Effects of Nutritional Supplement with α-Lipoic Acid in Patients with Recurrent Pterygium

Abstract

Background: Pterygium is an ocular disease characterized by fibro-proliferative disarray of the corneal surface. Control of oxidative stress with effective antioxidant supplementation, like α-lipoic acid, could prevent recurrence following surgical resection. Materials and methods: This study was a randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Seventy patients with recurrent pterygium participated. Oral therapy with α-lipoic acid or placebo was administered. Pterygium tissue was collected for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Results: Pterygium recurrence was similar in both groups. A significant increment of fibroelastic tissue was observed in the placebo compared with the α-lipoic acid group. Number and caliber of blood vessels, extracellular matrix content and presence of inflammatory infiltrated cells decreased in the α-lipoic acid group. Myofibroblasts were also localized and smaller. Conclusions: Treatment with α-lipoic acid improved clinical appearances through decreased fibroelastic tissue size. Recurrence was similar. Blood vessels, extracellular matrix content and inflammatory infiltrated cells reduced with α-lipoic acid.