Beneficial effect of antioxidants and polarized light on selected metabolic and echocardiographic parameters in diabetics

Abstract

Background: Enhanced production of reactive oxygen species and decreased antioxidant function play a role in the development of chronic diabetic complications. Objective: To determine whether supplementation with antioxidants (coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), α-lipoic acid (ALA), α-tocopherol) and simultaneous polarized light (PL) application can improve selected metabolic and echocardiographic parameters of the left ventricle (LV) in diabetics. Patients and methods: Twenty patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in a prospective study. Antioxiclants were taken in two daily doses (60 mg hydrosoluble CoQ10, 100 mg ALA and 200 mg α-tocopherol) and PL was simultaneously applied on neuropathic diabetic ulcers (twice clailyfor 10 minutes in pulse regimen) for three months. Paired Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis at the baseline and after the three-month treatment. Results: Supplementation with CoQ10, ALA and α-tocopherol with simultaneous PL application reduced plasma fibrinogen and lactate dehydrogenase activity, while plasma levels of CoQ10 and α-tocopherol were stimulated. An improvement was found in echocardiographic parameters. Conclusions: Hydrosoluble CoQ10, ALA and α-tocopherol supplementation with simultaneous polarized light application increased the plasma concentrations of antioxidants, decreased lactate dehydrogenase activity, and improved selected LV echocardiographic parameters.