li·po·ic ac·id

(li-pō'ik as'id),

A bacterial growth factor present in yeast and liver extracts; may be useful in the treatment of mushroom poisoning. Functions as the amide (lipoamide) cofactor in the disulfide (-S-S-) form in the transfer of "active aldehyde" (acetyl), the two-carbon fragment resulting from decarboxylation of pyruvate from α-hydroxyethylthiamin pyrophosphate to acetyl-CoA, itself being reduced to the dithiol form (that is, dihydrolipoic acid) in the process. Lipoic acid is also an essential component of other α-keto acid dehydrogenase complexes.

Synonym(s): acetate replacement factor, ovoprotogen, protogen, protogen A, pyruvate oxidation factor, thioctic acid

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

alpha-lipoic acid

A naturally occurring compound synthesised in small amounts by humans, which is regarded by some authors as a conditionally essential nutrient. It is an antioxidant and may have several roles in the body, such as the chelation of metals (cadmium, copper, iron, lead, mercury and others) and extraction of energy from food. Alpha-lipoic acid is said be effective in treating cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus (by preventing glycation), strokes, gangrene, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and retinal degeneration.

The body of peer-reviewed data is limited, but suggests that intravenous lipoic acid may improve peripheral neuropathy in diabetics.

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References in periodicals archive

BMI, age, sex, and medications were controlled variables and medications included are SU, glinide, AGI, DPP-IV inhibitor, insulin, ACE inhibitor, ARB, CCB, thiazide, [beta]-blocker, statin, fenofibrate, cilostazol, and thioctic acid. TABLE 3: Pearson's correlation coefficient of CTRP1 with HOMA-[beta] and HOMA-IR.

Circulating CTRP1 levels in type 2 diabetes and their association with FGF21

Thioctic acid and dihydrolipoic acid are novel antioxidants which interact with reactive oxygen species.

Effects of alpha lipoic acid on blood lipids, renal indices, antioxidant enzymes, insulin and glucose level in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

The addition of vitamins [B.sub.1] + [B.sub.6] + [B.sub.12] enhanced the growth of fungi in the presence of phenol [169], while the addition of a vitamin solution containing biotin, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, and thioctic acid increased phenolic degradation by between 7 and 16% [170].

Aliphatic, cyclic, and aromatic organic acids, vitamins, and carbohydrates in soil: a review

Burning mouth syndrome: open trial of psychotherapy alone, medication with alpha-lipoic acid (thioctic acid), and combination therapy.

Burning mouth syndrome: a perspective

Thioctic acid (TA) level and its antioxidant capacity were monitored by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in solution and in human plasma.

PULSED VOLTAMMETRY OF LIPOIC ACID AT GLASSY CARBON

Voltammetry of immobilized cytochrome c on novel binary self-assembled monolayers of thioctic acid and thioctic amide modified gold electrodes.

Electrohemical properties of carbon nanotube paste electrodes modified with redox cationic dyes/Propriedades eletroquimicas de eletrodos a base de pasta de nanotubo de carbono modificados com corantes redox cationicos

The products include Ester-C, a form of natural vitamin C, and also feature ingredients such as vitamin E to naturally moisturize, green tea to shield skin from environmental stressors and Thioctic Acid, an essential nutrient that helps to create a healthy, even skin tone.

Applying the fountain of youth

One of the first products in the natural channel to include SPF 30 for daily use, the lotion features a unique Multi-Antioxidant Complex containing Ester-C, vitamin C and thioctic acid. This exclusive combination works to help reduce the damage incurred by sun, stress and time, while replenishing critical moisture levels, according to The Hain Celestial Group, the Melville, N.Y.-based manufacturer of the product.

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Two international studies now are underway to determine the role of alpha-lipoic acid (also known as thioctic acid in Europe) in the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid for Diabetic Neuropathy

McIlduff, "Critical appraisal of the use of alpha lipoic acid (thioctic acid) in the treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy," Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, vol.

Treatment with [alpha]-lipoic acid over 16 weeks in type 2 diabetic patients with symptomatic polyneuropathy who responded to initial 4-week high-dose loading

Thioctic acid for patients with symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy: a critical review.

How lipoic acid preserves critical mitochondrial function