Z Gastroenterol 2008; 46 - A103
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1079707

Secunder prevention with alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin E in porphyria cutanea tarda patients

E Székely 1, K Szentmihályi 2, M Bor 1, Á Pusztai 1, T Kurucz 3, Z Pallai 3, A Blázovics 4
  • 11st National Medical Center, Budapest, Hungarian Porphyria Center
  • 22nd Chemical Research Center, Hugarian Academy of Sciences
  • 33rd Diachem Kft, Budapest
  • 44th Semmelweis University 2nd Department of Medicine Budapest, Hungary

Introduction: Decreased activity of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase enzyme cause porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). The activity of the cytochrome P450 lA2 appears to be another impotant etiological factor in PCT. Abnormal iron metabolism produced oxidative radicals by reactive intracellular iron. Vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid are a potent antioxidant combination with the protective effects against lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, inflammation, infection, and protein carbonyl formation.

Aim: We investigated the effect of vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid on porphyrin concentration, iron metabolism and redox homeostasis.

Patients were treated with vitamin E (tocopherolum aceticum 200mg „Bioextra“) capsule for 8 weeks and alpha-lipoic acid (Thiogamma 600R) capsule for 8 weeks. We analysed the data of 18 PCT male patients and 10 controls of Caucasian origin.

Methods: Rutin laboratory parameters were measured (AST, ALT, GGT, HDL-CHOL, LDL-CHOL, CHOL, Tg, glucose, HbA1c, iron, transferrin and ferritin) with Roche/Hitachi MODULAR equipment.

H-donor activity, reducing power, SOD and GSH-Px was measured by spectrophotometry and chemiluminescent intensity of plasma and erythrocytes were measured with LB 9501 luminometer.

Results: Significant difference was found in urine-UP level after treatment with both antioxidant. AST, ALT, GGT were changed more beneficial as well. Plasma and erythrocyte chemiluminescent intensity was significantly higher in PCT patients compared to the control. SOD and GSH-Px concentrations were significantly lower in PCT patients than in the controls. These data indicate that the antioxidant status of PCT patients has changed.

Conclusion: Per os treatment with vitamin E (200mg/day) and alpha-lipoic acid (600mg/day) over 8 weeks is safe and effective in reducing symptoms of PCT and general feeling of patients have improved.

The study was supported by the ETT 012/2006 Ministry of Health, Social and Family Affairs.