Unique in its two-fold protective function, alpha-lipoic acid has drawn unprecedented interest for its role as a coenzyme in mitochondrial energy metabolism and as an antioxidant and cell redox modulator. Divided into three sections, this book covers the latest discoveries in the chemistry, biological action, and significance of alpha-lipoic acid in energy production, antioxidant activity, and health. Section I reviews the discovery, molecular structure, biosynthesis, and characterization of lipoic acid. Section II describes metabolic aspects and human pharmacodynamics and explains its role in energy production and antioxidant activity. Section III discusses clinical aspects and the treatment of metabolic syndromes and loss of mitochondrial function with lipoic acid supplementation.

Mulchand S. Patel, Lester Packer

Discovery molecular structure,A Trail of Research on Lipoic Acid, Lipoic Acid Biosynthesis, The Search for Potent ¿-lipoic Acid Derivatives: Chemical and Pharmacological Aspects, Novel Indole Lipoic Acid Derivatives: Synthesis and their Antioxidant Effects, Metabolic aspects, The ¿-keto Acid Dehydrogenase Complexes and Glycine Cleavage System: Their Involvement in Pathways of Carbohydrate, Protein, and Fat Metabolism, Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Regulation and Lipoic Acid, Role of Lipoyl Domains in the Function and Regulation of the Mammalian Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex, Inactivation and Inhibition of ¿-ketoglutarate Dehydrogenase: Oxidative Modulation of Lipoic Acid, Lipoate-Protein Ligase A: Structure and Function, A Review of the Stability & Preliminary Evaluation of the Plasma Pharmacokinetics of R-lipoic acid & R-Dihydrolipoic Acid Dosage Forms in Human Plasma from Healthy Volunteers, The Pharmacokinetics, Metabolism and Renal Excretion of ¿-lipoic Acid and its Main Metabolites in Humans, Modulation of Cellular Redox and Metabolic Status by Lipoic Acid, The "Redoxin" Connection of Lipoic Acid, Lipoic Acid as an Inducer of Phase II Detoxification Enzymes through Activation of Nrf2-dependent Gene Expression, Clinical aspects, Deficiency Disorders of Components of the PDH Complex: E2, BP & E3 Deficiencies, The Relationship between Primary Biliary Cirrhosis and Lipoic Acid, Effects of Lipoic Acid on Insulin Action in Animal Models of Insulin Resistance, Activation of Cytoprotective Signaling Pathways by Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Selenotrisulfide Derivatives of Alpha Lipoic Acid: Potential Use as a Novel Topical Antioxidant, Alpha-Lipoic Acid: A Potent Mitochondrial Nutrient for Improving Memory Deficit, Oxidative Stress, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid on AMP-Activated Kinase in Different Tissues: Therapeutic Implications for the Metabolic Syndrome