Utilization of lipoic acid in the clinical practice

Due to its long list of positive effects on the human body, (e.g., metabolism of protein, fats, carbohydrates and anti-oxidative properties) lipoic acid is widely used to treat liver conditions, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetic complications of various organs and several other conditions. In a recent study conducted in the Medical Military Academy at Kiev, Ukraine, 21 patients with chronic hepatitis B of moderate severity and 15 patients with chronic toxic hepatitis were treated with lipoic acid. The study confirmed the positive effects of lipoic acid on patients with chronic hepatitis of various different etiologies. It was noted that the clinical and biochemical indicators of the subjects had improved. Furthermore, lipoic acid proved to be a safe treatment method. Based on the data collected, extensive usage of lipoic acid for patients with chronic hepatitis of various etiologies should be strongly considered.

Based on the current biochemical understanding, lipoic acid is classified as a vitamin or vitamin-like substance. Its biological role is determined by its participation in the metabolism of the keto acids. In the presence of sulfa groups, lipoic acid tends to express its anti-oxidant properties The antioxidant effect of lipoic acid maximizes the efficient reparation of DNA molecules that incurred damage resulting from oxidative stress. Because of this, lipoic acid has a positive effect on the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, cholesterol and other organic elements. Lipoic acid can also be used as a detoxification agent in cases of heavy-metal poisoning and for certain medical and pharmacologic toxicities.

An insufficiency of lipoic acid leads to increased concentration of pyruvic acid and may trigger the development of acidosis. This condition may generate a variety of gastrointestinal disturbances, as well as anorexia, nausea, decreased normal gastric secretion and constipation. Other complications may include fatigue, bradycardia, low blood pressure and various peripheral neurological manifestations.

By 1955, the first therapeutic effects of lipoic acid had been observed. In particular, lipoic acid was found to be helpful in the treatment of certain liver conditions even including hepatic coma, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis and various neuropathies. Lipoic acid was found to help in gastroenterological, endocrine and cardiac conditions. Additionally, lipoic acid may be used to suppress a necrotic reaction in the liver. Its antioxidant effects can suppress fibrotic and cirrhotic changes in the liver as well as reduce the risk of a malignant transformation to hepatoma which is one of the deadliest cancers of the liver. Lipoic acid was found to increase the glycogen concentration in the liver, while, at the same time preserving current levels in the muscle fibers. It was also observed to increase blood circulation in the liver by 10 to 20%.

It was found that after four weeks of the daily lipoic acid use, the level of the liver enzymes, bilirubin had decreased. The most impressive effects were found in patients suffering from chronic low-grade hepatitis and fatty liver infiltration. It was shown that alpha lipoic acid, in combination with other medical treatments, helps to normalize lipid metabolism in the liver cells and decrease the inflammatory response in the liver.

A triple antioxidant regimen consisting of lipoic acid, Silymarin and selenium can be used as an inexpensive and a safe treatment for patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C. This complex found to slow the progression of hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver. The study showed that adequate treatment dose and duration are vitally important to achieve positive results. In fact, doses of 30 mg of alpha lipoic acid were found to be practically ineffective, while 300 mg of the supplement taken for at least six months successfully improved primary biochemical indices.

The main biological benefits of lipoic acid are:

• Enhances the passage of glucose into the cells via the activation of normal oxidation process.
• Suppresses protein destruction.
• General antioxidant effect.
• Lowers concentration of fatty acids in the blood stream.
• Reduces cholesterol.
• Increases protein synthesis.
• Protection from nuclear radiation as a result of its antioxidant properties.
• Improve hypoxic resistance of the cells.
• Anti-inflammatory effect.
• Promotes physiological bile drainage.

Lipoic acid was found to help patients suffering from hepatic encephalopathy and elevated levels of ammonium in the blood.

The effect of lipoic acid on the pancreas and the potential development of Type-I Diabetes mellitus was studied. The preventative usage of alpha lipoic acid could decrease the risk of Type-I Diabetes in susceptible individuals by decreasing the degree of inflammation.

Clinical effects of lipoic acid are especially impressive with patients suffering from diabetes, particularly, patients with diabetic neuropathy.

Lipoic acid also possesses impressive immunomodulating properties. In part, this is because when lipoic acid is ingested it activates phagocytosis. Phagocytosis is a mechanism unique to certain white cells. It is the process responsible for the destruction of foreign micro-organisms.

In cardiology, lipoic acid was used in Europe since the 70’s. At that time, the anti-ischemic effects of lipoic acid were discovered. Lipoic acid was found to decrease the resistance to hypoxia, a condition relating to a shortage in oxygen supply. Due to this property, lipoic acid treatment, when paired with other pharmacological preparations, proved to be beneficial for individuals suffering from high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.

The side effects of lipoic acid are extremely rare and usually mild. These include mild redness in the face, mild tachycardia or a mild allergic reaction in the skin. The multiple positive effects of lipoic acid certainly outweigh its risks.