Biomarkers of response to alpha-lipoic acid ± palmitoiletanolamide treatment in patients with diabetes and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of oral alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) ± palmitoyl-ethanolamide (PEA) on neuropathic symptoms in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and to identify factors related to the efficacy of the treatment.

Methods: This is a retrospective observational pilot study evaluating 49 patients with diabetes and positive Neuropathy Symptoms Score (NSS). Clinical and biochemical variables, including NSS, were compared between untreated patients and patients treated with oral 600 mg/day ALA ± 600 mg/day PEA at baseline (first occurrence of NSS ≥ 3) and at least 2 months after baseline.