Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory disorder of the joint characterized by pain and stiffness. Oxidative stress plays an important role in pathogenesis of OA. We aimed to evaluate the effects of avocado/soy unsaponifiables (ASU) compound on serum antioxidant and oxidative stress in patients with Osteoarthritis. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was performed. Fourty patients with osteoarthritis were randomized to two different sequences: 1) DP: received ASU for three months followed by three months placebo, 2) PD: received placebo for the first three months followed by three months ASU. The oxidant statue was evaluated by measurement of serum malonldialdehyde (MDA). The total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were also assessed. RESULTS: Mean serum of MDA level as a marker of oxidative stress significantly decreased in all patients after three months treatment with ASU (4.46 ± 0.11 nmol/L) compare with baseline and placebo levels (5 ± 0.15 and 5.82 ± 0.12 nmol/L respectively) (p<0.05). On the other hand, ASU resulted in positive changes in serum antioxidant levels (p<0.05). Mixed-effects model of variance analyses showed that ASU effect is regardless of the order of receiving medication (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These data showed that Avocado/Soy Unsaponifiable can be an effective supplement in treatment of osteoarthritis through the control of the balance between antioxidant and oxidant molecular markers.