Alpha Lipoic Acid

[Guest guest]

drh@... wrote:

Hi all,

> I was wondering about using Alpha lipoic at night as a means of

> controlling insulin leves and maybe help with GH release. Does anyone have

> any

> info on this thought.

> Thanks

> Dale

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag96/march96_update.html Alpha Lipoic Acid The

" Universal " Antioxidant That Generates

Energy And Is An Effective Treatment For Diabetes: " alpha lipoic acid and its

reduced form dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) (Fig. 1) function as potent within the

body and that both these compounds may be effective in preventing and treating

the complications of diabetes and, perhaps, aging itself. "

http://www.lef.org/prod_hp/php1090.html for more articles about it

Love is what we are,

--

Are you tired of seeing yourself age? Medical researcher Chernisky's

chronological age is 52; his biological age is 36. He looks it, feels it and

acts it and you can too. Double blind studies verify discovery Simple lab test

proves it. Free tape, kareneck@..., must include address & phone # or call

541-523-0494.

[Guest guest]

This is an article I've written on ALA.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant formed in our bodies in small amounts.

It is somewhat like a vitamin, and needs to be supplemented to reach levels

that are effective. A Passwater, PhD is the principal researcher of

Alpha Lipoic Acid, and has written several articles about it . It is a

powerful free radical scavenger, and thus protects our bodies in many

different organ systems. It has been studied now for >40 years. No serious

side effects have been identified.

Diabetics seem to benefit the most from this substance. Alpha Lipoic Acid

helps ward off diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy. It also helps regulate

blood sugar and prevent cardiomyopathy. It has been used for over 30 years

in Europe for this purpose. Alpha Lipoic Acid may even be involved in nerve

regeneration. Promising studies are underway to determine its value in

retarding the onset of Alzheimer's and Parkinsonism.

There is substantial interaction between Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamins C and

E. It has been found that it conserves both of these vitamins and promotes

the effective interaction between them. It helps the liver in detoxification

pathways for heavy metal pollutants. It is such a powerful antioxidant that

it has been found as an effective treatment for ionizing exposure. According

to Dr Lester Packer it lessens the amount of oxidative damage and helps

normalize organ function .

Maitra, I., et al. reported that ALA protected lab animals from developing

cataracts . BSO (Buthionine sulfoximine) is known to cause cataracts in

animals, treating these animals with ALA prevented cataract formation in 60%

of the cases.

The amount of ALA needed as an effective preventive measure is ~50mg/day. In

people with diabetes and early cataracts, 200mg/day may be preferred.

Live long and well !!

R , MD

Medical Director, Hilton Head Longevity Center

Medical Director, Physician's Longevity Products

Director R & D, The Anti-Aging Institute

59A Sheridan Park Circle

Bluffton, SC 29910

888-412-4452

fax 843-815-4450

HHLongCtr@...

www.anti-agingcenter.com

[Guest guest]

This is many of the studies on alternative therapy. I am not averse to

it at all but studies should be in a controlled fashion to come to any

viable conclusions.

Medical literature is full of anecdotal reports but they cannot replace

established therapies however encouraging they may look.

Antioxidants are certainly benificial in such a disease as Hep C and I

would be more than ready to combine it with anti-viral thearpy to derive

its full benefit. The evidence , however for it to be effective alone is

rather thin and I would be encouraged to try it in controlled studies

and be circumspect.

[Guest guest]

This is many of the studies on alternative therapy. I am not averse to

it at all but studies should be in a controlled fashion to come to any

viable conclusions.

Medical literature is full of anecdotal reports but they cannot replace

established therapies however encouraging they may look.

Antioxidants are certainly benificial in such a disease as Hep C and I

would be more than ready to combine it with anti-viral thearpy to derive

its full benefit. The evidence , however for it to be effective alone is

rather thin and I would be encouraged to try it in controlled studies

and be circumspect.

[Guest guest]

Dear Dr. Misra:

Established therapies do not work for the great majority of people in

addition to being toxic. That is a fact, correct? Don't get me wrong, I

went for the combo therapy. I have compensating cirrhosis, 1a genotype and

31 year duration and though the chances of success were even smaller than

normal, I went for it. But, in addition to the traditional approach, I also

take Milk Thistle, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Schizandra and several other herbal

and vitamin supplements. I researched all before taking to rule out any

known contraindications for the liver. Since beginning this regimen my alts

have steadily but surely come down. Combo was not successful, but with a

healthly lifestyle and attitude I hope to hang in there until better

treatment arrives. I take the herbs and supplements not to clear the virus,

but to aid my damaged liver to do its job and judging from my energy and

feeling of well being - it is working.

Laurie

Doc wrote:

> From: " Doc " <gidoc@...>

>

> This is many of the studies on alternative therapy. I am not averse to

> it at all but studies should be in a controlled fashion to come to any

> viable conclusions.

> Medical literature is full of anecdotal reports but they cannot replace

> established therapies however encouraging they may look.

>

> Antioxidants are certainly benificial in such a disease as Hep C and I

> would be more than ready to combine it with anti-viral thearpy to derive

> its full benefit. The evidence , however for it to be effective alone is

> rather thin and I would be encouraged to try it in controlled studies

> and be circumspect.

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, it does sound optimistic and should be used in clinical trials.

Dr SC M isra

Alpha lipoic acid

From: Go Friend <gofriend8@...>

" This is many of the studies on alternative therapy. I

am not averse to

it at all but studies should be in a controlled

fashion to come to any

viable conclusions.

Medical literature is full of anecdotal reports but

they cannot replace

established therapies however encouraging they may

look. "

I appreciate your position as a doctor does place

certain limitations on waht you can recommend. In the

case of HCV, the difficulty is that the established

therapies themselves aren't that great. Although my

neighbor just cleared the HCV on combo , so I know it

can work.

Would the following article be considered anecdotal or

actually something to take to the bank so to speak?

Free Radic Biol Med 1998 Apr;24(6):1023-39

Alpha-lipoic acid in liver metabolism and disease.

Bustamante J, Lodge JK, Marcocci L, Tritschler HJ,

Packer L, Rihn BH

Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University

of California, Berkeley 94720-3200, USA.

R-alpha-Lipoic acid is found naturally occurring as a

prosthetic group in alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase

complexes of the mitochondria, and as such plays a

fundamental role in metabolism. Although this has been

known for decades, only recently has free supplemented

alpha-lipoic acid been found to affect cellular

metabolic processes in vitro, as it has the ability to

alter the redox status of cells and interact with

thiols and other antioxidants. Therefore, it appears

that this compound has important therapeutic potential

in conditions where oxidative stress is involved.

Early case studies with alpha-lipoic acid were

performed with little knowledge of the action of

alpha-lipoic acid at a cellular level, but with the

rationale that because the naturally

occurring protein bound form of alpha-lipoic acid has

a pivotal role in metabolism, that supplementation may

have some beneficial effect. Such studies sought to

evaluate the effect of supplemented alpha-lipoic acid,

using low doses, on lipid or carbohydrate metabolism,

but little or no effect was observed. A common

response in these trials was an increase in glucose

uptake, but increased plasma levels of pyruvate and

lactate were also observed, suggesting that an

inhibitory effect on the pyruvate dehydrogenase

complex was occurring. During the same period,

alpha-lipoic acid was also used as a therapeutic agent

in a number of conditions relating to liver disease,

including alcohol-induced damage, mushroom poisoning,

metal intoxification, and CCl4 poisoning.

Alpha-Lipoic acid supplementation was successful in

the treatment for these conditions in many cases.

Experimental studies and clinical trials in the last 5

years using high doses of alpha-lipoic acid (600 mg in

humans) have provided new and consistent evidence for

the therapeutic role of antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid

in the treatment of insulin resistance and diabetic

polyneuropathy. This new insight should encourage

clinicians to use alpha-lipoic acid in diseases

affecting liver in which oxidative stress is involved.

Publication Types:

Review

Review, tutorial

PMID: 9607614, UI: 98268630

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Yes, it does sound optimistic and should be used in clinical trials.

Dr SC M isra

Alpha lipoic acid

From: Go Friend <gofriend8@...>

" This is many of the studies on alternative therapy. I

am not averse to

it at all but studies should be in a controlled

fashion to come to any

viable conclusions.

Medical literature is full of anecdotal reports but

they cannot replace

established therapies however encouraging they may

look. "

I appreciate your position as a doctor does place

certain limitations on waht you can recommend. In the

case of HCV, the difficulty is that the established

therapies themselves aren't that great. Although my

neighbor just cleared the HCV on combo , so I know it

can work.

Would the following article be considered anecdotal or

actually something to take to the bank so to speak?

Free Radic Biol Med 1998 Apr;24(6):1023-39

Alpha-lipoic acid in liver metabolism and disease.

Bustamante J, Lodge JK, Marcocci L, Tritschler HJ,

Packer L, Rihn BH

Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University

of California, Berkeley 94720-3200, USA.

R-alpha-Lipoic acid is found naturally occurring as a

prosthetic group in alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase

complexes of the mitochondria, and as such plays a

fundamental role in metabolism. Although this has been

known for decades, only recently has free supplemented

alpha-lipoic acid been found to affect cellular

metabolic processes in vitro, as it has the ability to

alter the redox status of cells and interact with

thiols and other antioxidants. Therefore, it appears

that this compound has important therapeutic potential

in conditions where oxidative stress is involved.

Early case studies with alpha-lipoic acid were

performed with little knowledge of the action of

alpha-lipoic acid at a cellular level, but with the

rationale that because the naturally

occurring protein bound form of alpha-lipoic acid has

a pivotal role in metabolism, that supplementation may

have some beneficial effect. Such studies sought to

evaluate the effect of supplemented alpha-lipoic acid,

using low doses, on lipid or carbohydrate metabolism,

but little or no effect was observed. A common

response in these trials was an increase in glucose

uptake, but increased plasma levels of pyruvate and

lactate were also observed, suggesting that an

inhibitory effect on the pyruvate dehydrogenase

complex was occurring. During the same period,

alpha-lipoic acid was also used as a therapeutic agent

in a number of conditions relating to liver disease,

including alcohol-induced damage, mushroom poisoning,

metal intoxification, and CCl4 poisoning.

Alpha-Lipoic acid supplementation was successful in

the treatment for these conditions in many cases.

Experimental studies and clinical trials in the last 5

years using high doses of alpha-lipoic acid (600 mg in

humans) have provided new and consistent evidence for

the therapeutic role of antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid

in the treatment of insulin resistance and diabetic

polyneuropathy. This new insight should encourage

clinicians to use alpha-lipoic acid in diseases

affecting liver in which oxidative stress is involved.

Publication Types:

Review

Review, tutorial

PMID: 9607614, UI: 98268630

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

guys,

Don't forget alpha lapoic acid. Take 100mg 2-3X and it will definitely help

with the cravings. What I have noticed more than anything is my lack of

craving

for alcohol. I go days without even a beer now, where as I use to love one

at

dinner. Also it is touted as an excellent antioxidant and good for the skin

too.

Dale

[Guest guest]

Hi Everybody,

My name is Bonnie and this is my first contribution to this list. My

nutritionist told me that when you have leaky gut, large partially

digested molecules of food and many toxins can get into the bloodstream.

This makes the liver overwork and causes " detoxification stress " . Alpha

Lipoic Acid is very good for the liver and helps it recover (but only if

you are treating the leaky gut and therefore eliminating the source of

the stress). Bonnie

[Guest guest]

Dear Mark,

Active H- feeds the mitochondria and increases the production of ATP.

It is a Non-caloric source of energy...energy without calories, without food. Considering it has many other benefits not found anywhere else in nature in this abundance, I would think it a better choice. Alpha Lipoic Acid is very popular among people with Chronic conditions because of the energy factor. But, providing energy to the body is only one element of meeting its needs.

Active H- will increase the health and production of liver cells as it provides for the mitochondria and produces ATP. It also reduces the production of lactic acid, which is the cause of muscle stiffness and soreness after workouts, or in people with Chronic conditions such as Fibromayglia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Peace, Jeanine

http://hepchelp.homestead.com

Active H- Increases Mitochondrial NADH Production and Enhances Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Intact Liver Cells

Active H- (200 ug/ml) was introduced to cultured 90% viable rat hepatocytes (500,000cells/ 4ml medium). Blue autofluorescence of mitochondrial NADH was visualized by a Zeiss LSM 410 inverted laser scanning confocal microscope using a 40X water immersion lens and 356/365 nm excitation light from a UV argon laser. Under the conditions used, autofluorescence arises primarily from mitochondrial NADH. Oxidation of NADH to NAD causes loss of fluorescence since only NADH is fluorescent.

Sorry, gif won't paste.

The line graph summarizes data from 3 Active H- and 3 vehicle (control) experiments. In the Active H- group NADH increased 20% over 20 minutes while the vehicle group showed a decrease in NADH fluorescence by about 30%. These preliminary experiments suggest that Active H- promotes electron transfer to NAD in intact living hepatocytes. Moreover, Active H- prevented the spontaneous oxidation (or bleaching) of NADH that generally occurs during an incubation of this type (see vehicle plot) thereby indicating a continuous recharging of the pyridine nucleotide (NADH). Mitochondrial membrane potential was monitored using overnight cultured hepatocytes similar to the NADH experiment and which were loaded for 20 min. with the fluorescent probe tetramethylrhodamine methylester (TMRM). The medium was adjusted to pH 7.4 to assure that the previously noticed increase in membrane potential was not due to a pH effect. The TMRM-loaded cells were imaged with a Zeiss 410 inverted laser scanning confocal microscope through a 63X objective lens. In these experiments, an increase of the mitochondrial fluorescence of TMRM represents an increase of mitochondrial depolarization (more negative membrane potential). The line graph summarizes data from 3 Active H- and 4 vehicle experiments. In the vehicle group, TMRM fluorescence decreased by about 6% over 20 minutes. In the Active H- group, TMRM increased about 25%. These preliminary experiments suggest that Active H- enhances mitochondrial membrane potential in intact living hepatocytes. The combination of increased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased NADH suggests an enhancement of bioenergetic capacity of the mitochondria when Active H- is present in the cell suspension (Unpublished data 1999). Active H- appears to be providing electrons or H- available to the cofactors that are able to utilize these for cellular energy production. NADH provides electrons to the mitochondria electron transport chain directly producing H20 and ATP, the primary cellular energy source for numerous biochemical reactions throughout the cell.

Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*.

New Message on Hepatitis C Help

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Reply

Reply to Sender

Recommend

Message 2 in Discussion

From:

Mark Chiocchi

What is anyones take on Alpha Lipoic Acid. I read this article about it. Let me know what you think about Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Sincerely,Mark Chiocchi

(Q:)

I have noticed more and more articles on the benefits of lipoic acid. What is your opinion of it?

(A:)

Lipoic acid (also known thioctic acid) is a sulfur-containing vitamin-like substance that plays an important role as in two vital energy-producing reactions involved in the production of cellular energy (ATP). Lipoic acid is not considered a vitamin because it is thought that either the body can usually manufacture sufficient levels or it is acquired in sufficient quantities from food. However, like COQ10 and carnitine, a relative deficiency can occur in certain situations and lipoic acid supplementation exerts benefits beyond its role in normal metabolism. Lipoic acid is an effective antioxidant. It is unique in that it is effective against both water and fat soluble free radicals. The principle uses of lipoic acid are in the treatment of diabetes and AIDS. Other possible uses include liver cirrhosis, heart disease, cataracts, heavy metal toxicity, and detoxification support.

There are many questions to be answered regarding lipoic acid supplementation such as "How does the antioxidant protection offered by lipoic acid supplementation compare to other (less expensive) antioxidants?" Until these questions are answered I am reluctant to recommend lipoic acid supplementation except in diabetics who have not fully responded to other nutritional support or who are exhibiting signs of diabetic neuropathy and in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis C, and AIDS.

For general antioxidant support the recommended dosage is 20 to 50 mg. For more therapeutic applications the recommended dosage is 100 to 200 mg three times daily. Lipoic acid supplementation appears to be very safe.

View other groups in this category.

Also on MSN:Start Chatting | Listen to Music | House & Home | Try Online Dating | Daily Horoscopes

To stop getting this e-mail, or change how often it arrives, go to your E-mail Settings.

Need help? If you've forgotten your password, please go to Passport Member Services.

For other questions or feedback, go to our Contact Us page.

If you do not want to receive future e-mail from this MSN group, or if you received this message by mistake, please click the "Remove" link below. On the pre-addressed e-mail message that opens, simply click "Send". Your e-mail address will be deleted from this group's mailing list.

Remove my e-mail address from Hepatitis C Help.

[Guest guest]

Alpha lipoic acid has received quite a bit of research and acclaim for treating hepc. One researcher, I believe his last name is Berkson, has published some impressive results with treating hepc patients with a combination of silymarin, alpha lipoic acid and selenium. From what I've read, alpha lipoic acid is generally one of the more "proven" suppliments for hepc.

[ ] Alpha Lipoic Acid

What is anyones take on Alpha Lipoic Acid. I read this article about it. Let me know what you think about Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Sincerely,Mark Chiocchi

(Q:)

I have noticed more and more articles on the benefits of lipoic acid. What is your opinion of it?

(A:)

Lipoic acid (also known thioctic acid) is a sulfur-containing vitamin-like substance that plays an important role as in two vital energy-producing reactions involved in the production of cellular energy (ATP). Lipoic acid is not considered a vitamin because it is thought that either the body can usually manufacture sufficient levels or it is acquired in sufficient quantities from food. However, like COQ10 and carnitine, a relative deficiency can occur in certain situations and lipoic acid supplementation exerts benefits beyond its role in normal metabolism. Lipoic acid is an effective antioxidant. It is unique in that it is effective against both water and fat soluble free radicals. The principle uses of lipoic acid are in the treatment of diabetes and AIDS. Other possible uses include liver cirrhosis, heart disease, cataracts, heavy metal toxicity, and detoxification support.

There are many questions to be answered regarding lipoic acid supplementation such as "How does the antioxidant protection offered by lipoic acid supplementation compare to other (less expensive) antioxidants?" Until these questions are answered I am reluctant to recommend lipoic acid supplementation except in diabetics who have not fully responded to other nutritional support or who are exhibiting signs of diabetic neuropathy and in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis C, and AIDS.

For general antioxidant support the recommended dosage is 20 to 50 mg. For more therapeutic applications the recommended dosage is 100 to 200 mg three times daily. Lipoic acid supplementation appears to be very safe.

[Guest guest]

http://www.healthywave.com/ingredients/alphalipoicacid.html

ALPHA LIPOIC ACID

OVERVIEW

Alpha lipoic acid, (also known as lipoic acid, thioctic acid) is a sulfur-containing vitamin-like antioxidant. Alpha lipoic acid is produced naturally in the body and found in the food sources of liver, brewer’s yeast, and potatoes. Alpha lipoic acid has dual role in human health; it is a powerful antioxidant and is a key component for producing cellular energy. As an antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid is unique in that it is both water- and fat-soluble; thus it can be used throughout the body. It also extends and enhances the effect of other antioxidants, which are used to defend the body against free radical damage. In its metabolic role, alpha lipoic acid is a fundamental coenzyme in two vital reactions that lead to the production of cellular energy (ATP). Alpha lipoic acid was first isolated in 1957, and originally, seemed to be a member of the vitamin B–complex. Alpha lipoic acid would have been the first fat-soluble B vitamin isolated. Most human coenzymes are produced from some of the B-complex vitamins or are themselves vitamins (Passwater, 1995). Alpha lipoic acid is not considered a vitamin, but is termed a "conditionally essential" nutrient. This is because presumably the body can produce sufficient levels or it is acquired in sufficient quantities from food (Murray, 1996). The human body can make enough alpha lipoic acid to prevent a recognizable deficiency disease, though not enough to perform all its functions. The optimal level of alpha lipoic acid varies with each person depending on biochemical differences, lifestyle, exercise and how much oxidative stress they experience. Certain diseases, environmental conditions and age can cause a deficiency in lipoic acid, and thus the body often doesn’t make enough to meet all its metabolic and antioxidant needs.

METHOD OF ACTION

Alpha lipoic acid is involved in the metabolic process of converting carbohydrates into energy. When sugar is metabolized in the production of energy, it is converted into pyruvic acid. The pyruvate is broken down by an enzyme complex that contains lipoic acid, niacin and thiamin. Since the human body tends to have only the minimum amount of alpha lipoic acid to prevent recognizable disease, supplementation may help improve energy metabolism. This is particularly applicable in people with lower than normal levels, for example, individuals with diabetes, liver cirrhosis, heart disease and HIV.

As an antioxidant, since alpha lipoic acid is both water- and fat-soluble it is effective against a broader range of free radicals than vitamin C (water soluble) and vitamin E (fat-soluble). Because of it unique size and chemical structure, lipoic acid has access to virtually the entire body, whereas most antioxidants only protect isolated areas of the body. Inside the cell, alpha lipoic acid is quickly broken down to dihydrolipoic acid, and even more potent free-radical scavenger. Supplementation with lipoic acid wards off scurvy (vitamin C deficiency).

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

The principal uses of alpha lipoic acid are in the treatment of diabetes and HIV/AIDS. It has also been used in cases of liver cirrhosis, heart disease, cataracts, heavy-metal toxicity and detoxification support.

Alpha lipoic acid is available in supplemental form of tablets and capsules. For use as a general antioxidant, the recommended dose is 20 to 50 mg daily. In the treatment of diabetes, the recommended dose is 300 to 600 mg daily. In the treatment of AIDS, the recommended dose is 150 mg three times daily (Murray, 1996). Although lipoic acid deficiency states have not been demonstrated in human beings, animal studies show that a deficiency of lipoic acid results in reduced muscle mass, brain atrophy, failure to thrive and increased lactic acid accumulation.

DIABETES

Alpha lipoic acid has been used in Europe for over three decades to treat diabetic neuropathy, to help regulate blood sugar, and prevent diabetic retinopathy and cardiopathy. Alpha lipoic acid is an approved drug in Germany for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Alpha lipoic acid normalizes blood sugar levels in diabetics and also reduces the secondary effects of diabetes, including retinopathy, cataract formation, nerve and heart damage, as well as increasing energy levels. It is used in the treatment of both insulin-dependent and non-insulin dependent diabetes. Alpha lipoic acid helps control blood sugar by facilitating the conversion of sugar into energy. Alpha lipoic acid reduces glycation (also known as glycosylation), which is the process in which proteins react with excess glucose. This sugar reaction to protein is just as detrimental as oxygen damage (free radical damage). Alpha lipoic acid helps to keep blood sugar levels under control and reduced levels of glucose mean less glycation. This is important in reducing diabetic side effects and slowing aging. In summary, alpha lipoic acid’s effect on diabetes is through its potent antioxidant capabilities, as well improving blood sugar metabolism, reducing glycosylation of proteins, improving blood flow to the peripheral nerves, and actually stimulating regeneration of nerve fibers (Wagh, 1987).

AIDS

Individuals infected with the HIV virus tend to have a compromised antioxidant defense system. During HIV infection, key cells of the immune system called CD lymphocytes lose their ability to make and to transport glutathione. Antioxidants such as glutathione prevent HIV viral replication while reactive oxidants tend to stimulate the virus. Glutathione is a major cellular antioxidant, and thus, the CD lymphocytes are exposed to excess oxidative stress and this contributes to immune system failure. Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant and facilitator of glutathione production. A strong antioxidant defense system can help prevent this oxidative damage and help keep the immune system strong.

A study was conducted by Dr. Fuchs and colleagues, to determine the short-term effect of supplemental lipoic acid. Alpha lipoic acid was given as a supplement (150 mg three times daily for a two week period) to HIV-infected patients. Lipoic acid supplementation increased total glutathione in seven of seven patients, plasma ascorbate in nine of ten patients, total plasma sulfur groups in eight of nine patients, and T helper lymphocytes and T helper/suppressor cell ratio in six of ten patients. The conclusion of this study is that lipoic acid supplementation led to significant beneficial changes in the blood of HIV-infected patients (Fuchs, et al., 1993).

Alpha lipoic acid has been beneficial to cancer patients suffering with peripheral neuropathy, a damaging side effect of chemotherapy. Lipoic acid also protects against cancer as a result of its potent antioxidant effects. Lipoic acid protects a complex called Nuclear Factor kappa-B and prevents it from activating oncogenes. Oncogenes are genes that contribute to cancer cell proliferation. When these genes are altered by either NF kappa-B or a carcinogen, they cause the cell to become malignant. Lipoic acid can enter the cytosol of cells and protect NF kappa-B from activation by free radical, radiation, or even sunlight.

Alpha lipoic acid may be helpful in other conditions including Liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, heart disease, cataracts, heavy metal toxicity, and support during detoxification. Its role in detoxification is as a chelator (remover) of heavy metals and toxic minerals from the body.

Alpha lipoic acid protects the nervous system and may be involved in regenerating the nerves. It is being studied in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Alpha lipoic acid has been shown to improve antibody response in immunosuppressed animals (Quillin, 1998).

SAFETY ISSUES

Alpha lipoic acid supplementation is very safe. In over 30 years of extensive use and testing in European clinical trials in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, there have been no reported side effects (Quillin, 1998, Murray, 1996). Studies have not reported any carcinogenic or teratogenic effects. As a precaution, until further information is available, alpha lipoic acid is not recommended for pregnant women. Animal studies show very low toxicity (Murray, 1996).

CURRENT ABSTRACTS

DIABETES

Ziegler D; Gries FA. Alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic peripheral and cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Diabetes 1997 Sep;46 Suppl 2:S62.

Antioxidant treatment has been shown to prevent nerve dysfunction in experimental diabetes, providing a rationale for a potential therapeutic value in diabetic patients. The effects of the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (thioctic acid) were studied in two multicenter, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trials. In the Alpha-Lipoic Acid in Diabetic Neuropathy Study, 328 patients with NIDDM and symptomatic peripheral neuropathy were randomly assigned to treatment with intravenous infusion of alpha-lipoic acid using three doses (ALA 1,200 mg; 600 mg; 100 mg) or placebo (PLAC) over 3 weeks. The total symptom score (TSS) (pain, burning, paresthesia, and numbness) in the feet decreased significantly from baseline to day 19 in ALA 1,200 and ALA 600 vs. PLAC. Each of the four individual symptom scores was significantly lower in ALA 600 than in PLAC after 19 days (all P < 0.05). The total scale of the Hamburg Pain Adjective List (HPAL) was significantly reduced in ALA 1,200 and ALA 600 compared with PLAC after 19 days (both P < 0.05). In the Deutsche Kardiale Autonome Neuropathie Studie, patients with NIDDM and cardiac autonomic neuropathy diagnosed by reduced heart rate variability were randomly assigned to treatment with a daily oral dose of 800 mg alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) (n = 39) or placebo (n = 34) for 4 months. Two out of four parameters of heart rate variability at rest were significantly improved in ALA compared with placebo. A trend toward a favorable effect of ALA was noted for the remaining two indexes. In both studies, no significant adverse events were observed. In conclusion, intravenous treatment with alpha-lipoic acid (600 mg/day) over 3 weeks is safe and effective in reducing symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and oral treatment with 800 mg/day for 4 months may improve cardiac autonomic dysfunction in NIDDM.

HIV & AIDS

Suzuki YJ; Aggarwal BB; Packer L. Alpha-lipoic acid is a potent inhibitor of NF-kappa B activation in human T cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1992 Dec 30;189(3):1709-15.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) results from infection with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The long terminal repeat (LTR) region of HIV proviral DNA contains binding sites for nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa , and this transcriptional activator appears to regulate HIV activation. Recent findings suggest an involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in signal transduction pathways leading to NF-kappa B activation. The present study was based on reports that antioxidants which eliminate ROS should block the activation of NF- kappa B and subsequently HIV transcription, and thus antioxidants can be used as therapeutic agents for AIDS. Incubation of Jurkat T cells (1 x 10(6) cells/ml) with a natural thiol antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid, prior to the stimulation of cells was found to inhibit NF-kappa B activation induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (25 ng/ml) or by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (50 ng/ml). The inhibitory action of alpha-lipoic acid was found to be very potent as only 4 mM was needed for a complete inhibition, whereas 20 mM was required for N- acetylcysteine. These results indicate that alpha-lipoic acid may be effective in AIDS therapeutics.

ANTIOXIDANT

Packer L. Alpha-Lipoic acid: a metabolic antioxidant which regulates NF-kappa B signal

transduction and protects against oxidative injury. Drug Metab Rev 1998 May;30(2):245-75.

Although the metabolic role of alpha-lipoic acid has been known for over 40 years, it is only recently that its effects when supplied exogenously have become known. Exogenous alpha-lipoic acid is reduced intracellularly by at least two and possibly three enzymes, and through the actions of its reduced form, it influences a number of cell process. These include direct radical scavenging, recycling of other antioxidants, accelerating GSH synthesis, and modulating transcription factor activity, especially that of NF-kappa B. These mechanisms may account for the sometimes dramatic effects of alpha-lipoic acid in oxidative stress conditions (e.g., brain ischemia- reperfusion), and point the way toward its therapeutic use.

Biewenga GP; Haenen GR; Bast A; The pharmacology of the antioxidant lipoic acid Gen Pharmacol 1997 Sep;29(3):315-31.

1. Lipoic acid is an example of an existing drug whose therapeutic effect has been related to its antioxidant activity. 2. Antioxidant activity is a relative concept: it depends on the kind of oxidative stress and the kind of oxidizable substrate (e.g., DNA, lipid, protein). 3. In vitro, the final antioxidant activity of lipoic acid is determined by its concentration and by its antioxidant properties. Four antioxidant properties of lipoic acid have been studied: its metal chelating capacity, its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), its ability to regenerate endogenous antioxidants and its ability to repair oxidative damage.

4. Dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), formed by reduction of lipoic acid, has more antioxidant properties than does lipoic acid. Both DHLA and lipoic acid have metal-chelating capacity and scavenge ROS, whereas only DHLA is able to regenerate endogenous antioxidants and to repair oxidative damage. 5. As a metal chelator, lipoic acid was shown to provide antioxidant activity by chelating Fe2+ and Cu2+; DHLA can do so by chelating Cd2+. 6. As

scavengers of ROS, lipoic acid and DHLA display antioxidant activity in most experiments, whereas, in particular cases, pro-oxidant activity has been observed. However, lipoic acid can act as an antioxidant against the pro-oxidant activity produced by DHLA. 7. DHLA has the capacity to regenerate the endogenous antioxidants vitamin E, vitamin C and glutathione. 8. DHLA can provide peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase with reducing

equivalents. This enhances the repair of oxidatively damaged proteins such as alpha-1 antiprotease. 9. Through the lipoamide dehydrogenase-dependent reduction of lipoic acid, the cell can draw on its NADH pool for antioxidant activity additionally to its NADPH pool, which is usually consumed during oxidative stress. 10. Within drug-related antioxidant pharmacology, lipoic acid is a model compound that enhances understanding of the mode of action of antioxidants in drug therapy.

GLYCATION

Bierhaus A; Chevion S; Chevion M; Hofmann M; Quehenberger P; Illmer T; Luther T; Berentshtein E; Tritschler H; Muller M; Wahl P; Ziegler R; Nawroth PP. Diabetes 1997 Sep;46(9):1481-90.

Advanced glycation end product-induced activation of NF-kappaB is suppressed by alpha-lipoic acid in cultured endothelial cells

Depletion of cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms and the generation of oxygen free radicals by advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been proposed to play a major role in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications. Here we demonstrate that incubation of cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) with AGE albumin (500 nmol/l) resulted in the impairment of reduced glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid levels. As a consequence, increased cellular oxidative stress led to the activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB and thus promoted the upregulation of various NF-kappaB-controlled genes, including endothelial tissue factor. Supplementation of the cellular antioxidative defense with the natural occurring antioxidant alpha- lipoic acid before AGE albumin induction completely prevented the AGE albumin-dependent depletion of reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) revealed that AGE albumin- mediated NF-kappaB activation was also reduced in a time- and dose- dependent manner as long as alpha-lipoic acid was added at least 30 min before AGE albumin stimulation. Inhibition was not due to physical interactions with protein DNA binding, since alpha-lipoic acid, directly included into the binding reaction, did not prevent binding activity of recombinant NF-kappaB. Western blots further demonstrated that alpha-lipoic acid inhibited the release and translocation of NF- kappaB from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. As a consequence, alpha- lipoic acid reduced AGE albumin-induced NF-kappaB mediated transcription and expression of endothelial genes relevant in diabetes, such as tissue factor and endothelin-1. Thus, supplementation of cellular antioxidative defense mechanisms by extracellularly administered alpha-lipoic acid reduces AGE albumin-induced endothelial dysfunction in vitro.

LIVER DISEASE

Bustamante J; Lodge JK; Marcocci L; Tritschler HJ; Packer L; Rihn BH. Alpha-lipoic acid in liver metabolism and disease. Free Radic Biol Med 1998 Apr;24(6):1023-39.

R-alpha-Lipoic acid is found naturally occurring as a prosthetic group in alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase complexes of the mitochondria, and as such plays a fundamental role in metabolism. Although this has been known for decades, only recently has free

supplemented alpha-lipoic acid been found to affect cellular metabolic processes in vitro, as it has the ability to alter the redox status of cells and interact with thiols and other antioxidants. Therefore, it appears that this compound has important therapeutic potential in conditions where oxidative stress is involved. Early case studies with alpha-lipoic acid were performed with little knowledge of the action of alpha-lipoic acid at a cellular level, but with the rationale that because the naturally occurring protein bound form of alpha-lipoic acid has a pivotal role in metabolism, that supplementation may have some beneficial effect. Such studies sought evaluate the effect of supplemented alpha-lipoic acid, using low doses, on lipid or carbohydrate metabolism, but little or no effect was observed. A common response in these trials was an increase in glucose uptake, but increased plasma levels of pyruvate and lactate were also observed, suggesting that a inhibitory effect on the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex was occurring. During the same period, alpha-lipoic acid was also used as a therapeutic agent in a number of conditions relating to liver disease, including alcohol-induced damage, mushroom poisoning, metal intoxification, and CCl4 poisoning. Alpha-Lipoic acid supplementation was successful in the treatment for these conditions in many cases. Experimental studies and clinical trials in the last 5 years using high doses of alpha-lipoic acid (600 mg in humans) have provided

new and consistent evidence for the therapeutic role of antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of insulin resistance and diabetic polyneuropathy. This new insight should encourage clinicians to use alpha-lipoic acid in diseases affecting liver in which oxidative stress is involved.

NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES

Packer L; Tritschler HJ; Wessel K . Neuroprotection by the metabolic antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid. Free Radic Biol Med 1997;22(1-2):359-78.

Reactive oxygen species are thought to be involved in a number of types of acute and chronic pathologic conditions in the brain and neural tissue. The metabolic antioxidant alpha-lipoate (thioctic acid, 1, 2- dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid; 1, 2-dithiolane-3 valeric acid; and 6, 8- dithiooctanoic acid) is a low molecular weight substance that is absorbed from the diet and crosses the blood-brain barrier. alpha- Lipoate is taken up and reduced in cells and tissues to dihydrolipoate, which is also exported to the extracellular medium; hence, protection is afforded to both intracellular and extracellular environments. Both alpha-lipoate and especially dihydrolipoate have been shown to be potent antioxidants, to regenerate through redox cycling other antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E, and to raise intracellular glutathione levels. Thus, it would seem an ideal substance in the treatment of oxidative brain and neural disorders involving free radical processes. Examination of current research reveals protective effects of these compounds in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, excitotoxic amino acid brain injury, mitochondrial dysfunction, diabetes and diabetic neuropathy, inborn errors of metabolism, and other causes of acute or chronic damage to brain or neural tissue. Very few neuropharmacological intervention strategies are currently available for the treatment of stroke and numerous other brain disorders involving free radical injury. We propose that the various metabolic antioxidant properties of alpha-lipoate relate to its possible therapeutic roles in a variety of brain and neuronal tissue pathologies: thiols are central to antioxidant defense in brain and other tissues. The most important thiol antioxidant, glutathione, cannot be directly administered, whereas alpha-lipoic acid can. In vitro, animal, and preliminary human studies indicate that alpha- lipoate may be effective in numerous neurodegenerative disorders.

NOTE Alpha lipoic acid is a ingredient in our products and is not sold as a separate product. Alpha lipoic acid can be found in these Body Wise products: Cardio Wise and OptimEyes.

REFERENCES

Bierhaus A; Chevion S; Chevion M; Hofmann M; Quehenberger P; Illmer T; Luther T; Berentshtein E; Tritschler H; Muller M; Wahl P; Ziegler R; Nawroth PP. Advanced glycation end product-induced activation of NF-kappaB is suppressed by alpha-lipoic acid in cultured endothelial cells. Diabetes 1997 Sep;46(9):1481-90.

Biewenga GP; Haenen GR; Bast A; The pharmacology of the antioxidant lipoic acid Gen Pharmacol 1997 Sep;29(3):315-31.

Bustamante J; Lodge JK; Marcocci L; Tritschler HJ; Packer L; Rihn BH. Alpha-lipoic acid in liver metabolism and disease. Free Radic Biol Med 1998 Apr;24(6):1023-39.

Fuchs, J. et al., Studies on lipoate effects on blood redox state in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV 1) replication. Arzeim Forsch 43, 1359-1362,1993.

Golan, R.1995. Optimal Wellness. New York: Ballentine books.

, S. et al., Enhancement of Glucose Disposal in Patients with Type 2 diabetes by Alpha Lipoic Acid. Arzeim Forsch 45,872-874,1995.

Murray, M. 1996. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Rocklin, Ca: Prima Publishing.

Packer L. Alpha-Lipoic acid: a metabolic antioxidant which regulates NF-kappa B signal transduction and protects against oxidative injury. Drug Metab Rev 1998 May;30(2):245-75.

Packer L; Tritschler HJ; Wessel K . Neuroprotection by the metabolic antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid. Free Radic Biol Med 1997;22(1-2):359-78.

Packer, L. Antioxidant Properties of Lipoic Acid and its Therapeutic Effects in Prevention of Diabetes Complications and Cataracts. ls NY Acad Sci 738, 257-264, 1994.

Packer, L. & Tritschler, H. Alpha Lipoic as a Biological Antioxidant. Free Rad Biol Med 19, 227-250, 1995.

Passwater, R. 1995. Lipoic Acid: The Metabolic Antioxidant.New Canaan, Conneticut: Keats Publishing.

Quillin, P. & N. 1998. Beating Cancer with Nutrition. Tulsa, OK.: Nutrtion Times Press.

Quillin, P. & Reynolds, A. 1988. The La Costa Book of Nutrition. New york: Pharos Books.

Quillin, P. 1989. Healing Nutrients. New York: Random House.

, B. et al., Lipoic and Dihydrolipoic Acids as Antioxidants: A Critical Review. Free Rad Res 20, 119-133, 1994.

Somer, E.1995. The Essential Guide to Vitamins and Minerals.New York: Harper.

Suzuki YJ; Aggarwal BB; Packer L. Alpha-lipoic acid is a potent inhibitor of NF-kappa B activation in human T cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1992 Dec 30;189(3):1709-15.

Ziegler D; Gries FA. Alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic peripheral and cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Diabetes 1997 Sep;46 Suppl 2:S62.

[Guest guest]

Hey Jeanine! Good to see you up and around :-) Sincerely [ ] Re: Alpha Lipoic Acid Dear Mark, Active H- feeds the mitochondria and increases the production of ATP. It is a Non-caloric source of energy...energy without calories, without food. Considering it has many other benefits not found anywhere else in nature in this abundance, I would think it a better choice. Alpha Lipoic Acid is very popular among people with Chronic conditions because of the energy factor. But, providing energy to the body is only one element of meeting its needs. Active H- will increase the health and production of liver cells as it provides for the mitochondria and produces ATP. It also reduces the production of lactic acid, which is the cause of muscle stiffness and soreness after workouts, or in people with Chronic conditions such as Fibromayglia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Peace, Jeanine http://hepchelp.homestead.com Active H- Increases Mitochondrial NADH Production and Enhances Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Intact Liver Cells Active H- (200 ug/ml) was introduced to cultured 90% viable rat hepatocytes (500,000cells/ 4ml medium). Blue autofluorescence of mitochondrial NADH was visualized by a Zeiss LSM 410 inverted laser scanning confocal microscope using a 40X water immersion lens and 356/365 nm excitation light from a UV argon laser. Under the conditions used, autofluorescence arises primarily from mitochondrial NADH. Oxidation of NADH to NAD causes loss of fluorescence since only NADH is fluorescent. Sorry, gif won't paste. The line graph summarizes data from 3 Active H- and 3 vehicle (control) experiments. In the Active H- group NADH increased 20% over 20 minutes while the vehicle group showed a decrease in NADH fluorescence by about 30%. These preliminary experiments suggest that Active H- promotes electron transfer to NAD in intact living hepatocytes. Moreover, Active H- prevented the spontaneous oxidation (or bleaching) of NADH that generally occurs during an incubation of this type (see vehicle plot) thereby indicating a continuous recharging of the pyridine nucleotide (NADH). Mitochondrial membrane potential was monitored using overnight cultured hepatocytes similar to the NADH experiment and which were loaded for 20 min. with the fluorescent probe tetramethylrhodamine methylester (TMRM). The medium was adjusted to pH 7.4 to assure that the previously noticed increase in membrane potential was not due to a pH effect. The TMRM-loaded cells were imaged with a Zeiss 410 inverted laser scanning confocal microscope through a 63X objective lens. In these experiments, an increase of the mitochondrial fluorescence of TMRM represents an increase of mitochondrial depolarization (more negative membrane potential). The line graph summarizes data from 3 Active H- and 4 vehicle experiments. In the vehicle group, TMRM fluorescence decreased by about 6% over 20 minutes. In the Active H- group, TMRM increased about 25%. These preliminary experiments suggest that Active H- enhances mitochondrial membrane potential in intact living hepatocytes. The combination of increased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased NADH suggests an enhancement of bioenergetic capacity of the mitochondria when Active H- is present in the cell suspension (Unpublished data 1999). Active H- appears to be providing electrons or H- available to the cofactors that are able to utilize these for cellular energy production. NADH provides electrons to the mitochondria electron transport chain directly producing H20 and ATP, the primary cellular energy source for numerous biochemical reactions throughout the cell. Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*.

[Guest guest]

Mark, I've been taking ALA for over a year along with everything else---Dr. Zhang's herbs, etc.. I'm doing fine, but I can't say I know for sure what's keeping me that way.......sincerely, Satya

[ ] Alpha Lipoic Acid

What is anyones take on Alpha Lipoic Acid. I read this article about it. Let me know what you think about Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Sincerely,Mark Chiocchi

(Q:)

I have noticed more and more articles on the benefits of lipoic acid. What is your opinion of it?

(A:)

Lipoic acid (also known thioctic acid) is a sulfur-containing vitamin-like substance that plays an important role as in two vital energy-producing reactions involved in the production of cellular energy (ATP). Lipoic acid is not considered a vitamin because it is thought that either the body can usually manufacture sufficient levels or it is acquired in sufficient quantities from food. However, like COQ10 and carnitine, a relative deficiency can occur in certain situations and lipoic acid supplementation exerts benefits beyond its role in normal metabolism. Lipoic acid is an effective antioxidant. It is unique in that it is effective against both water and fat soluble free radicals. The principle uses of lipoic acid are in the treatment of diabetes and AIDS. Other possible uses include liver cirrhosis, heart disease, cataracts, heavy metal toxicity, and detoxification support.

There are many questions to be answered regarding lipoic acid supplementation such as "How does the antioxidant protection offered by lipoic acid supplementation compare to other (less expensive) antioxidants?" Until these questions are answered I am reluctant to recommend lipoic acid supplementation except in diabetics who have not fully responded to other nutritional support or who are exhibiting signs of diabetic neuropathy and in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis C, and AIDS.

For general antioxidant support the recommended dosage is 20 to 50 mg. For more therapeutic applications the recommended dosage is 100 to 200 mg three times daily. Lipoic acid supplementation appears to be very safe.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

<<The health store folks say that means that I'm

dumping toxins,>>

Eating asparagus also causes a disagreeable smell in the urine. Ask the

health food store why asparagus causes a disagreeable smell in the urine.

You see, I don't think they know what their talking about.

http://www.studentbmj.com/back_issues/0800/education/277.html

It doesn't matter though if the asparagus is cooked or raw as the article

says.

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/43/1671_51089

http://www.boston.com/globe/search/stories/health/how_and_why/060694.htm

Who knows what happens when your body breaks down the alpha lipoic acid

during digestion. Maybe it breaks it down into a sulphur containing

compound. Do a google research. Key words: asparagus, smell, urine. See what

info. you come up with. Who knows, maybe there's something in the alpha

lipoic acid that has the same reaction.

ne

[Guest guest]

Yeah, I've use extensively, off and on: it's a lot like vitamin E, a free

radical destroyer. It was recommended to me but I don't see any effect from

using it either as opposed to Vit E where I get an energy surge like

caffeine. Good to know about theGerman brand, though. I'll try that, as I

get it now from Trader Joe's. Didn't notice any odds small during business

time.

alpha lipoic acid

> There's a medical doctor that has written a book about the benefits of

alpha

> lipoic acid, I think his name is Dr. Berkson, but he now lives in my

> hometown and I've heard him speak.

> <snip>

[Guest guest]

Barb,

Do you still have lyme disease, or are you one of the lucky ones that has beat

it?

Alpha lipoic acid

I have used ALA as a supplement for my competition horses, and I

have used it as a supplement for myself since it came on the market

many years ago. I am constantly searching for the best standardized

labs (I settled on Jarrow).

The Linus ing institute has the best info IMO.:

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/othernuts/la/

I attribute the use of oral ALA

and eye drops of l-acetyl carnosine as the reason I did not develope

cataracs with my 12 year (lyme induced) bout with Uveitis... the

whole time my Ohpthal.. saying he could not understand why I did NOT

have cataracs sustaining the level of inflammation I had in my eyes.

These anti-oxidants don't cure anything - but they sure can keep the

damage down...

Barb

REFERENCES:>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Mol Cell Biochem. 2003 May;247(1-2):83-94.

Inhibition of oxygen radical formation by methylene blue, aspirin, or

alpha-lipoic acid, prevents bacterial-lipopolysaccharide-induced

fever.

Riedel W, Lang U, Oetjen U, Schlapp U, Shibata M.

Max-Planck-Institute for Physiological and Clinical Research, W.G.

Kerckhoff-Institute, Bad Nauheim, Germany. w.riedel@...

Phagocytic cells contain NADPH oxidase that they use for host defense

by catalyzing the production of superoxide. Bacterial

lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been found to stimulate NADPH oxidase in

mobile and sessile macrophages and microglia. It also evokes fever in

homeothermic animals and men, a reaction mediated by central nervous

system (CNS) activities. The purpose of the present study was to

determine whether reactive oxygen species are involved in LPS-induced

fever. In rabbits we found that plasma hydroperoxide levels increased

and catalase activity decreased 15 min after LPS injection and that

fever started with a similar latency, while plasma levels of tumor

necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) increased 30 min after the

injection. Treating rabbits with methylene blue or aspirin did not

affect TNFalpha secretion but prevented the LPS-induced rise of

hydroperoxides and the inactivation of catalase, abolishing fever.

Incubation of human blood with nitroblue tetrazolium and LPS

increased the number of formazan-positive neutrophils from 10 +/- 5

to 52 +/- 9%. Adding LPS to blood preincubated with either methylene

blue, alpha-lipoic acid, or aspirin respectively decreased the number

of formazan-positive neutrophils to 0.9 +/- 0.8, 0.8 +/- 0.9, or 2.0

+/- 0.9%, disclosing the antioxidant capacity of these drugs.

Systemic application of 80 mg/kg alpha-lipoic acid elicited heat-loss

reactions within 15 min and decreased core temperature by 2.2 +/- 0.3

degrees C within 2 h. Alpha-lipoic acid applied 45 min after LPS

induced antipyresis within 15 min, and this antipyresis was

associated with a decrease of elevated hydroperoxide levels and

restoration of catalase activity. Our results show that fever is

prevented when the production of reactive oxygen species is blocked

and that an elevated body temperature returns to normal when oxygen

radical production decreases. Estimation of plasma dihydrolipoic acid

(DHLA) levels following injection of 80 mg/kg alpha-lipoic acid in

afebrile and febrile rabbits revealed that this acid is converted

into DHLA, which in afebrile rabbits increased the plasma DHLA

concentration from 2.22 +/- 0.26 microg/ml to peak values of 8.60 +/-

2.28 microg/ml DHLA within 30 min and which in febrile rabbits

increased it from 0.84 +/- 0.22 microg/ml to peak values of 3.90 +/-

0.94 microg/ml within 15 min. Methylene blue, aspirin, and alpha-

lipoic acid, which all cross the blood-brain barrier, seem to act not

only on peripheral tissues but also on the CNS. Brain structures that

have been shown to sense oxidative stress are vicinal thiol groups

attached to the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptor. Their reduction

by thiol-reducing drugs like dithiothreitol or DHLA has been found to

increase glutamate-mediated neuronal excitability, while the opposite

effect has been observed after their oxidation.

Because we found that systemic application of alpha-lipoic acid in

the afebrile state elicits hypothermia and in the febrile state is

antipyretic, we think this type of NMDA receptor is involved in

thermoregulation and that oxidation of its thiol groups induces

fever. It appears that temperature homeostasis can be maintained only

if the redox homeostasis of the brain is guaranteed.

PMID: 12841635 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

_______Brain Res. 1996 Apr 22;717(1-2):184-8. _____________________

alpha-Lipoic acid protects against reperfusion injury following

cerebral ischemia in rats.

Panigrahi M, Sadguna Y, Shivakumar BR, Kolluri SV, Roy S, Packer L,

Ravindranath V.

Department of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Mental Health and

Neurosciences, Bangalore, India.

Ischemic-reperfusion injury in humans occurs in conditions such as

stroke, cardiac arrest, subarachnoid hemorrhage or head trauma.

Maximal tissue damage is observed during reperfusion, which is

primarily attributed to oxidative injury resulting from production of

oxygen free radicals. One of the major consequences of such damage is

the depletion of the cellular antioxidant, glutathione (GSH) leading

to oxidation of protein thiols to disulfides and the loss of activity

of critical enzymes having active thiol group(s). Thus, the

maintenance of thiol homeostasis is an important factor in cell

survival. The effect of thiol antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid and

the isopropyl ester of GSH was examined on the morbidity and

mortality of rats subjected to reperfusion following cerebral

ischemia induced by bilateral carotid artery occlusion and

hypotension. While the GSH isopropyl ester had no significant

protective effect; after pretreatment of rats, alpha-lipoic acid was

detected in the rat brain and it dramatically reduced the mortality

rate from 78% to 26% during 24 h of reperfusion. The natural thiol

antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid is effective in improving survival and

protecting the rat brain against reperfusion injury following

cerebral ischemia.

PMID: 8738270 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

This list is intended for patients to share personal experiences with each

other, not to give medical advice. If you are interested in any treatment

discussed here, please consult your doctor.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi Judi

In order to get my husbands neuropathy cleared up, he started with 800 mg per day but now is on 200 a day.. ala is pretty safe and its so important in filling in where the other antioxidants might be missing.. its the ONLY one that can convert itself into what you need... its very important to make glutathione and the selenium is important for that too...

that being said,, I AM NOT A DOC (YET) SO YOU NEED TO RUN THIS BY YOUR DOC OR HEALTH CARE PHYSICIAN... I AM JUST GIVING MY OPINION..

jaxjudi <judirachel@...> wrote:

For those of you that take the ALA, how much are you guys taking? My Holistic dr said I should be on 600mg a day. Seems like a lot!!She's alos suggested I start selenium, 200mg a day. Do you all take these?Thanks,JudiJackie

[Guest guest]

There is a book called "The Antioxidant Miracle" by Lester Packer,, I DO advise reading that one, its excellent and is in paperback so its not very expensive,

jaxjudi <judirachel@...> wrote:

For those of you that take the ALA, how much are you guys taking? My Holistic dr said I should be on 600mg a day. Seems like a lot!!She's alos suggested I start selenium, 200mg a day. Do you all take these?Thanks,JudiJackie

[Guest guest]

I'm taking 6 x 300mg per day of sustained release. I stagger the doses as

the sustained release is good for about 8 to 12 hours.

Sally

Alpha Lipoic Acid

For those of you that take the ALA, how much are you guys taking? My

Holistic dr said I should be on 600mg a day. Seems like a lot!!

She's alos suggested I start selenium, 200mg a day. Do you all take

these?

Thanks,

Judi

It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found

the support you need with us.

If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just

click the link-- Hepatitis C/

Happy Posting

[Guest guest]

Thanks for jumpin in here and helping Sally, it helps to hear it from someone who does take those higher amounts!

Sally Hines <shines@...> wrote:

I'm taking 6 x 300mg per day of sustained release. I stagger the doses asthe sustained release is good for about 8 to 12 hours.Sally-----Original Message-----From: Hepatitis C [mailto:Hepatitis C ] On Behalf Of judiSent: Wednesday, October 19, 2005 2:00 PMHepatitis C Subject: Alpha Lipoic AcidFor those of you that take the ALA, how much are you guys taking? My Holistic dr said I should be on 600mg a day. Seems like a lot!!She's alos suggested I start selenium, 200mg a day. Do you all take these?Thanks,JudiIt's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have foundthe support you need with us. If you are using email for your

posts, for easy access to our group, justclick the link-- Hepatitis C/Happy Posting

[Guest guest]

Its an individual thing, I think. I was advised by another "large doser" to take 2400mg a day. Turns out that was too much for me, but the 1800mg is tolerated well, and helps tremedously with my neuropathy, as well as other things.

I've been taking ALA for years. But I started the high doses about a year ago. Before that was about 300mg a day, usually. That was helping some, but not as much relief as I'm getting now.

Sally

-----Original Message-----From: Hepatitis C [mailto:Hepatitis C ] On Behalf Of Jackie onSent: Wednesday, October 19, 2005 9:17 PMHepatitis C Subject: RE: Alpha Lipoic Acid

Thanks for jumpin in here and helping Sally, it helps to hear it from someone who does take those higher amounts!

Sally Hines <shines@...> wrote:

I'm taking 6 x 300mg per day of sustained release. I stagger the doses asthe sustained release is good for about 8 to 12 hours.Sally-----Original Message-----From: Hepatitis C [mailto:Hepatitis C ] On Behalf Of judiSent: Wednesday, October 19, 2005 2:00 PMHepatitis C Subject: Alpha Lipoic AcidFor those of you that take the ALA, how much are you guys taking? My Holistic dr said I should be on 600mg a day. Seems like a lot!!She's alos suggested I start selenium, 200mg a day. Do you all take these?Thanks,JudiIt's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have foundthe support you need with us. If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, justclick the link-- Hepatitis C/Happy Posting

[Guest guest]

Hi Jax,

Recently I found this really great place. It's called the "library"! Seriously, it was like I completely forgot about it, and it felt really good being there.

Take care,

Jane

Re: Alpha Lipoic Acid

There is a book called "The Antioxidant Miracle" by Lester Packer,, I DO advise reading that one, its excellent and is in paperback so its not very expensive,

jax

[Guest guest]

Thanks Jax-

Yes, this is what my Holistic DR recommends.

Judi

> For those of you that take the ALA, how much are you guys taking?

My

> Holistic dr said I should be on 600mg a day. Seems like a lot!!

>

> She's alos suggested I start selenium, 200mg a day. Do you all

take

> these?

>

> Thanks,

> Judi

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you

have found the support you need with us.

>

> If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our

group, just click the link--

Hepatitis C/

>

> Happy Posting

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much - I was on 200mg a day but when my holistic DR said

it should be 600mg, well, it seemed like a lot. I am up to 400mg

now, and will add 200mg more in a couple days.

She said to start on 200mg of selenium too.

Thanks again-

Judi

>

> I'm taking 6 x 300mg per day of sustained release. I stagger the

doses as

> the sustained release is good for about 8 to 12 hours.

>

> Sally

>

> Alpha Lipoic Acid

>

>

> For those of you that take the ALA, how much are you guys taking?

My

> Holistic dr said I should be on 600mg a day. Seems like a lot!!

>

> She's alos suggested I start selenium, 200mg a day. Do you all

take

> these?

>

> Thanks,

> Judi

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you

have found

> the support you need with us.

>

> If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our

group, just

> click the link-- Hepatitis C/

>

> Happy Posting

>