Alpha-lipoic acid attenuates iron overload- induced structural changes in the liver of the laboratory mouse (Mus musculus)

Özet

Objectives: The role of alpha-lipoic acid in the amelioration of iron overload-induced hepatic damage remains largely under- explored. Therefore, this paper aimed at describing the structural effects of alpha-lipoic acid on the liver following iron over- load in mice. Methods: After ethical approval, a total of 24 male mice were used. Twenty mice were randomly divided into two groups: A and B. Group A rats received 50 mg/kg of iron dextran intraperitoneally daily for 49 days, while those in Group B received a daily oral dose of 100 mg/kg alpha-lipoic acid by gavage in addition to the treatment in Group A. Four mice were used as normal controls. At the endpoint of the experiment, the livers were harvested and studied for iron deposition, parenchymal histoarchitecture and hepatocyte densities. Photomicrographs were taken using a digital photomicroscope for morphomet- ric analysis. Results: Treatment of mice with iron led to a distortion of the histoarchitecture of the liver which was attenuated with co-admin- istration of alpha-lipoic acid. Additionally, co-treatment of iron with alpha-lipoic acid resulted in significant lowering of hepatic iron deposition (p<0.001), reduction in leukocyte infiltration and significantly greater hepatocyte densities (p<0.001). Conclusion: Alpha-lipoic acid considerably attenuates the structural damage in the liver induced by iron overload.