Efficacy Of Alpha-lipoic Acid Research Articles

Effectiveness of Vitamin D and Alpha-Lipoic Acid in COVID-19 Infection: A Literature Review.

Over three years since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic, it is still a global burden. Vaccines against COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, are available and effective for preventing disease. However, their protective effects are not 100%. Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved a limited number of inpatient treatments for COVID-19, such as remdesivir, baricitinib, and tocilizumab. These medications have indications and contraindications applicable to a select patient population. Finding additional effective therapies that are widely available with limited risk could be vital in optimizing treatment strategies for this viral illness. Some vitamins and supplements have been identified as potential options for managing COVID-19. Vitamin D (VD) deficiency has been associated with respiratory tract infections. Moreover, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant and helps reduce inflammatory responses in many pathologic conditions. This review aims to analyze the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of VD and alpha-lipoic acid in COVID-19 infection in both outpatient and hospitalized patients. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified via the PubMed database from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023. Inclusion criteria were as follows: the study design was a randomized controlled trial (RCT), the usage of a constant dose during the intervention period without any additional boluses, and a research ethics committee approved it. Exclusion criteria included a lack of an outcome or apparent intervention, additional boluses, or a single-dose regimen in all the interventional groups. There were 11 studies with a total sample size of 35,717 patients that met the criteria for this review. A total of 10 RCTs examined the efficacy of VD, and one RCT that reviewed the efficacy of ALA was identified. All of the articles investigated the use of VD or ALA during the treatment of COVID-19. The endpoints of each study varied, including length of stay in hospital, viral load, SARS-CoV-2 infection rate, mechanical ventilation, inflammatory markers, clinical symptoms, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and mortality. In 8/10 VD supplementation trials, significant differences were identified between the interventional and placebo groups in the aforementioned parameters. In 2/10 VD supplementation trials, no significant differences were identified. The ALA supplementation RCT found no differences between the interventional and placebo groups in the SOFA score and 30-day all-cause mortality rate. The current literature suggests that VD can potentially reduce the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate, oxygen requirements, inflammatory markers, clinical symptoms, and mortality. Regarding ALA, although there was a suggestion of benefit, it was not statistically significant. Common limitations among the different studies included relatively small sample sizes, different geographical patient locations among studies, and differences in dosages. Trials investigating the effects of higher doses of VD supplementation on SARS-CoV-2 infection should be conducted. More research is needed to define best practices and optimal dosing protocols for the use of VD in COVID-19.

Alpha-lipoic acid did not affect lipid profile and blood pressure in critically ill patients: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Some researchers suggested a positive effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) on Blood Pressure (BP) and lipid profile. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of ALA for improving BP and lipid profile in critically ill patients. METHODS: In the present study, eighty patients (aged 18–80 years old) were randomly assigned to receive daily either ALA (600 mg/day) or placebo for eight weeks. Systolic BP (SBP), Diastolic BP (DBP), Triglyceride (TG), Total cholesterol (TC), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) were measured before and after intervention. RESULTS: LDL decreased significantly in the ALA group (110.6±34.9 vs. 107.9±33.4 mg/dl; P < 0.05). There was also a significant difference in terms of HDL in both groups (Δ= +1.8 vs. Δ= –0.3 mg/dl; P < 0.05). A marginal non-significant reduction was also observed for SBP. There were no significant differences in other variables between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: ALA supplementation did not improve the BP and some serum lipid markers in critically ill patients. Larger and longer trials will be needed to determine efficacy of ALA.

Safety and Efficacy of Intratympanic Alpha-Lipoic Acid Injection in a Mouse Model of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant with oto-protective effects. In the present study, the safety and effectiveness of ALA therapy after noise-induced hearing loss was confirmed based on the administration method. The safety of intratympanic ALA (IT-ALA) was evaluated with oto-endoscopy and middle ear mucosa morphologic study. Perilymph ALA concentrations according to the administration routes were compared, and the efficacy of ALA was investigated through hearing tests and cochlear histological studies. The middle ear mucosa was swollen 1 week after IT-ALA but completely recovered within 3 weeks. ALA concentration in the perilymph was significantly higher in the IT-ALA group. Recovery of organ of Corti morphology and hearing levels were predominant in the IT-ALA group compared with the intraperitoneal injection group (IP-ALA) and showed similar rescue effects in the IT-dexamethasone group (IT-DEX). Interleukin-1 beta and nuclear factor-kappa B expression was significantly downregulated in the IT-ALA group. IT-ALA showed better cochlear recovery from acoustic trauma with higher inner ear penetration rate than IP-ALA. The rescue effect of IT-ALA after noise-induced hearing loss was similar to IT-DEX; however, the ALA and DEX mechanisms are different. IT-ALA appears to be another safe and effective treatment modality after acoustic trauma and comparable to IT-DEX.

The efficacy of Alpha Lipoic Acid in public health and veterinary medicine: a review paper

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a fatty acid that mainly synthases mammals and plants. Alpha lipoic acid is found in trace amounts, soluble in water and fat. ALA plays an essential role in the body's synthases of glutathione, the body's most important endogenous antioxidant, supporting healthy vision, protecting cells from free radicals, and enhancing liver functions. Additionally, ALA helps dissolve toxic substances in the liver. In the present review, we described the history with the physical and biochemical properties of ALA besides highlighting its functions in living organisms. We also reviewed the benefits of using synthetic forms of ALA in domestic animals to prevent and treat medical disorders. In conclusion, in addition to its role in enhancing body functions, ALA also plays a major role as a valuable antioxidant that could give an advantage to its use as a promising treatment against the widespread infection in animals and humans.

Efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid in patients with burning mouth syndrome compared to that of placebo or other interventions: a systematic review with meta-analyses.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic oral disorder of unknown etiology which presents therapeutic challenges. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has been studied as a potential treatment for BMS. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of ALA compared to that of placebo or other interventions in individuals with BMS. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) using ALA to treat BMS were identified from MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science up to February 3, 2021. The assessment of the risk of bias in the included studies was based on the Cochrane guidelines. The primary outcome evaluated was the visual analog scale (VAS) pain intensity. ALA was compared with placebo, clonazepam, gabapentin, pregabalin, ALA plus gabapentin, capsaicin, Biotène®, and laser therapy. Altogether, 137 records were scanned for inclusion/exclusion, and nine RCTs (two unclear and seven at high risk of bias) were included in the qualitative and quantitative analyses, with a total of 594 patients with BMS included in this review. All studies reported an improvement in VAS pain scores ranging from -0.72 to -2.77. Meta-analysis results showed a non-significant reduction in pain intensity for ALA (P = 0.616) compared to that of placebo on a VAS of 0–10. Patients taking ALA were 1.923 times more likely to show an improvement in self-reported BMS symptoms (P = 0.031) than those in the placebo group. Clonazepam and pregabalin showed a significant VAS pain reduction of 4.08 and 4.68 (P < 0.001), respectively, compared to that with ALA. Although ALA intervention provided a non-significant improvement in the pain score and was more likely to produce a reduction in BMS symptoms, the evidence was of low quality. Further research is needed to establish clear guidelines for the use of ALA for BMS treatment.

EFFICACY OF ANTIOXIDANT WITH ALOE VERA GEL VERSUS INTRA-LESIONAL STEROIDS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS - A PROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY

Objective: To compared efficacy of alpha lipoic acid (antioxidant medication) and aloe vera gel together versus intralesional steroids (hydrocortisone) in management of oral submucous fibrosis by evaluating post treatment clinical features of mouth opening and burning sensation.&#x0D; Study Design: A prospective comparative study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of ENT, Combined Military Hospital, Malir Karachi, from Jul 2018 to Mar 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: Twenty-eight patients were involved in the research and were distributed into two groups, I and II. Alpha lipoid acid with aloe vera gel was given in group I and hydrocortisone was given in group II. Burning sensation and mouth opening were recorded both at start and at monthly interval later on for three consecutive months. The data collected were statistically analyzed by using SPSS-22.&#x0D; Results: A significant lessening in burning sensation (p&lt;0.001) and improvement in mouth opening were noticed in both groups. However, comparison between alpha lipoic acid with aloe vera gel group versus hydrocortisone group showed almost similar results.&#x0D; Conclusion: Alpha lipoic acid and aloe vera gel can significantly improve oral submucous fibrosis clinically. So, these can be utilized as an alternative option in cases where intralesional steroid is poorly tolerated or is contraindicated.

Alpha-lipoic acid enhances short-term spatial memory of mice in open-space forced swim-induced depression mouse model

Depression affects over 264 million people of all ages globally. Major depressive disorder significantly and chronically reduced quality of life by its association with functional impairment both at home and in the workplace. Depressive patients consistently complain about cognitive disturbances, significantly exacerbating the burden of this illness. Several studies have shown that alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) possesses mitochondrial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties, indicating a basis for evaluating the efficacy of ALA in depression. Hence, this research aimed to assess the possible anti-depressant effect of ALA in mice exposed to the open space forced swim test (OSFST) model of depression. Twenty-five (25) Swiss albino mice were grouped into five groups (n=5). Group 1: [Normal saline (NS)], Groups 2, 3 and 4 received graded doses of ALA 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively, Group 5 received fluoxetine 20 mg/kg orally. The animals were subjected to OSFST, novel object recognition test (NORT) and Y-maze test. Serotonin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase levels of the mice were assessed. Treatment with ALA and fluoxetine significantly decreased immobility time compared to NS group in OSFST (p&lt;0.05). Also, ALA at doses of 200 &amp; 400 mg/kg and fluoxetine 20 mg/kg significantly increased spontaneous alternation ratio in the Y-maze test compared to the normal saline group (p&lt;0.05), however, no significant difference was observed in novel object recognition using NORT between NS, ALA and fluoxetine treated groups. Similarly, the level of serotonin, SOD and catalase were not altered between the ALA and fluoxetine treated groups and NS group. In contrast, fluoxetine 20 mg/kg increased the brain BDNF level of the mice (p&lt;0.05). Alpha-lipoic acid ameliorated depression in the OSFST murine model of depression and improved their cognition. Thus ALA can be a promising candidate in the development of novel anti-depressant medication.

Alpha-lipoic Acid: Effects on the Beat-to-Beat Vectorcardiographic Parameters in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy

Objective: Relevance of cardiac autonomic neuropathy has not been fully recognized and there is no standardized treatment protocol.Aim: To evaluate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid on the beat-to-beat vectorcardiographic parameters, namely spatial QRS-T angle, QT dispersion (QTd) and corrected QT interval (QTc) in type 2 diabetes mellitus persons with cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Research designs and methods: Our study involved 33 persons with definite stage of cardiac autonomic neuropathy and diabetes mellitus type 2, which were assigned to each of two groups: one took standard antihyperglycaemic treatmen (n=15, control group) and the other (n=18) in addition to standard therapy - 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid daily for three months. The analysis of vectorcardiographic parameters was performed. Results: It was found out that alpha-lipoic acid contributed to decrease of the vectorcardiographic parameters, namely QRS-T angle, QTd and QTc. Conclusions: The positive influences of alpha-lipoic acid suggest the usefulness of its prescription to type 2 diabetes mellitus persons with definite stage of cardiac autonomic neuropathy. The efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid is the result of its direct effect on the parameters of vectorcardiography.

Chronopharmacology of the alpha-lipoic acid/nifedipine/glimepiride combination in the amelioration of retinopathy in rats

ABSTRACT Time of drug administration affects both the kinetics and dynamics of medications. This study investigated diurnal efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), nifedipine, and glimepiride combination in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. The study design comprised seven groups of rats, with groups 1 and 2 serving as non-diabetic and diabetic controls, respectively, receiving 1 ml/kg distilled water. All other groups were diabetic, and received 10 mg/kg glimepiride at 20:00 h. Groups 4–7 also received 20 mg/kg nifedipine at 08:00 h. In addition, groups 5–7 received 100 mg/kg ALA at 08:00 h, 14:00 h, and 20:00 h, respectively. Oral drug administration was for 28 days during which fasting and random blood glucose sampling were done weekly at 07:30 h and 13:30 h, respectively. On the 29th day, rats were euthanized; blood was collected via the jugular veins for determination of serum ocular markers like magnesium, cholesterol, and triglyceride. Furthermore, the eyes were excised and their relative organ/body weight ratios determined. The right eyes were persevered in phosphate buffer for homogenization and determination of retina antioxidant profile (MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH), while the left eyes were preserved in formalin for histological examination. Results showed that treatment with ALA and glimepiride at 20:00 h along with nifedipine at 08:00 h resulted in better prognosis than other treatment groups and with improved glycemic control. Also, all their serum markers for retinopathy, organ weight, and histology did not differ significantly from that of the non-diabetic rats. Findings imply that diurnal efficacy in alpha-lipoic acid, nifedipine and glimepiride combination ameliorates diabetic retinopathy in rats and may be beneficial in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

Alpha lipoic acid supplementation ameliorates the wrath of simulated tropical heat and humidity stress in male Murrah buffaloes.

A supplement which ameliorates temperature-humidity menace in food producing livestock is a prerequisite to develop climate smart agricultural packages. A study was conducted to investigate the heat stress ameliorative efficacy of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) in male Murrah water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Eighteen animals (293.61 ± 4.66Kg Bwt) were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 6); NHSC (non-heat-stressed control), HS (heat-stressed) and HSLA (heat-stressed-supplemented with ALA@32mg/kg Bwt orally) based on the temperature humidity index (THI) and ALA supplementation. HS and HSLA were exposed to simulated heat challenge in a climatically controlled chamber (40°C) for 21 consecutive days, 6h daily. Physiological responses viz. Respiration rate (RR), Pulse rate (PR) and Rectal temperature (RT) wererecorded daily before and after heat exposure. Blood samples were collected at the end of heat exposure on days 1, 6, 11, 16, and 21 and on day 28 (7th day post exposure which is considered as recovery) for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) separation, followed by RNA and Protein extraction for Real time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis respectively, of heat shock proteins (HSPs). Two-way repeated measure ANOVA was performed between groups at different experimental periods. RR (post exposure) in HS and HSLA was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than NHSC from day 1 onwards but HSLA varied significantly from the HS 8th day onwards. Post exposure RT and PR in both HS and HSLA varied (P < 0.05) from NHSC throughout the study; but between HS and HSLA, RT significantly varied on initial 2days and last 6days (from days 16 to 21). HSP70 mRNA expression significantly up regulated in high THI groups with respect to the low THI group throughout the experimental period. During chronic stress (days 16 and 21) HSP70 significantly (P < 0.05) increased in HS but not in HSLA (P > 0.05) with respect to NHSC. ALA supplementation up-regulates and sustains (P < 0.05) the expression of HSP90 in HSLA in comparison to the HS and NHSC. HSP105 expression was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05) in HS on days 16 and 21 (during long-term exposure) but only on day 21 (P < 0.05) in HSLA. HSP70, HSP90, and HSP105 protein expression dynamics were akin to the mRNA transcript data between the study groups. In conclusion, supplementing ALA ameliorates the deleterious effect of heat stress as reflected by improved physiological and cellular responses. ALA supplementation improved cellular antioxidant status and sustained otherwise easily decaying heat shock responses which concertedly hasten the baton change from a limited window of thermo tolerance to long run acclimatization.

Efficacy of Alpha-lipoic Acid in The Management of Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally-occurring compound that has shown promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in experimental and human studies. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of ALA in the management of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We searched Medline (via PubMed), EBSCO, Scopus, and Web of Science for relevant randomized controlled trials. Data on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood glucose levels, lipid profile components, HOMA, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were extracted and pooled as the standardized mean difference (SMD) in a random effect model meta-analysis using RevMan version 5.3. Ten studies (n = 553 patients) were included. In the term of HBA1C, the overall SMD did not favor either of the two groups (SMD = 0.01, 95% CI [-0.32,0.35]; p = 0.94) in uncomplicated T2DM patients. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of FBG (SMD = -0.06, 95% CI [-0.44,0.33]; p = 0.78), PPBG (SMD = 0.04, 95% CI [-0.27,0.34]; p = 0.82), HDL (SMD = -0.05, 95% CI [-0.35,0.25]; p = 0.75), LDL (SMD = -0.05, 95% CI [-0.33,0.23]; p = 0.75). In terms of GPx, ALA was superior to placebo (SMD = 0.43, 95% CI [0.07,0.8]; p = 0.02). Our analysis showed that ALA was not superior to placebo in terms of HBA1C, LDL, HDL, TC, TG reduction in uncomplicated T2DM. However, in terms of GPx, ALA was significantly superior to the placebo. Further studies with larger sample sizes should investigate different doses of ALA in DM patients.

A Case for Alpha-Lipoic Acid as an Alternative Treatment for Diabetic Polyneuropathy.

The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate current evidence of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) regarding efficacy, safety, and cost to accurately compare it with other diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) treatments. The intention is to provide recommendations on future research and to promote utilization of ALA in the United States (US). A literature search was conducted on three databases: Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. The following criteria were used to select studies: (1) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and open-label trials on ALA, (2) review articles and meta-analyses of RCTs on ALA, (3) study population consisting of patients with diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathic pain, and/or metabolic syndrome. Twenty-five publications were selected including five RCTs and three open-label studies. Most clinical trials were conducted outside of the US. Current data provides evidence for the benefits of ALA in DPN treatment at a dose of 600 mg per day, either intravenously (IV) or orally, for a duration of at least 3 weeks with minimal side effects. ALA demonstrates effectiveness in treating DPN through multiple mechanisms to modulate pathophysiology and control symptoms. In addition, ALA exhibits activity in weight management and insulin sensitivity. The use of ALA for DPN in the US is worth considering because commonly prescribed medications have unclear mechanisms, more pronounced adverse effects, and are more expensive than ALA. Further research needs to be conducted to assess long-term efficacy of ALA in US patients.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid improves the testicular dysfunction in rats induced by varicocele

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a disulphide compound with multifunctional antioxidant properties and is soluble in both water and lipid. Several recent studies evaluated efficacy of ALA in various diseases related to oxidative damage such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer and concluded that ALA can reduce oxidative stress by quenching reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, restoring antioxidants such as glutathione, vitamins C and E, and/or improving activity of antioxidant enzymes. Varicocele, an enlargement of the veins in scrotum, is considered as the most common repairable cause of male infertility and is associated with high levels of oxidative stress. In this study, surgical varicocele was induced in 30 adult male Wistar rats with other 20 rats serving as sham-operated and nonoperated control. Varicocele caused significant worsening of sperm parameters, DNA damage and lipid peroxidation 2 and 4months after surgery. A 2-month ALA administration after surgery was able to revert these effects. These results clearly showed that ALA can reduce the negative side effects of elevated testicular temperature and increased oxidative stress in varicocelised rats. This study warrants future clinical research to assess whether ALA is of help in the treatment of infertile men with varicocele.

Efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid in chronic generalized periodontitis in patients with infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis

Aim. To study clinical efficacy of chronic generalized periodontitis treatment in patients with infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis with the use of α-lipoic acid. &#x0D; Methods. 50 patients with chronic generalized periodontitis and infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis randomly divided into 2 groups were examined. The study group included 25 patients who had received α-lipoic acid «Octolipen» in complex treatment for 3 months. The comparison group included 25 patients who were administered complex treatment of tuberculosis and periodontitis without α-lipoic acid. All patients on admission and dynamically after 3 months of treatment had routine clinical studies, cytology analysis of capillary gingival blood and gingival fluid and cytokine status testing of oral fluid. &#x0D; Results. Patients with chronic generalized periodontitis combined with infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis who received «Octopilen» had statistically significant positive dynamics of clinical signs and decrease of basic dental indices after 3 months of treatment compared to baseline data. Dynamics of IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor α and IL-4 revealed significant decrease of these cytokines concentration in gingival fluid in patients from both groups after 3 months of treatment. &#x0D; Conclusion. Inclusion of α-lipoic acid product to complex treatment of patients with chronic generalized periodontitis combined with infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis leads to faster clinical remission.

Innovations in the Management of Musculoskeletal Pain With Alpha-Lipoic Acid (IMPALA Trial): Study protocol for a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial of Alpha-Lipoic Acid for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia Pain.

BackgroundFibromyalgia is a common disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain, sleep disturbance, fatigue, depression, and cognitive dysfunction, resulting in substantial disability. As current analgesics provide incomplete relief and disabling side effects that aggravate fatigue and cognitive dysfunction, there is a need for new pain treatments with better efficacy and tolerability. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant proven effective in painful diabetic neuropathy with minimal side effects.ObjectiveWe hypothesize that this agent will provide benefits in fibromyalgia because of several similarities with neuropathic pain and also because it does not cause sedation, fatigue, or mental-slowing. To test this, we have designed a clinical trial that will assess pain, side effects, and other outcomes in participants with fibromyalgia.MethodsUsing a crossover design, 24 adults with fibromyalgia will be randomly allocated to 1 of the 2 sequences of ALA and placebo. Participants will take capsules containing ALA or placebo for 4 weeks followed by a 1-week washout followed by a second 4-week treatment and 1-week washout period. ALA (or matching placebo) capsules will be titrated to 1800 mg/day over each 4-week period. The primary outcome will be mean daily pain intensity (0-10) during week 4 of each period. Secondary outcomes, assessed during week 4 of each period, will include global improvement, adverse events, mood, and quality of life.ResultsThis trial was registered in the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial registry March 15, 2016 (Number ISRCTN58259979), and it attained ethics approval on December 3, 2016 (Queen’s University Health Sciences & Affiliated Teaching Hospitals Research Ethics Board protocol number ANAE-287-15). The recruitment started in February 2017.ConclusionsThis trial will provide evidence for the efficacy of ALA in fibromyalgia.Trial RegistrationInternational Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 58259979; www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN58259979 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6og9JdiyZ)

Alpha lipoic acid efficacy in burning mouth syndrome. A controlled clinical trial.

BackgroundA double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted in order to evaluate the efficacy of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and determine the statistical significance of the outcome variables. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is defined as an oral burning sensation in the absence of clinical signs which could justify the syndrome. Recent studies suggest the existence of neurological factors as a possible cause of the disease.Material and Methods60 patients with BMS, in two groups: case group with 600 mg/day and placebo as control group; with follow up of 2 months.Results64% of ALA patients reported some level of improvement, with a level of maintenance of 68.75% one month after treatment. 27.6% of the placebo group also demonstrated some reduction in BMS symptoms.ConclusionsLong-term evolution and the intensity of symptoms are variables that reduce the probability of improvement with ALA treatment. Key words: Burning mouth syndrome, neuropathy, alpha lipoic acid.

An Open-Label Pilot Trial of Alpha-Lipoic Acid for Weight Loss in Patients with Schizophrenia without Diabetes

A possible mechanism of antipsychotic-induced weight gain is activation of hypothalamic monophosphate-dependent kinase (AMPK) mediated by histamine 1 receptors. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a potent antioxidant, counteracts this effect and may be helpful in reducing weight for patients taking antipsychotics. The objective of this open-label study was to assess the efficacy of ALA (1,200 mg) on twelve non-diabetic schizophrenia patients over ten weeks. Participants lost significant weight during the intervention (-2.2 kg±2.5 kg). ALA was well tolerated and was particularly effective for individuals taking strongly antihistaminic antipsychotics (-2.9 kg±2.6 kg vs. -0.5 kg±1.0 kg). NCT01355952.

Antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging potential of alpha lipoic acid and quercetin against Al2O3 nanoparticle-induced toxicity in mice

Introduction: Exposure to nanomaterials (NPs) may lead to enhanced generation of free radicals and failure of endogenous antioxidant defense system ultimately resulting in oxidative stress. The present study aimed to evaluate the comparative efficacy of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and quercetin, the two antioxidants against aluminium oxide nanoparticle induced oxidative stress. Methods and Materials: Male swiss albino mice were exposed to aluminum oxide NPs for seven days and were co-administered orally with quercetin and alpha lipoic acid (50 mg/kg each) to evaluate effects on heme synthesis pathway, hepatic oxidative injury and antioxidant potential. Results: The results suggest a significantly elevated ROS, decreased blood and hepatic GSH levels, Superoxide dismutase and Catalase activities after Al2O3 nanoparticles exposure. Co-administration of antioxidants increased GSH levels and was also beneficial in the recovery of oxidative injury and restoring inhibited ALAD activity. Conclusion: Our results suggest better efficacy of alpha lipoic acid than Quercetin in preventing appearance of toxic symptoms of following exposure to Al2O3 nanoparticles in mice.

Efficacy of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in the Treatment of Diabetic Polyneuropathy. A Randomized, Double Blind Study (P03.199)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of alpha lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy focusing on sensory symptoms, nerve conduction velocity and H reflex in type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients at Hospital General IMSS Colima, Mexico. Background Diabetes mellitus can present neuropathy as a complication with an elevated risk for developing foot ulcers with subsequent amputation. Design/Methods: 100 diabetic patients presenting with symptomatic polyneuropathy were enrolled, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a daily dosage of 1200mg of alpha lipoic acid n = 50 vs placebo n = 50 for 4 weeks. Main results were evaluated with Total Symptom Score TSS. Secondary results included nerve conduction velocity, individual symptom score, and H reflex. The above parameters were recorded at zero point, and; after treatment for 2, 4 weeks separately. Results: A total of 62 women and 38 men were included with a mean age of 53.9 years; a mean diabetes mellitus progression of 10 years. 50.27 patients with symptomatic polyneuropathy improved after treatment with alpha lipoic acid for 4 weeks vs 18.27 with placebo. TSS declined by 2.6 with alpha lipoic acid. And over 0.7 vs placebo P Conclusions: Oral treatment with Alpha lipoic acid for 4 weeks may improve symptoms in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy. A 600mg dosage, bid. for 4 weeks showed pronounced positive effects with little adverse. Disclosure: Dr. Millan-Guerrero has nothing to disclose. Dr. Garcia-Ramirez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gonzalez-Perez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Millan-Guerrero has nothing to disclose. Dr. Isais-Millan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Castillo-Varela has nothing to disclose.

Alpha-lipoic acid attenuates atherosclerotic lesions and inhibits proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells through targeting of the Ras/MEK/ERK signaling pathway

An infectious burden has been suggested to be associated with atherosclerosis in humans, based on the shared and underlying inflammatory responses during infection and atherosclerosis. However, the efficacy of anti-atherogenic drugs is yet to be tested against atherosclerosis in a scenario involving an infectious burden. We have examined alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) for anti-atherogenic effects in a hypercholesterolemic diet-induced atherosclerotic mouse model with inflammatory stimulation. C57BL/6 mice were fed with a hypercholesterolemic diet for 12 weeks to induce atherosclerosis. Lipopolysaccharide was intraperitoneally injected for the 1st week of study to simulate underlying infectious burden during development of atherosclerosis. ALA treatment alleviated atherosclerotic pathologies and reduced serum cholesterol and inflammatory cytokines. Consistently, atherosclerotic markers were improved by ALA treatment. In addition, ALA attenuated the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells upon platelet-derived growth factor stimulation through the targeting of the Ras-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway. This study demonstrates the efficacy of ALA on atherosclerosis with immunological complication, by showing that ALA modulates multiple pathogenic aspects of atherosclerosis induced by a hypercholesterolemic diet with inflammatory stimulation consisting of hypercholesterolemia, inflammation and VSMC activation.