α-Lipoic acid supplementation up-regulates antioxidant capacity in adults with G6PD deficiency

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of α-lipoic acid (LA) supplementation on blood redox status in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Eight adults with G6PD deficiency (D group) and eight controls with normal G6PD levels (N group) participated in this study. Participants received LA (600 mg/day) for 28 days. At baseline, 2 and 4 weeks after supplementation, venous blood was collected for analysis of reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase, protein carbonyls (PC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), bilirubin, uric acid (UA) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Baseline GSH was lower (P < 0.05) in D compared to N group whereas LA supplementation for 2 and 4 weeks increased significantly (P < 0.05) GSH levels in both groups. Catalase and TAC increased (P < 0.05) in both groups following 2 and 4 weeks of supplementation. Baseline TBARS values were higher (P < 0.05) in D compared to N group while LA supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) TBARS and PC in both groups. There were no differences for UA at baseline between the two groups but LA supplementation increased significantly UA levels only in the D group. Bilirubin and Hb were unchanged. These results indicate that LA supplementation may modulate redox status regardless G6PD deficiency.

► G6PD deficient people exhibit lower glutathione levels and higher lipid peroxidation.
► α-Lipoic acid supplementation increases glutathione levels and antioxidant capacity.
► α-Lipoic acid supplementation lowers protein carbonyls and TBARS.
► α-Lipoic acid supplementation may modulate redox status regardless G6PD deficiency.