Cited by 976Biochemical Acid Research StudiesAldose Reductase and TaurineSulfur Compounds in Biology

Alpha-lipoic acid as a dietary supplement: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential

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Shay, Kate Petersen, Moreau, Régis F., Smith, Eric J., Smith, Anthony R., Hagen, Tory M.·2009·Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects

Abstract

Alpha-lipoic acid (LA) has become a common ingredient in multivitamin formulas, anti-aging supplements, and even pet food. It is well-defined as a therapy for preventing diabetic polyneuropathies, and scavenges free radicals, chelates metals, and restores intracellular glutathione levels which otherwise decline with age. How do the biochemical properties of LA relate to its biological effects? Herein, we review the molecular mechanisms of LA discovered using cell and animal models, and the effects of LA on human subjects. Though LA has long been touted as an antioxidant, it has also been shown to improve glucose and ascorbate handling, increase eNOS activity, activate Phase II detoxification via the transcription factor Nrf2, and lower expression of MMP-9 and VCAM-1 through repression of NF-kappa B. LA and its reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid, may use their chemical properties as a redox couple to alter protein conformations by forming mixed disulfides. Beneficial effects are achieved with low micromolar levels of LA, suggesting that some of its therapeutic potential extends beyond the strict definition of an antioxidant. Current trials are investigating whether these beneficial properties of LA make it an appropriate treatment not just for diabetes, but also for the prevention of vascular disease, hypertension, and inflammation.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.bbagen.2009.07.026

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Authors
Shay, K. P., Moreau, R. F., Smith, E. J., Smith, A. R., & Hagen, T. M.
Affiliations
Oregon State University (US)
Corresponding author
Hagen, Tory M.
Venue
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2009-10
Volume
1790
Issue
10
Pages
1149-1160
ISSN
0304-4165 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2156813826
Cited by
976
References
155
Citations by year
2026: 37 · 2025: 58 · 2024: 54 · 2023: 60 · 2022: 59 · 2021: 74 · 2020: 79 · 2019: 81 · 2018: 69 · 2017: 59 · 2016: 56 · 2015: 53 · 2014: 64 · 2013: 63 · 2012: 48
FWCI
2.84
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (P01AT002034)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Biochemistry › Biochemical Acid Research Studies
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Aldose Reductase and Taurine
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Biochemistry › Sulfur Compounds in Biology
Keywords
alpha-lipoic acid, dietary supplements, antioxidant defense, diabetic polyneuropathy, dihydrolipoic acid, Nrf2, NF-κB, MMP-9, VCAM-1, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, glutathione, metal chelation, redox couples, mixed disulfides, vascular disease, hypertension, inflammation, glucose metabolism
MeSH terms
Animals, Diabetic Neuropathies, Humans, Hypertension, Inflammation, Thioctic Acid, Models, Biological, Vascular Diseases, Molecular Structure, Dietary Supplements

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