Alpha lipoic acid in obstetrics and gynecology

Abstract

Alpha-Lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural antioxidant synthetized by plants and animals, identified as a catalytic agent for oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate and α-ketoglutarate. In this review, we analyzed the action of ALA in gynecology and obstetrics focusing in particular on neuropathic pain and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed and Cochrane Library for retrieving articles in English language on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ALA in gynecological and obstetrical conditions. ALA reduces oxidative stress and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The association of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), and bromelain (Br) is used for prevention and treatment of endometriosis. In association with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) with amitriptyline is used for treatment of vestibulodynia/painful bladder syndrome (VBD/PBS). A promising area of research is ALA supplementation in patients with threatened miscarriage to improve the subchorionic hematoma resorption. Furthermore, ALA could be used in prevention of diabetic embryopathy and premature rupture of fetal membranes induced by inflamation. In conclusion, ALA can be safely used for treatment of neuropatic pain and as a dietary support during pregnancy.

Chinese abstract

α硫辛酸（ALA）是由动植物合成的天然抗氧化剂, 是丙酮酸和α-酮戊二酸氧化脱羧的催化剂。本文献分析了ALA在妇产科的应用, 尤其是在神经性疼痛、抗氧化和抗炎症反应的应用。在PubMed 和Cochrane Library全面检索了关于ALA在妇产科抗氧化和抗炎症反应方面相关的英文文献。ALA 降低了多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者的氧化应激和胰岛素抵抗。N-乙酰半胱氨酸 (NAC), α硫辛酸(ALA), 菠萝蛋白酶(Br)联合应用预防和治疗子宫内膜异位症。Ω-3 多元未饱和脂肪酸 (n-3 PUFAs) 与阿米替林联合治疗前庭痛/疼痛性膀胱综合征 (VBD/PBS)。先兆流产患者补充ALA可以加快绒毛下血肿的吸收。而且ALA可以预防糖尿病性胚胎病和感染性胎膜早破。总之, ALA治疗神经性疼痛和孕期营养补充方面安全有效。

Keywords:

• Alpha-lipoic acid
• antioxidant
• neuropatic pain
• threatened miscarriage
• polycystic ovary syndrome

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.