title: Adverse effects of high doses of intravenous alpha lipoic Acid on liver mitochondria.
abstract: Alpha lipoic acid (ALA, thioctic acid), among other actions, is an essential coenzyme in the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl co-enzyme A. Therefore, it is necessary for the production of energy for aerobic organisms. Scientists have found that it can be used medically to help regenerate liver tissue, reverse the complications of diabetes mellitus, slow or stop the growth of cancer cells, and chelate heavy metals, among other actions. In this article, the authors describe the cellular mitochondrial damage from excessively high doses of this beneficial agent.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces (Dr Vigil).
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vigil
authors.affiliation: Integrative Medical Center of New Mexico, Las Cruces, Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science, New Mexico State University (Dr Berkson).
authors.forename: Burton M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Berkson
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Garcia).
authors.forename: Ana Patricia
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Garcia
keywords: Extremely high doses; acute hepatic necrosis; alpha-lipoic acid; cancer; diabetes; liver regeneration; mitochondrial structural damage
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