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the cytosol and the DNA in the cell's nucleus from NF-kappa-B. Basically, this demonstrates the capability of lipoic acid to suppress proto-oncogene expression.
67 |
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Cancer, being a sugar-lover, causes an increase in glycation, the modification of a protein by the action of a sugar molecule. Lipoic acid protects against and reduces glycation, another reason why this supplement is so valuable at every level of treatment and why it is also so useful as a form of protection against cancer and other chronic diseases. In addition, lipoic acid can increase immune surveillance and protect the bone marrow, the liver, and the kidneys from chemotherapy-induced toxicity.68 |
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Results of another recent study have shown that lipoic acid is a key element in enhancing glutathione synthesis, a finding that demonstrates the importance of lipoic acid in restoration of severely glutathione-deficient cells.69 |
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The effects of lipoic acid can be dramatic, and I have seen them clinically. I believe lipoic acid works so well because nature, instead of adding a hydroxal group to form a monophenol nutrient like vitamin E or adding several hydroxal groups similar to bioflavonoids, adds two sulfur atoms and links them together. These sulfur atoms have a lot to do with the way lipoic acid works as an enzyme, antioxidant, and pro-oxidant. I believe it works synergistically with omega-3 fatty acids and sulfur-rich proteins. The fact that the body's natural stores of lipoic acid diminish with age could be one of the many reasons why cancer incidence increases with age. |
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Studies have also shown that lipoic acid protects and enhances glutathione S-transferase (GST). Therefore, as lipoic acid diminishes, GST can suffer a loss of function or alteration; this decreases the body's ability to detoxify certain carcinogenic compounds and may increase the risk of developing and/or promoting cancer.70 |
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Glutathione (GSH) is a cysteine-containing tripeptide amino acid. It is the most abundant nonprotein thiol in mammals, evolving as a molecule that protects cells against oxidation. It maintains many important enzyme functions and other cellular components in a reduced state. Part of GSH's uniqueness is that it functions as a detoxifying agent both intracellularly and extracellularly, with the liver and lungs containing the highest levels. |
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