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Radioprotection of hematopoietic tissues in mice by lipoic acid
N Ramakrishnan1, W W Wolfe, G N Catravas
1Office of the Chair of Science, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20889-5145.
Radiation Research
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Lipoic acid, an antioxidant, demonstrated significant radioprotective effects against radiation injury in mice. Dihydrolipoic acid, however, showed no protective benefits.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Radiation Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Lipoic acid is a lipophilic antioxidant involved in enzymatic reactions.
- It is clinically used for mushroom poisoning and metal toxicity.
- Its potential radioprotective effects on hematopoietic tissues are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the radioprotective effect of lipoic acid (oxidized form) against radiation injury.
- To evaluate its impact on hematopoietic tissues in mice.
- To compare the efficacy of oxidized and reduced forms of lipoic acid.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered lipoic acid intraperitoneally 30 minutes before irradiation.
- Radioprotection was assessed using endogenous and exogenous spleen colony assays.
- Survival was determined using the LD50/30 assay.
Main Results:
- Lipoic acid increased the LD50/30 from 8.67 to 10.93 Gy.
- It significantly increased endogenous spleen colony-forming units after 9-Gy irradiation (0.75 vs. 8.9).
- Lipoic acid treatment improved the D0 to 1.09 Gy (DMF=1.34), while dihydrolipoic acid showed no effect.
Conclusions:
- Oxidized lipoic acid exhibits significant radioprotective properties against hematopoietic radiation injury in mice.
- The radioprotective effect is attributed to the oxidized form, not the reduced form (dihydrolipoic acid).
- Lipoic acid shows promise as a radioprotective agent for hematopoietic tissues.