TitleLipoic acid as a potential therapy for chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2004
AuthorsSmith AR, Shenvi SV, Widlansky M, Suh JH, Hagen TM
JournalCurr Med Chem
Volume11
Issue9
Pagination1135-46
Date Published2004 May
ISSN0929-8673
KeywordsAnimals, Antioxidants, 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
Abstract

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.

Alternate JournalCurr. Med. Chem.
PubMed ID15134511
Grant ListAG17141 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
AT002034 / AT / NCCIH NIH HHS / United States