ABSTRACT
Reactive oxygen species [ROS] have important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis [RA]. We investigated the effect of conjugated linoleic acids [CLAs] and vitamin E on lipid peroxidation. In a randomized, double-blind placebo, controlled, clinical trial 87 patients with active RA were enrolled. They were divided into 4 groups, received one of the following daily supplement for 3 months; 1- group C: 2.5 gr CLA, that contained 2 gr 50:50 mix of cis 9-trans 11 and trans 10-cis 12 CLAs, 2- group E: 400mg Vitamin E, 3-group CE: CLAs plus vitamin E, 4-group P: placebo. After supplementation Glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px] level increased in C, E and CE groups, CE group had lower GSH-Px than P group [P = 0.05]. Glutathione reductase [GR] increased in CE, C and P groups. Catalase increased in all groups, but enhancement was significant in C and CE. Superoxide dismutase [SOD] decreased in E and C [P = 0.05]. Catalase and SOD did not show significant differences between groups. Malondialdehyde [MDA] decreased significantly in all groups but this decrease was only significant in CE in comparison with other groups. CLAs might be useful in reducing oxidative stress in RA