ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
ALA can increase human defenses against SARS-CoV-2 by increasing intracellular pH. ALA is a potent antioxidant and reduces oxidative stress and inhibits activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) and can play a vital role in the treatment of critically ill patients with COVID-19.
Serum and tissue lactate levels increase in COVID-19 patients who are critically ill. Since oxygenation of tissues is insufficient in patients with COVID-19, a hypoxic environment occurs that leads to blood clots. ALA directly activates pyruvate dehydrogenase, lowering serum lactate levels and reducing cell death.
Diabetes is a risk factor for more serious illness from COVID-19. Using ALA with insulin in patients with diabetes shows a synergistic effect against SARS-CoV-2.
ALA can reduce the viral load by preventing ACE2 upregulation. SARS-CoV-2 enters the cell by attaching to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) like SARS-CoV. ACE2 shows its proteolytic activity at acidic pH values. The most important feature that affects the entry of the virus into the cell is that the intracellular pH is low. The second important factor affecting the entry of the virus into the cell is the ACE2 level.
ALA increases the intracellular glutathione level and has positive effects such as chelation of metal ions such as mercury, cadmium, and lead, redistribution of redox-active divalent metal ions such as copper, and zinc, restoration of endogenous and exogenous antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E and CoQ10. Increasing these antioxidants levels by ALA may provide an initial defensive mechanism against COVID-19.
Zhong et al. administered 1200 mg ALA therapy to 17 patients critically ill with COVID-19. They reported that after 30 days of follow-up, the mortality rate was 2-fold lower in the ALA group than in the placebo group.
ALA activates ATP-sensitive K+ channels (ATP is the energy carrier to the cell using positivity charged potassium channels) increasing intracellular pH. By raising the pH in the cells ALA protects against severe COVID-19 illness.
Hydroxychloroquine also prevents the virus from entering the cell by increasing intracellular pH and altering the ACE2 structure.
Some people infected with COVID-19 developed neurological complications.
Antioxidants have been used as a tool for combating neurodegenerative diseases, since oxidative stress is one of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of various central nervous systems (CNS) disorders. α-Lipoic acid, as an antioxidant, has been investigated as a new therapeutic alternative for diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, depression and PD among others.
ALA has shown. positive benefits for people with PD. You can read more about the pro oxidant effects of L-DOPA and progression of neurodegeneration here. hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2...
ALA therapy could be effective in slowing cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer Disease and insulin resistance. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
ALA is shown to protect cells against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. In one study, administering lipoic acid improved survival in a mouse model of ALS. lifeextension.com/protocols...
Conventional medicine has fared poorly in the treatment of neurodegenerative illness. By adding scientifically studied natural interventions to conventional therapies, we may be able to target pathogenic mechanisms from multiple angles in hopes of slowing disease progression and improving quality of life.
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