title: Increasing bioavailability of (R)-alpha-lipoic acid to boost antioxidant activity in the treatment of neuropathic pain.
abstract: a-lipoic acid (a-LA) is a potent natural antioxidant because it has a broad spectrum of action towards a great many free radical species and boosts the endogenous antioxidant systems.Although it is a multi-functional molecule, its pharmacokinetic characteristics pose restrictions to its use in the treatment of oxidative stress-dependent illnesses. Formulations that increase the bioavailability of a-LA have a better potential efficacy as adjuvants for the treatment of these conditions.This objective was achieved with a liquid formulation for oral use containing only R-aLA, the natural enantiomeric and most active form of a-lipoic acid.For the first time, the effects of this formulation were evaluated on neuropathic pain, a symptom caused by an increase in oxidative stress, regardless of the underlying cause. Neuropathic patients who have used this dietary supplement noticed an improvement in their quality of life and a significant reduction was observed in a number of certain descriptive pain parameters (intensity, burning, unpleasantness, superficial pain).Undoubtedly further, more in-depth, studies need to be conducted; however, this first investigation confirms the role of R-aLA as an anti-oxidant for the aetiological treatment of peripheral neuropathy. Increasing its plasma bioavailability even after a non-invasive administration through the oral route is a good starting point for proposing a valid adjuvant for the treatment of pain symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Centro Polidiagnostico "Benedetto Croce" - Giugliano (NA). mario.brufani@alice.it.
authors.forename: Emilia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Maglione
authors.forename: Cinzia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Marrese
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Migliaro
authors.forename: Fortuna
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Marcuccio
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Panico
authors.forename: Carmine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Salvati
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Citro
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Quercio
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Roncagliolo
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Torello
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brufani
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001682:Biological Availability; D006801:Humans; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019999:Pharmaceutical Solutions; D008063:Thioctic Acid / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D019999:Pharmaceutical Solutions; D008063:Thioctic Acid