2022-RA-1037-ESGO Effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on regression of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions

Introduction/Background

Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) account for most of the cytological anomalies for screening cervical cancer. Although they often regress spontaneously, the exact rates of regression are hard to predict and they can range between 7% and 95%. This research aimed to investigate the efficiency of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) in promoting spontaneous regression of LSIL.

Methodology

A total of one hundred (100) patients diagnosed with LSIL were randomized to receive 600 mg/day of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) or placebo for three months. Inflammatory parameters (sedimentation, high-sensitivity CRP fibrinogen and IL6) were determined immediately after blood sampling. LSIL was determined after performed cytological screening, targeted biopsy and histological confirmation of cytological-colposcopic diagnosis. Analyses were conducted at the study baseline and at the end of intervention. Comparison of results (before and after supplementation; control-tested) was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test or Chi-squared test, depending on the type of obtained data.

Results

There were no significant differences in baseline levels of sedimentation, high-sensitivity CRP fibrinogen and IL6 between patients in control and treatment group. ALA supplementation didn`t have significant impact on analysed inflammation markers. Contrary to our expectations, supplementation with ALA significantly reduced spontaneous regression of LSIL – from 88.9% in placebo group to 11.1% in treated group (p<0,001).

Conclusion

ALA supplementation in investigated regime (600 mg/day for 3 months) was not effective in improving inflammation markers in patients with LSIL however, however it significantly decreased the rates of spontaneous LSIL regression in comparison to placebo. Therefore, it can be recommended as a dietary supplement for patients with diagnosed LSIL.