Alpha Lipoic Acid Studied in Oxidative Stress

In a recent review article, researchers discussed the mechanism in which alpha lipoic acid reduces oxidative stress. In this article, researchers assessed the causes of increased oxidative stress and the relationship with decreased insulin responsiveness in the body.

Free radicals induce oxidative damage. In the body, free radicals are created as a normal physiological by-product in various pathways. However, increased blood glucose can up-regulate these pathways, resulting in increased free radical production. Two of these pathways include the production of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide ion in the mitochondria (the organelle in the cell primarily responsible for synthesizing cellular energy) and NADPH oxidase, which is activated by angiotensin II receptors and plays a role in blood pressure control.

Alpha lipoic acid has been shown to decrease oxidative stress and improve glucose utilization in models of poor insulin responsiveness. Alpha lipoic acid has also been shown to reduce the formation of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), which are markers of oxidative damage that can be synthesized under conditions of elevated blood glucose. AGEs are formed when a sugar attaches itself to a biological protein. These molecules are associated with many complications related to elevated blood sugar levels.

Thus, the review authors concluded that, “strategies to prevent and ameliorate oxidative stress remain important” in normal blood sugar control and reduced insulin responsiveness.

Reference:

Henriksen EJ, Diamond-Stanic MK, Marchionne EM. Oxidative stress and the etiology of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Free Radic Biol Med. 2010 Dec 13. Published Online Ahead of Print.