Disodium chloroacetate, otherwise known as DCA, is the product of the combination of dichloroacetic acid and sodium. It can be symbolized on a molecular level as Cl2 CH COONa, resembling the composition of salt and vinegar.
DCA is an activator of damaged mitochondria.
This particular element usually exists in the form of a white, powdery substance that is capable of dissolving in water when correct conditions are present. Sodium dichloroacetate being a non-patentable substance allows it to be brought to any nation, consequently, limiting the amount of restrictions when it comes to its sale in the market.
DCA can be manufactured in a laboratory, or it can be a result of a process involving chlorination. In either case, it is generally considered to be a side product. Additionally, it is present in its natural form in a variety of red algae species, which includes Asparagopsis taxiformis. Additionally, additional red algae varieties also contain DCA.
An increase in research and development of sodium dichloroacetate have been seen as of late due to its positive consequences for living organisms. In 1973, dichloroacetate was utilized on babies identified with congenital mitochondrial disorder, to aid in the treatment of metabolic lactic acidosis. This illness can manifest itself in infants born with a mitochondrial disorder.
Individuals with congenital lactic acidosis may experience longer and healthier lives by using DCA, but its efficiency relies on stimulating the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex.
The effects of treatment with DCA were evidenced in the metabolic acidosis and blood serum lactates of children, with the process of metabolizing carbohydrates through aerobic glucose and lactic acid oxidation being resumed. This is as aerobic glucose is more dependable than lactic acid for sustaining the body. The concentrations of both these factors improved in the youngsters as a result of the treatment.
It is essential to conduct clinical studies involving DCA as a potential therapy for congenital lactic acidosis to discover an effective and appropriate dosage. Rigorous testing of any harmful effects or the drug’s safety was conducted when researching the capabilities of sodium dichloroacetate, resulting in the conclusion that its use is viable in the future.
Since 1987, researchers have been looking into the possibility of treating the results of oxygen deficiency in the brain through the use of DCA. If dichloroacetate is administered, the chances of developing post-hypoxic lactic acidosis and other brain metabolism disturbances may be lessened. Already in 2007, researchers proved that dichloroacetate sodium has the ability to fight cancer.
The initial research into the efficacy of DCA for cancer tumors in the brain, breast, and lung produced encouraging results. When exposed to dichloroacetate, the tumors in the animals that were tested decreased in size and their progress was slowed. Meanwhile, the rats did not show any signs of adverse effects from the treatment. (In summary, the findings of the experiments so far concerning DCA and cancer have been very promising.)
The most recent in vitro and in vivo studies produced positive outcomes, marking the beginning of clinical trials set to begin in 2010. Based on the results from DCA examinations and research, it appears that DCA could benefit those with serious diseases, like cancer, and therefore it is advocated that extra clinical research be done to further explore this prospective treatment.
In 2009, the first DCA clinics commenced employing DCA as a substitute treatment for cancer patients.
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