Alpha-lipoic acid prevents ethyl alcohol-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in kidneys

Our aim was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) against ethyl alcohol (EA)-induced oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways in the kidneys based on biochemical, histopathological, and apoptotic analysis.

Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group I (Sham group): 1 cc saline daily; Group II (ALA): 100 mg/kg/dose/day; Group III (EA group): 5 g/kg/day; Group IV (EA + ALA group): both ALA and EA were administered orally with a gastric catheter simultaneously.

In the EA group, malondialdehyde and total oxidant status levels increased, while superoxide dismutase and catalase levels decreased significantly (p = 0.002). However, oxidant levels were significantly stabilized with ALA administration. Furthermore, apoptotic signals such as Bax and Apoptotic peptidase activating factor-1 (APAF-1) were increased in the EA group, while Bcl-2 (antiapoptotic) signals were widely expressed with ALA administration.

Co-administration of ALA with EA increased antiapoptotic expression and attenuated histologic damage in the kidneys. ALA may be a potential therapeutic agent against EA injury.