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Published on: October 12, 2017
Direct and indirect antioxidant properties of α-lipoic acid and therapeutic potential
Luc Rochette1, Stéliana Ghibu, Carole Richard
1INSERM UMR866, Laboratoire de Physiopathologie et Pharmacologie Cardio-Métaboliques, Université de Bourgogne, Facultés de Médecine et Pharmacie, 21000 Dijon, France. luc.rochette@u-bourgogne.fr
Abstract:
Diabetes has emerged as a major threat to worldwide health. The exact mechanisms underlying the disease are unknown; however, there is growing evidence that the excess generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) associated with hyperglycemia, causes oxidative stress in a variety of tissues. In this context, various natural compounds with pleiotropic actions like α-lipoic acid (LA) are of interest, especially in metabolic diseases such as diabetes. LA, either as a dietary supplement or a therapeutic agent, modulates redox potential because of its ability to match the redox status between different subcellular compartments as well as extracellularly. Both the oxidized (disulfide) and reduced (di-thiol: dihydro-lipoic acid, DHLA) forms of LA show antioxidant properties. LA exerts antioxidant effects in biological systems through ROS quenching but also via an action on transition metal chelation. Dietary supplementation with LA has been successfully employed in a variety of in vivo models of disease associated with an imbalance of redox status: diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The complex and intimate association between increased oxidative stress and increased inflammation in related disorders such as diabetes, makes it difficult to establish the temporal sequence of the relationship.
Insights
Alpha-lipoic acid (LA) shows antioxidant properties, combating oxidative stress in diabetes. This natural compound, in both oxidized and reduced forms, offers therapeutic potential for managing metabolic diseases and their related cardiovascular complications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Metabolic Diseases
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a significant global health concern.
- Hyperglycemia-induced excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is implicated in diabetes-related oxidative stress.
- The intricate relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetes pathogenesis remains complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) as a therapeutic agent for diabetes.
- To investigate the antioxidant mechanisms of LA in the context of metabolic diseases.
- To evaluate the role of LA in modulating redox balance in biological systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on alpha-lipoic acid (LA) and its effects on oxidative stress.
- Analysis of LA's antioxidant properties, including ROS quenching and transition metal chelation.
- Examination of in vivo studies demonstrating the efficacy of LA supplementation in disease models.
Main Results:
- Alpha-lipoic acid (LA) exhibits antioxidant properties through ROS scavenging and metal chelation.
- Both oxidized and reduced forms of LA (dihydro-lipoic acid, DHLA) possess antioxidant capabilities.
- Dietary LA supplementation has shown success in preclinical models of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-lipoic acid (LA) is a promising natural compound for managing diabetes due to its potent antioxidant and redox-modulating effects.
- LA's ability to address oxidative stress makes it a valuable agent in metabolic disease treatment.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and therapeutic applications of LA in diabetes management.
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