Exercise Performance Upregulatory Effect of R-α-Lipoic Acid with γ-Cyclodextrin.

Yuki Hashimoto,Yuka Kaido,Yutaka Yoshikawa,Katsuhiko Yoshizawa,Hiroyuki Yasui,Keiji Terao,Akiko Takenouchi

doi:10.3390/nu14010021

Abstract

α-Lipoic acid (ALA) is a vitamin-like substance that is an indispensable supporting factor for a large number of enzymes. Due to its optical activity, ALA has optical isomers RALA and SALA. The major role of RALA is in energy metabolism. However, RALA cannot be used as a pharmaceutical or nutraceutical because it is sensitive to heat and acid conditions. Previous studies have shown that RALA complexed with γ-cyclodextrin (CD) has a higher antioxidant capacity than that of free RALA. The antioxidant enzyme system protects against intense exercise-induced oxidative damage and is related to the physical status of athletes. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of CD/RALA complex supplementation on antioxidant activity and performance during high-intensity exercise. Twenty-four male C3H/HeSlc mice were divided into four groups (n = 6): swimming+distilled water administration (C), swimming+CD/RALA supplementation (CD/RALA), swimming+RALA suplementation (RALA), and swimming+CD supplementation (CD). Blood ammonia elevation due to exercise stress was repressed by CD/RALA supplementation. The oxidative stress in the kidney increased after exercise and was reduced by CD/RALA supplementation. Our findings suggest that CD/RALA supplementation may be useful for improving the exercise performance in athletes.

Highlights

Introduction αLipoic acid (ALA) is a vitamin-like substance that is an indispensable supporting factor for a large number of enzymes [1]
It has been reported that ALA has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as preventive effects on lifestyle-related diseases such as cancer, arteriosclerosis, and diabetes mellitus [4,5,6]
ALA has optical isomers due to the presence of chiral carbons, which are of two types: R (RALA) and S (SALA) (Figure 1)

Summary

Introduction

Lipoic acid (ALA) is a vitamin-like substance that is an indispensable supporting factor for a large number of enzymes [1]. It has been reported that ALA has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as preventive effects on lifestyle-related diseases such as cancer, arteriosclerosis, and diabetes mellitus [4,5,6]. It is currently used in various medicines and health-promoting foods [7,8,9].

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