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Bellini C, Mancin F, Papini E, Tavano R. Nanotechnological Approaches to Enhance the Potential of α-Lipoic Acid for Application in the Clinic. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:706. [PMID: 38929145 PMCID: PMC11201002 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
α-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring compound with potent antioxidant properties that helps protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress. Its incorporation into nanoplatforms can affect factors like bioavailability, stability, reactivity, and targeted delivery. Nanoformulations of α-lipoic acid can significantly enhance its solubility and absorption, making it more bioavailable. While α-lipoic acid can be prone to degradation in its free form, encapsulation within nanoparticles ensures its stability over time, and its release in a controlled and sustained manner to the targeted tissues and cells. In addition, α-lipoic acid can be combined with other compounds, such as other antioxidants, drugs, or nanomaterials, to create synergistic effects that enhance their overall therapeutic benefits or hinder their potential cytotoxicity. This review outlines the advantages and drawbacks associated with the use of α-lipoic acid, as well as various nanotechnological approaches employed to enhance its therapeutic effectiveness, whether alone or in combination with other bioactive agents. Furthermore, it describes the engineering of α-lipoic acid to produce poly(α-lipoic acid) nanoparticles, which hold promise as an effective drug delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bellini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/b, 35121 Padova, Italy; (C.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Fabrizio Mancin
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 1, 35121 Padova, Italy;
| | - Emanuele Papini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/b, 35121 Padova, Italy; (C.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Regina Tavano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/b, 35121 Padova, Italy; (C.B.); (E.P.)
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Cameron M, Taylor C, Lapidus J, Ramsey K, Koop D, Spain R. Gastrointestinal Tolerability and Absorption of R- Versus R,S-Lipoic Acid in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Crossover Trial. J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 60:1099-1106. [PMID: 32212340 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We compared the gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability and assessed for bioequivalent absorption of R-lipoic acid (LA) in people with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) in a single-center, double-blind, randomized crossover trial. Participants randomly assigned to formulation sequence took 600 mg of R-LA or 1200 mg of a 1:1 racemic R,S-LA mixture in single daily doses for 7 to 10 days, underwent a washout of at least 7 days, and then took the other form of LA for 7 to 10 days. At the end of each period on LA, GI symptoms were assessed with GI questions from the Monitoring of Side Effects Scale. Serum LA concentrations were measured before and 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after the first and last day's dose of each form of LA to derive an area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum serum concentration (Cmax ). Twenty participants enrolled (12 women; 15 secondary progressive MS, 5 primary progressive MS; mean age, 59.6 years). Two withdrew early due to symptoms while taking R,S-LA, and one withdrew early while taking R-LA. The mean GI Monitoring of Side Effects Scale score was 1.7 points lower on R-LA than on R,S-LA (P = .069), and there were fewer reports of each GI side effect when taking the R-LA than the R,S-LA (31 vs 60; P = .025). The AUC and Cmax for R-LA were bioequivalent for the 2 formulations (90% confidence intervals 97.4% to 99.3% for AUC and 93.4% to 98.2% for Cmax ). This study supports that in people with progressive MS, there is better GI tolerability and bioequivalent serum absorption of R-LA when 600 mg of R-LA is taken as R-LA alone than when taken in a 1:1 racemic R,S-LA mixture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Cameron
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Portland Veterans Administration, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Cassidy Taylor
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jodi Lapidus
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Katrina Ramsey
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Dennis Koop
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Rebecca Spain
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Portland Veterans Administration, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Xia N, Liu T, Wang Q, Xia Q, Bian X. In vitro evaluation of α-lipoic acid-loaded lipid nanocapsules for topical delivery. J Microencapsul 2017; 34:571-581. [PMID: 28830289 DOI: 10.1080/02652048.2017.1367852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed at in vitro evaluation of α-lipoic acid-loaded lipid nanocapsules for topical delivery, which was prepared by hot high-pressure homogenisation. Stable particles could be formed and particle size was 148.54 ± 2.31 nm with polydispersity index below 0.15. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of α-lipoic acid were 95.23 ± 0.45% and 2.81 ± 0.37%. Antioxidant study showed α-lipoic acid could be protected by lipid nanocapsules without loss of antioxidant activity. Sustained release of α-lipoic acid from lipid nanocapsules was obtained and cumulative release was 62.18 ± 1.51%. In vitro percutaneous study showed the amount of α-lipoic acid distributed in skin was 1.7-fold than permeated. Cytotoxicity assay and antioxidant activity on L929 cells indicated this formulation had low cytotoxicity and ability of protecting cells from oxidative damage within specific concentration. These studies suggested α-lipoic acid-loaded lipid nanocapsules could be potential formulation for topical delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Xia
- a School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics , Southeast University , Nanjing , China.,b Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology , Suzhou , China.,c National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education , Southeast University , Nanjing , China
| | - Tian Liu
- b Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology , Suzhou , China.,d Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine , Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , China
| | - Qiang Wang
- a School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics , Southeast University , Nanjing , China.,b Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology , Suzhou , China.,c National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education , Southeast University , Nanjing , China
| | - Qiang Xia
- a School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics , Southeast University , Nanjing , China.,b Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology , Suzhou , China.,c National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education , Southeast University , Nanjing , China
| | - Xiaoli Bian
- d Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine , Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , China
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Hiller S, DeKroon R, Hamlett ED, Xu L, Osorio C, Robinette J, Winnik W, Simington S, Maeda N, Alzate O, Yi X. Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation protects enzymes from damage by nitrosative and oxidative stress. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2015; 1860:36-45. [PMID: 26344063 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND S-nitrosylation of mitochondrial enzymes involved in energy transfer under nitrosative stress may result in ATP deficiency. We investigated whether α-lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant, could alleviate nitrosative stress by regulating S-nitrosylation, which could result in retaining the mitochondrial enzyme activity. METHODS In this study, we have identified the S-nitrosylated forms of subunit 1 of dihydrolipoyllysine succinyltransferase (complex III), and subunit 2 of the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex by implementing a fluorescence-based differential quantitative proteomics method. RESULTS We found that the activities of these two mitochondrial enzymes were partially but reversibly inhibited by S-nitrosylation in cultured endothelial cells, and that their activities were partially restored by supplementation of α-lipoic acid. We show that protein S-nitrosylation affects the activity of mitochondrial enzymes that are central to energy supply, and that α-lipoic acid protects mitochondrial enzymes by altering S-nitrosylation levels. CONCLUSIONS Inhibiting protein S-nitrosylation with α-lipoic acid seems to be a protective mechanism against nitrosative stress. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Identification and characterization of these new protein targets should contribute to expanding the therapeutic power of α-lipoic acid and to a better understanding of the underlying antioxidant mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Hiller
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Robert DeKroon
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Eric D Hamlett
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Longquan Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Cristina Osorio
- Systems Proteomics Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jennifer Robinette
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Systems Proteomics Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Witold Winnik
- Proteomic Research Core Unit, NHEERL, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Stephen Simington
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Nobuyo Maeda
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Oscar Alzate
- Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX, United States.
| | - Xianwen Yi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
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Ali SO, Darwish HAEM, Ismail NAEF. Modulatory effects of curcumin, silybin-phytosome and alpha-R-lipoic acid against thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis in rats. Chem Biol Interact 2014; 216:26-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2014.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Ibrahim S, Gao D, Sinko PJ. Selective cytotoxicity and combined effects of camptothecin or paclitaxel with sodium-R-alpha lipoate on A549 human non-small cell lung cancer cells. Nutr Cancer 2013; 66:492-9. [PMID: 24063429 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2013.749290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and remains the deadliest form of cancer in the United States and worldwide. New therapies are highly sought after to improve outcome. The effect of sodium-R-alpha lipoate on camptothecin- and paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity was evaluated on A549 NSCLC and BEAS-2B "normal" lung epithelial cells. Combination indices (CI) and dose reduction indices (DRI) were investigated by studying the cytotoxicity of sodium-R-alpha lipoate (0-16 mM), camptothecin (0-25 nM) and paclitaxel (0-0.06 nM) alone and in combination. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium-bromide (MTT) was used to assess cytotoxicity. The combinational cytotoxic effects of sodium-R-alpha lipoate with camptothecin or paclitaxel were analyzed using a simulation of dose effects (CompuSyn® 3.01). The effects of sodium-R-alpha lipoate on camptothecin- and paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity varied based on concentrations and treatment times. It was found that sodium-R-alpha lipoate wasn't cytotoxic toward BEAS-2B cells at any of the concentrations tested. For A549 cells, CIs [(additive (CI = 1); synergistic (CI < 1); antagonistic (CI < 1)] were lower and DRIs were higher for the camptothecin/sodium-R-alpha-lipoate combination (CI = ∼0.17-1.5; DRI = ∼2.2-22.6) than the paclitaxel/sodium-R-alpha-lipoate combination (CI = ∼0.8-9.9; DRI = ∼0.10-5.8) suggesting that the camptothecin regimen was synergistic and that the addition of sodium-R-alpha lipoate was important for reducing the camptothecin dose and potential for adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif Ibrahim
- a Department of Pharmaceutics , Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , New Brunswick , New Jersey , USA
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Brain activity of thioctic Acid enantiomers: in vitro and in vivo studies in an animal model of cerebrovascular injury. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:4580-95. [PMID: 23443159 PMCID: PMC3634420 DOI: 10.3390/ijms14034580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defense mechanisms, potentially leading to tissue damage. Oxidative stress has a key role in the development of cerebrovascular and/or neurodegenerative diseases. This phenomenon is mainly mediated by an enhanced superoxide production by the vascular endothelium with its consequent dysfunction. Thioctic, also known as alpha-lipoic acid (1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid), is a naturally occurring antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the fatty and watery regions of cells. Both the reduced and oxidized forms of the compound possess antioxidant ability. Thioctic acid has two optical isomers designated as (+)- and (−)-thioctic acid. Naturally occurring thioctic acid is the (+)-thioctic acid form, but the synthetic compound largely used in the market for stability reasons is a mixture of (+)- and (−)-thioctic acid. The present study was designed to compare the antioxidant activity of the two enantiomers versus the racemic form of thioctic acid on hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in a rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cell line. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and free oxygen radical species (ROS) production was assessed by flow cytometry. Antioxidant activity of the two enantiomers and the racemic form of thioctic acid was also evaluated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) used as an in vivo model of increased oxidative stress. A 3-h exposure of PC12 cells to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) significantly decreased cell viability and increased levels of intracellular ROS production. Pre-treatment with racemic thioctic acid or (+)-enantiomer significantly inhibited H2O2-induced decrease in cell viability from the concentration of 50 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L, respectively. Racemic thioctic acid and (+)-salt decreased levels of intracellular ROS, which were unaffected by (−)-thioctic acid. In the brain of SHR, the occurrence of astrogliosis and neuronal damage, with a decreased expression of neurofilament 200 kDa were observed. Treatment of SHR for 30 days with (+)-thioctic acid reduced the size of astrocytes and increased the neurofilament immunoreaction. The above findings could contribute to clarify the role played by thioctic acid in central nervous system injury related to oxidative stress. The more pronounced effect of (+)-thioctic acid observed in this study may have practical therapeutic implications worthy of being investigated in further preclinical and clinical studies.
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Ide T, Azechi A, Suzuki N, Kunimatsu Y, Nakajima C, Kitade S. Effects of dietary α-lipoic acid enantiomers on hepatic fatty acid metabolism in rats. J Funct Foods 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2012.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Yamasaki M, Iwase M, Kawano K, Sakakibara Y, Suiko M, Nishiyama K. Alpha lipoic acid selectively inhibits proliferation and adhesion to fibronectin of v-H-ras-transformed 3Y1 cells. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2011; 50:234-40. [PMID: 22573927 PMCID: PMC3334378 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.11-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we focused on the effects of racemic α-lipoic acid on proliferation and adhesion properties of 3Y1 rat fibroblasts and the v-H-ras-transformed derivative, HR-3Y1-2 cells. Racemic α-lipoic acid inhibited proliferation of HR-3Y1-2 but not 3Y1 cells at 0.3 and 1.0 mM. R-(+)-α-lipoic acid also inhibited proliferation of HR-3Y1-2 cells equivalent to that of racemic α-lipoic acid. In addition, racemic α-lipoic acid decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels in HR-3Y1 cells but not 3Y1 cells. Next, we evaluated the effects of racemic α-lipoic acid on cell adhesion to fibronectin. The results indicated that racemic α-lipoic acid decreased adhesive ability of HR-3Y1-2 cells to fibronectin-coated plates. As blocking antibody experiment revealed that β1-integrin plays a key role in cell adhesion in this experimental system, the effects of racemic α-lipoic acid on the expression of β1-integrin were examined. The results indicated that racemic α-lipoic acid selectively downregulated the expression of cell surface β1-integrin expression in HR-3Y1-2 cells. Intriguingly, exogenous hydrogen peroxide upregulated cell surface β1-integrin expression in 3Y1 cells. Taken together, these data suggest that reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species levels by α-lipoic acid could be an effective means of ameliorating abnormal growth and adhesive properties in v-H-ras transformed cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masao Yamasaki
- Department of Biochemistry and Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuenkibanadai-nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
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Salinthone S, Schillace RV, Tsang C, Regan JW, Bourdette DN, Carr DW. Lipoic acid stimulates cAMP production via G protein-coupled receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms. J Nutr Biochem 2010; 22:681-90. [PMID: 21036588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2010.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2009] [Revised: 05/14/2010] [Accepted: 05/28/2010] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Lipoic acid (LA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid that exhibits anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is being pursued as a therapeutic for many diseases including multiple sclerosis, diabetic polyneuropathy and Alzheimer's disease. We previously reported on the novel finding that racemic LA (50:50 mixture of R-LA and S-LA) stimulates cAMP production, activates prostanoid EP2 and EP4 receptors and adenylyl cyclases (AC), and suppresses activation and cytotoxicity in NK cells. In this study, we present evidence that furthers our understanding of the mechanisms of action of LA. Using various LA derivatives, such as dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), S,S-dimethyl lipoic acid (DMLA) and lipoamide (LPM), we discovered that only LA is capable of stimulating cAMP production in NK cells. Furthermore, there is no difference in cAMP production after stimulation with either R-LA, S-LA or racemic LA. Competition and synergistic studies indicate that LA may also activate AC independent of the EP2 and EP4 receptors. Pretreatment of PBMCs with KH7 (a specific peptide inhibitor of soluble AC) and the calcium inhibitor (Bapta) prior to LA treatment resulted in reduced cAMP levels, suggesting that soluble AC and calcium signaling mediate LA stimulation of cAMP production. In addition, pharmacological inhibitor studies demonstrate that LA also activates other G protein-coupled receptors, including histamine and adenosine but not the β-adrenergic receptors. These novel findings provide information to better understand the mechanisms of action of LA, which can help facilitate the use of LA as a therapeutic for various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonemany Salinthone
- Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Melli G, Taiana M, Camozzi F, Triolo D, Podini P, Quattrini A, Taroni F, Lauria G. Alpha-lipoic acid prevents mitochondrial damage and neurotoxicity in experimental chemotherapy neuropathy. Exp Neurol 2008; 214:276-84. [PMID: 18809400 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2008.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2008] [Revised: 08/08/2008] [Accepted: 08/21/2008] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The study investigates if alpha-lipoic acid is neuroprotective against chemotherapy induced neurotoxicity, if mitochondrial damage plays a critical role in toxic neurodegenerative cascade, and if neuroprotective effects of alpha-lipoic acid depend on mitochondria protection. We used an in vitro model of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy that closely mimic the in vivo condition by exposing primary cultures of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons to paclitaxel and cisplatin, two widely used and highly effective chemotherapeutic drugs. This approach allowed investigating the efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid in preventing axonal damage and apoptosis and the function and ultrastructural morphology of mitochondria after exposure to toxic agents and alpha-lipoic acid. Our results demonstrate that both cisplatin and paclitaxel cause early mitochondrial impairment with loss of membrane potential and induction of autophagic vacuoles in neurons. Alpha-lipoic acid exerts neuroprotective effects against chemotherapy induced neurotoxicity in sensory neurons: it rescues the mitochondrial toxicity and induces the expression of frataxin, an essential mitochondrial protein with anti-oxidant and chaperone properties. In conclusion mitochondrial toxicity is an early common event both in paclitaxel and cisplatin induced neurotoxicity. Alpha-lipoic acid protects sensory neurons through its anti-oxidant and mitochondrial regulatory functions, possibly inducing the expression of frataxin. These findings suggest that alpha-lipoic acid might reduce the risk of developing peripheral nerve toxicity in patients undergoing chemotherapy and encourage further confirmatory clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Melli
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Foundation Neurological Institute Carlo Besta, Via Celoria, 11 20133, Milan, Italy.
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