The circadian rhythm regulates biological processes that occur within 24 h in living organisms. It plays a fundamental role in maintaining biological functions and responds to several inputs, including food intake, light/dark cycle, sleep/wake cycle, and physical activity. The circadian timing system comprises a central clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and tissue-specific clocks in peripheral tissues. Several studies show that the desynchronization of central and peripheral clocks is associated with an increased incidence of insulin resistance (IR) and related diseases. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the impact of circadian clock dysregulation on insulin action. We focus our attention on two possible mediators of this interaction: the phosphatases belonging to the pleckstrin homology leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase family (PHLPP) family and the deacetylase Sirtuin1. We believe that literature data, herein summarized, suggest that a thorough change of life habits, with the return to synchronized food intake, physical activity, and rest, would doubtless halt the vicious cycle linking IR to dysregulated circadian rhythms. However, since such a comprehensive change may be incompatible with the demand of modern society, clarifying the pathways involved may, nonetheless, contribute to the identification of therapeutic targets that may be exploited to cure or prevent IR-related diseases.
Within our organism, during the numerous metabolic reactions, free radicals (or ROS) are formed, unstable molecules that contain one or more unseated electrons and are responsible for oxidative stress. The organism must cope with and eliminate these free radicals that can create indiscriminate damage on biological macromolecules. To counteract their action and prevent cellular oxidation, the presence of molecules defined as antioxidants is fundamental. Some studies have seen that oxidative stress, caused by the presence of free radicals, is related to the onset of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, tumors and other chronic diseases.Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an acid know for its positive effects on health, in particular its antidiabetic and antioxidant effects, and its effects on weight loss. Given its properties, in this study we want to explain in detail the mechanisms that determine these effects, also based on what is found in the literature. Objective: Analyze the importance of alpha lipoic acid and its antidiabetic and antioxidant effects.Design: We have based the study in a bibliographic review.Result: The antioxidant effect is due to its ability to neutralize free radicals and oxygen reactive species (ROS) and the ability to enhance the action of other endogenous antioxidants, such as vitamin E and vitamin C. The antidiabetic effect is to improve the effectiveness of insulin and the transport of glucose into cells, thus leading to a reduction in insulin resistance.Conclusions: With this study we have demonstrated in detail the main mechanisms by which ALA acts and determines its antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. Our body is able to defend itself against ROS thanks to the presence of natural antioxidant substances, but sometimes these are not enough, so it is necessary to take supplements. It should be remembered that ALA is not a medicine and has no healing properties but its integration can be useful for the well-being of the organism.
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