Protective and Therapeutic Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Lead- Induced Hepatic - Renal Toxicity and Oxidative Stress in Male Rabbits

Abstract

Lead (Pb), a potential hazard, is known to cause hepatic and nephrotoxicity in most animal and human species through inducing an oxidative stress by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). The current study aimed to evaluate the protective and therapeutic effect of alpha-lipoic acid against lead induced toxicity and oxidative damage in male rabbits. Forty male rabbits were divided into four groups containing 10 rabbits each. Group I (control): administered distilled water. Group II (Lead exposed group): received lead acetate (30 mg/kg body weight) orally and once per day over a period of 4 weeks. Group III (Lead+ Alpha-lipoic acid treated group): received lead acetate (30 mg/kg body weight) and treated daily with alpha lipoic acid (54 mg/kg body weight/ orally). Group IV (alpha-lipoic acid treated normal group): 54 mg/kg body weight/orally. Serum used for determination of (TNF-α), liver marker enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), renal function tests (urea, creatinine) and serum Globulin, total Cholesterol, Moreover, histopathological abnormalities of kidney and liver tissues. The obtained results revealed that, a significant increase in serum urea, creatinine and ALT, AST, ALP and (TNF-α), globulin, cholesterol, However, oral administration of alpha-lipoic acid in lead intoxicated rabbits exhibited a significant decreased in all mentioned parameters. On the other hand, a significant decreased in erythrocyte CAT, SOD and GPx activities, and GSH, were observed in lead intoxicated rabbits. Meanwhile, alpha-lipoic acid administrations in lead intoxicated rabbits resulted in significant increase in all mentioned parameters. It could be concluded that, alpha- lipoic acid is very potentially suitable for reducing oxidative stress and tissue damage caused by lead poisoning, in addition to its beneficial advantage as antioxidant. Furthermore, it may be useful as a cytoprotective against the oxidative stress of tissue injury induced by lead toxicity.