Original Article Effect of Alpha-lipoic Acid Supplementation on Serum Lipid Profile in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background and Objectives: Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is considered as a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory functions. Moreover, a number of studies have revealed its lipid lowering properties. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effect of ALA on serum lipids in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who have high mortality rate mainly due to accelerated atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods: In the present study a total of 70 RA patients were randomly assigned into two groups (1:1) to receive either ALA (1200 mg/day) or placebo for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were obtained before and after the intervention to analyze serum lipid profile including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) was assessed at baseline and final. Between-group comparisons were done using Student’s t-test and ANCOVA at baseline and after 8 weeks, respectively. Paired t-test was used for within-group comparisons. Sign test and Mann-Whitney’s tes