lipoic acid

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

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lipoic acid

(lĭ-pō′ĭk)

n.

An organic acid, C₈H₁₄S₂O₂, that is essential for decarboxylation of pyruvate to acetyl coenzyme A during aerobic metabolism. It is also used as a dietary supplement for its antioxidant properties.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.