Alpha-lipoic acid alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced liver damage in rats via antioxidant effect

Objective: The effect of lipoic acid (LA), which is considered to be a potential antioxidant, on oxidative stress parameters in liver tissue damage has not been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship of LA with oxidant and antioxidant parameters in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced liver damage in rats. Methods: First group (n=10) was injected a single dose of 20 mg/kg saline (control), second group (n=10) was injected a single dose of 20 mg/kg LPS (LPS) and third group (n=10) was injected a single dose of 20 mg/kg LPS at the end of third day of 10 mg/kg/day LA injection (LA+LPS). The glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by spectrophotometric method. 3-Nitrotyrosine (3-NT) level was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Results: It was found that 3-NT and MDA levels were significantly lower in LA+LPS group than those of LPS group. Moreover, it was found that antioxidant enzyme activity values of LA+LPS approached to the values of control group. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the oxidant/antioxidant status is balanced in the LA group. Therefore, it may be suggested that LA supplementation to be beneficial for preventing oxidative stress in LPS-induced liver damage in rats.