Antioxidant potential of alpha-lipoic acid in mitigating progression of experimental periodontitis

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation, a well-known antioxidant with therapeutic potential, on the progression of experimental periodontitis in rats. Eighteen male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n=6 per group): control, periodontitis, and periodontitis treated with alpha-lipoic acid. Periodontitis was induced by placing bandages around the lower first molars for 14 days. During this same period, the treated group received alpha-lipoic acid by gavage at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day and the control and periodontitis groups received distilled water. Biochemical analyses showed a significant increase in reduced glutathione levels in the supplemented group compared to the periodontitis group, although no significant changes were observed in Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity. Micro-Computed Tomography analysis revealed preservation of trabecular number and their thickness, along with an increase in tissue volume in the supplemented animals. Histological evaluation showed less alveolar bone damage and a larger collagen area in the group that received alpha-lipoic acid. The findings suggest that alpha-lipoic acid supplementation effectively mitigates damage associated with experimental periodontitis, enhances antioxidant defenses, and improves alveolar bone integrity.