Letter to the Editor
Possible role of alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries
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* Corresponding author: Andrea Santamato a.santamato@unifg.it
1 Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
2 Geriatric Unit & Gerontology-Geriatrics Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
3 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
Journal of Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Injury 2010, 5:15 doi:10.1186/1749-7221-5-15
Published: 31 August 2010Abstract
Recent findings on the antioxidant effects of pretreatment with α-lipoic acid (α-LA) on the crush injury of rat sciatic nerve confirm the possible usefulness of α-LA administration in humans with peripheral nerve injuries. We discussed this issue in relation with our recent results in which the combined employment of α-LA and γ-linolenic acid with a rehabilitation program for six weeks reduced sensory symptoms and neuropathic pain in patients with compressive radiculopathy syndrome from disc-nerve root conflict in comparison with patients submitted to rehabilitation program alone for six weeks.