Effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid against Lead Acetate-Induced DNA Damage in Rabbits

Abstract

Heavy metals are found naturally in the earth, and become concentrated as a result of human activities. Lead (Pb), one of the oldest known metals, is a prevalent and persistent occupational hazardous element in the environment. The current study was carried to evaluate the protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid against lead induced DNA Damage and apoptosis in rabbits. Forty male rabbits of 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 30 days. 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. Evaluation the effect of alpha lipoic acid on DNA fragmentation in the whole blood and lead residues concentrations in blood serum of lead toxicity induced oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis in male rabbits. The obtained results revealed that, a significant increase in lead residues concentrations in addition to increasing of DNA fragmentation were observed in lead intoxicated rabbits. However, oral administration of alpha-lipoic
acid in lead intoxicated rabbits exhibited a significant decreased in all mentioned parameters. It could be concluded that, in male rabbits, lead acetate has a direct effect on DNA inducing damage and apoptosis. On other hand, treatment of lead-intoxicated male rabbits with alpha-lipoic acid reduced DNA fragmentation of intoxicated male rabbits from 37 to 24%. Thus, the use of alpha lipoic acid
maybe considered as an important and effective in reducing oxidative stress, lead residues concentration and DNA damage caused by lead intoxication.