Determination of Mechanisms of Action and Beneficial Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in the Treatment of Diabetic Complications

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has been widely prescribed drug for treatment and prevention of diabetic complications since it affects the main pathogenetic links. ALA has many biochemical functions acting as biological antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, metal chelators, reducing the oxidized forms of other antioxidant agents such as vitamin C and E and glutathione, and modulating the signaling transduction of several pathways, like insulin and of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells. Prescription of ALA was associated with improvement of neurons function and conduction has been shown in several experimental and clinical trials. ALA, which plays an essential role in mitochondrial bioenergetic reactions, was considered as a valuable therapeutic option in prevention and treatment of diabetic complications, first of all diabetic neuropathy.