A number of studies show benefits of alpha lipoic acid in reducing systemic inflammation. This may be due to its action in reducing TNFa expression, which has been well established to decrease muscle function through protein loss and contractile disfunction (Reid, Li 2002). [1]

α-Lipoic acid inhibits TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation and adhesion molecule expression in human aortic endothelial cells. (Zhang, Frei 2001). [2]

Alpha-lipoicacid inhibits TNF-α induced NF-κB activation through blocking of MEKK1–MKK4–IKK signaling cascades. (Lee, Lee, Kim et al. 2007). [3]

ALA may prove useful in treating MS by inhibiting MMP-9 activity and interfering with T-cell migration into the CNS. (Yadav, Maracci et al. 2006). [4]

 

Footnotes:

1. Reid M, Li Y. Cytokines and oxidative signalling in skeletal muscle. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica , Volume 171, Issue 3, pages 225–232, 2001 as found at VIEW

2. 2. Zhang WJ, Frie B. α-Lipoic acid inhibits TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation and adhesion molecule expression in human aortic endothelial cells. The FASEB Journal, vol. 15 no. 13 2423-2432, 2001 as found at VIEW

3. Lee CK, Lee EY,Kim YG et al. Alpha-lipoicacid inhibits TNF-α induced NF-κB activation through blocking of MEKK1–MKK4–IKK signaling cascades. International Immunopharmacology , Volume 8, Issue 2, Feb. 2008, 362–370, 2007 as found at VIEW

4. 4. Yadav V, Marracci G,Lovera J,Woodward W,Bogardus K,Marquardt W,Shinto L,Morris C, Bourdette D. Lipoic acid in multiple sclerosis: a pilot study. Mult Scler , vol. 11 no. 2 159-165 , 2005 as found at VIEW