Alpha lipoic acid ('97, '99, '06, '13, '20, '22, '23) - Diabetic Retinopathy

See more information about cataracts treatment and information and diabetic retinopathy treatment and information.

Oxidative stress is known to be a factor in many eye conditions (and other health conditions as well). These studies note that alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) reduces oxidative stress in addition to other benefits.

2023

This 2023 study used animal models to examine the transcorneal permeability of Lipoic Acid (LA) when integrated into Eudragit films. The results showed promise for using this method to treat cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye conditions. By incorporating Lipoic Acid, a natural antioxidant known for its effectiveness in prevention and treating ophthalmic complications (particularly in diabetic individuals), into these films, the permeability of LA into the cornea was significantly improved. This finding suggests the potential for more efficient delivery of LA to the eye, as well as for eye-drug delivery in general.

Bierbrauer KL, Comini LR, Leonhard V, Escobar Manzanelli MA, Castelli G, et al. (2023). Eudragit Films as Carriers of Lipoic Acid for Transcorneal Permeability. Polymers (Basel). Apr 5;15(7):1793.

2022

This study observed the effects of alpha-lipoic acid and hydroxy-propyl-methylcellulose-based eyedrops (HPMC, commonly used for the treatment of dry eye) for treating dry-eye symptoms in diabetic patients. Alpha-lipoic acid has previously been found to alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress in the ocular surface. The researchers found that the addition of ALC to HPMC increased the efficiency of the treatment as reflected on three parameters: the BUT (tear film break-up time), OSDI score (ocular surface disease index), and tear morphology

Roszkowska AM, Spinella R, Oliverio GW, Postorino EI, Signorino GA, et al. (2022). Effects of the Topical Use of the Natural Antioxidant Alpha-Lipoic Acid on the Ocular Surface of Diabetic Patients with Dry Eye Symptoms. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). Jun 27;27(7):202.

2020

Glycemic control, improved insulin sensitivity, and alleviation of diabetic complications such as neuropathy and cardiovascular diseases are pharmacological benefits of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). This 2020 review article provides an update on these benefits of ALA in dry eye disease and diabetic retinopathy that are prevalent in individuals with diabetes.

Ajith TA. (2020). Alpha-lipoic acid: A possible pharmacological agent for treating dry eye disease and retinopathy in diabetes. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. Dec;47(12):1883-1890.

2013

The researchers evaluated the literature and recent studies and reviews the current understanding of the role of alpha-lipoic acid, a natural antioxidant. They pointed out that ALA prevents both micro- and macro- damage to blood vessels resulting from over production of free radicals by mitochondria, and protects the pericytes that surround and protect the cells that line blood vessels, including the fine capillaries in our eyes. They opined that ALA acts through multiple mechanisms to reduce oxidative stress, improve insulin sensitivity (in patients with type-2 diabetes), and reduces vascular endothelial growth factor (a protein that stimulates extraneous blood vessel growth.

Nebbioso, M., Pranno, F., Pescosolido, N. (2013). Lipoic acid in animal models and clinical use in diabetic retinopathy. Expert Opin Pharmacother, Sep;14(13):1829-38.

2006

In an animal model extraneous capillary blood vessel growth is elevated (micro-neovascularization); in addition there is pericyte loss. Pericytes surround the cells that line blood capillaries and help to regular blood flow. Animals treated with the R form of alpha lipoic acid have reduced micro-neovascularization and increased amounts of pericytes which protect fine capillaries. In addition, there is reduced oxidative stress and normalization of other functions that govern capillary blood flow.

Lin, J., Bierhaus, A., Bugert, P., Dietrich, N., Feng, Y., et al. (2006). Effect of R-(+)-alpha-lipoic acid on experimental diabetic retinopathy. Diabetologia, May;49(5):1089-96.

1997

Researchers found that alpha lipoic acid has the capacity to lessen formation of diabetic cataracts, as well as diabetic retinopathy, and therefore appears to be an ideal neuroprotective supplement in the treatment of all brain and neural disorders aggravated or caused by free radical processes.

Packer, L., Tritschler, H.J., Wessel, K. (1997). Neuroprotection by the metabolic antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid. Free Radic Biol Med, 1997;22(1-2):359-78