The use of α-lipoic acid and zinc sulfate in post-MI patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, possibilities in the correction of systemic inflammation

Purpose ? to investigate the dynamics of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-10 in post-MI patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), during the treatment with α-lipoic acid (ALA) and zinc (Zn) sulphate. Materials and methods. 49 patients were examined (mean age (60,97±1,59) years) with type 2 DM who had non-Q myocardial infarction (non-Q-MI). For the basic treatment of patients during 4 months ALA (600 mg/ day) and Zn sulphate (248 mg/day) were added. The determination of CRP and cytokines was performed before treatment and after its completion. Results and discussion. Comparing the baseline data of studied parameters of investigated patients with the control group of almost healthy individuals revealed a significantly higher level of CRP (р<0,001), IL-6 (р<0,001), TNF-α (р<0,001) and IL-10 (р<0,001) in post MI patients with type 2 DM, which indicates the activity of systemic inflammation in these patients. Analyzing CRP and cytokines values in patients with type 2 DM with a history of non-Q-MI after 4 months of ALA with Zn sulphate intake, revealed a significant decrease in the levels of CRP (р<0,01), IL-6 (р<0,001) and TNF-α (р<0,01). In our study we did not record any significant effect of the combined treatment on the level of IL-10, although a downward trend (p<0,2) was visible. Conclusions. The use of ALA and Zn sulfate for 4 months in post-MI patients with type 2 DM reduces the levels of CRP and proinflammatory cytokines, reducing the activity of systemic inflammation.