Effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Cutaneous-Silent-Period Parameters in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (P01.201)

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate cutaneous-silent-period (CSP) parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and examine the effects of Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) treatment on CSP which, to our knowledge, have not been investigated till date in the literature. Background Small myelinated (A-d) and unmyelinated (C) somatic sensory fibers are initially affected and may be the earliest exhibited sign of neuropathy in glucose dysmetabolism. Cutaneous silent period (CSP) is an inhibitory spinal reflex and its afferents consist of A-d nerve fibers. Design/Methods: A total of 17 patients with DM and 25 healthy volunteers were studied. CSP latency and duration in the upper and lower extremities were examined in the two groups. In DM patients, the variables were examined before and after ALA treatment. Results: Upper-extremity CSP latency {79,50 (59,50-89,50) ms} was longer in patients, compared with controls {73,75 (56,00-85,25) ms} (p=0,007). Lower-extremity CSP latency was longer {112,75 (78,25-152,75) ms} in patients, compared with controls {96,25 (80,00-113,00) ms} (p Conclusions: The results suggest that ALA treatment may improve small-fibre neuropathy (SFN) in DM patients. CSP may be used as a measure of ALA treatment effectiveness. Disclosure: Dr. Yucel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Oz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Akgun has nothing to disclose. Dr. Taslipinar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Erdogan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Yasar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ulas has nothing to disclose. Dr. Odabasi has nothing to disclose.