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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
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
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
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.
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
Glutathione (GSH)
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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