Lipoic acid as a potential therapy for chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress. Curr Med Chem 2004 May;11(9):1135-46
Date
05/12/2004Pubmed ID
15134511DOI
10.2174/0929867043365387Scopus ID
2-s2.0-2342544918 361 CitationsAbstract
alpha-Lipoic acid (LA), a naturally occurring dithiol compound, has long been known as an essential cofactor for mitochondrial bioenergetic enzymes. Aside from its enzymatic role, in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that LA also acts as a powerful micronutrient with diverse pharmacologic and antioxidant properties. Pharmacologically, LA improves glycemic control, polyneuropathies associated with diabetes mellitus, and effectively mitigates toxicities associated with heavy metal poisoning. As an antioxidant, LA directly terminates free radicals, chelates transition metal ions (e.g. iron and copper), increases cytosolic glutathione and vitamin C levels and prevents toxicities associated with their loss. These diverse actions suggest that LA acts by multiple mechanisms both physiologically and pharmacologically, many of which are only now being explored. Herein, we review the known biochemical properties of LA with particular reference to how LA may be an effective agent to ameliorate certain pathophysiologies of many chronic diseases.
Author List
Smith AR, Shenvi SV, Widlansky M, Suh JH, Hagen TMAuthor
Michael E. Widlansky MD Associate Director, Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AnimalsAntioxidants
Chelation Therapy
Chronic Disease
Coenzymes
Diabetic Neuropathies
Free Radical Scavengers
Heavy Metal Poisoning, Nervous System
Humans
Metals, Heavy
Oxidative Stress
Reactive Nitrogen Species
Reactive Oxygen Species
Signal Transduction
Thioctic Acid
