Application of sulphur compounds in sport; ά-lipoic acid

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Application of sulphur compounds in sport; ά-lipoic acid

Journal Title: Medycyna Sportowa - Year 2009, Vol 25, Issue 5

Abstract

The sulphur-containing compounds such as biotin, glucosamine sulphate, allicine, taurine,ά-lipoic acid, S-adenosylmethionine, ergothioneine and glutathione are often used in sport. They participate in the coordinated regulation of antioxidant defence, carbohydrate and fatty metabolism, immunological response, nitric oxide synthesis and skeletal muscle regeneration.ά-lipoic acid (6,8-dithiooctanoic acid) is the first presented sulphur-containing compound which was recognised in the 1940s as a growth factor and glucose oxidation regulator. Nowadays,ά-lipoic acid is one of the most popular dietary supplements. It is promoted as an effective antioxidant and regulator of energy pathways.ά-lipoic acid (άLA) and its reduced form – dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) – are characterized by the presence of dithiolane ring or thiol residues, and come from cell synthesis or food. Both forms are able to scavenge reactive oxygen species (except for hydrogen peroxide), chelate metal ions (iron, copper, zinc etc.), regenerate antioxidants (glutathione, vitamin E and C), stimulate release of inflammatory mediators (pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines) and glucose transport as well as regulate cell signalling activating transcription factors NFkB and Nrf2. This review is focused on the current information concerning the biochemistry and function of ά-lipoic acid, especially its involvement in the pro- and antioxidant processes and the possible benefits of ά-lipoic acid supplementation for athletes, based on the newest literature.

Authors and Affiliations

Agnieszka Zembroń-Łacny, Anna Kasperska

Keywords

związki siarkowe stres oksydacyjny stan redoks sygnalizacja komórkowa wysiłek sulphur compounds Oxidative Stress redox status cellular signalling exercise

EP ID EP55777
DOI -
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