Alpha Lipoic Acid Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Preserves Blood Brain Permeability in Rats with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Abstract

The neuroprotective effect of alpha lipoic acid (ALA; 100 mg/kg, po), a dithiol antioxidant, on experimentally induced subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was assessed in Wistar albino rats. Neurological examination scores recorded at the 48th h of SAH induction were increased in SAH groups, which were accompanied with significant increases in the formation of reactive oxygen species, DNA fragmentation ratios, malondialdehyde levels and myeloperoxidase activity, while significant decreases in the brain glutathione content and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity were observed. On the other hand, ALA treatment reversed all these biochemical indices as well as SAH-induced histopathological alterations. Increased brain edema, impaired blood-brain-barrier permeability and neurological scores were also improved by ALA treatment. The results demonstrate that ALA exerts neuroprotective effects via the enhancement of endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity, the inhibition of neutrophil accumulation and free radical generation, suggesting a therapeutic potential in reducing secondary injury after SAH in patients.

Neuroprotective effects of α-lipoic acid against hypoxic– ischemic brain injury in neonatal rats

“…In that study, treatment with ALA (50 and 100) substantially reduced cerebral edema. Our data also agree with the findings of Erşahin et al [21], who showed that treatment with lipoic acid reduced cerebral edema levels by restoring the integrity of the BBB and by inhibiting neutrophil activation, thereby conferring neuronal protection.…”

Antioxidant Therapies: A Potential Role in Perinatal Medicine

“…In rat models of spinal cord injury [74] or subarachnoid hemorrhage [75], α-lipoic acid administered post-insult significantly ameliorates the local increase in malondialdehyde and improves GSH levels, while reducing DNA damage. Administration of α-lipoic acid to rats immediately prior to ischemia prevented the loss of GSH and profoundly decreased the mortality subsequent to ischemia-reperfusion [76].…”

The effect of lipoic acid on acrylamide-induced neuropathy in rats with reference to biochemical, hematological, and behavioral alterations

“…LA plays a principle role in antioxidant defense of the brain and has neuroprotective effects in experimental brain injury caused by trauma and subarachnoid hemorrhage (Ersahin et al, 2010;Toklu et al, 2009). Some reports support this speculation that LA may have a neuroprotective role by reducing apoptosis in both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent manner (Santos et al, 2011).…”