for diabetic and dialysis patients.