The Effects of Antioxidants Supplementation on Asymmetric Dimethylarginine, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and C-reactive protein Levels in Female Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background & Aims: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is one of the common autoimmune diseases with unknown etiology. It has been suggested that antioxidant supplements may play a role in inflammation perpetuating process. This study examined the influence of combined antioxidant supplementation on serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as inflammatory markers in RA patients. Materials & Methods: A three-month pre-post study was conducted on 40 female RA patients receiving one Selenplus capsule (Selenium 50μg, Zinc 8 mg, vitamin A 400 μg, vitamin C 125 mg and vitamin E 40 mg) daily. 5 ml venous blood samples were taken from all the participants before and after the administration period. The serum levels of ADMA, VEGF and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured by standard methods. Results: 39 out of 40 patients completed the study. In comparison with the baseline, we did not find any significant differences between serum ADMA and VEGF values before and after the intervention. The 3-month use of SelenPlus supplementation resulted in decreasing hs-CRP level (p<0.003). Conclusion: The combined antioxidant supplements for 3 months decreased serum hs-CRP levels in RA patients that may be helpful in RA treatment. The hs-CRP reduction may due to the anti-inflammatory effects of Zinc and Selenium in SelenPlus supplement.