Chemistry and Biochemistry of α‐Lipoic Acid

Abstract

The principal physiological function of Iipoic acid appears to 02 its action as coenzyme in the oxidative decarboxylation of a-0x0 acids. In order to find out whether Iipoic acid is essential to higher organisms, structurally modified lipoic acids were prepared as potential antagonists. Only 4-oxalipoamide promotes the growth of S. faecalis 8043; the other substances tested are inactive or else inhibit growth. In experiments to determine the substrate specificity of lipoamide oxidoreductase and its inhibition by structurally modified lipoic acids, no strong inhibitors were discovered. -Ring strain, spectra, and ring cleavage of compounds containing the 1,2-dithiolane ring are discussed in relation to the biological function and the reactivity of Iipoic acid.

Augmentation of the Antibody Response by Lipoic Acid in Mice II. Restoration of the Antibody Response in Immunosuppressed Mice

“…If Lip would show an augmenting effect on the antibody response in vivo as well as in vitro, this compound might be expected to be an immunostimulant for therapeutic use. Lip has been reported to be effective for the therapy of liver damages and heavy metal poisoning (7). In the present paper, we report that Lip was able to restore the antibody response in immunosuppressed mice.…”

Augmentation of the Antibody Response by Lipoic Acid in Mice I. Analysis of the Mode of Action in an In Vitro Culture System

“…It seems worth while to search among these sulfur-containing compounds for an effective immunostimulant that is excellent for therapeutic use. Lip is a naturally occurring disulfide compound, and it has been reported to be effective for the therapy of liver damages and heavy metal poisoning (22). The immunostimulating activities of Lip reported here is a novel pharmacological effect of this compound.…”

The use of fungi as food and in food processing, II

“…In suspected cases of A. phalloides (or its close relatives) poisoning, SGOT and SGPT levels should be monitored in order to determine early if liver damage has occurred. According to Schmidt et al, 156 thioctic acid is an essential cofactor in several enzymatic processes and the LD S 0 for mice is 160 to 275 mg/kg. Simons 165 has pointed out that thioctic acid does not have FDA approval for treatment of any disease.…”