Alpha-lipoic acid prevents brain injury in rats administered with valproic acid

Valproic acid (VPA) is an effective drug, which is preferred for the treatments of epilepsy and various kinds of seizures. Nonetheless, VPA has many life-threatening side effects associated with free radical production. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant, which can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). The effects of ALA against VPA-stimulated brain injury were investigated. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were divided as four groups: Group I, control rats; Group II, ALA-administered rats (50 mg/kg/d); Group III, VPA-administered rats (0.5 g/kg/d); Group IV: VPA- and ALA-administered rats at the same dose and time. According to the results, VPA increased lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl, advanced oxidation protein products, total oxidant status, nitric oxide levels and glutathione-S-transferase, adenosine deaminase, xanthine oxidase activities, decreased glutathione, total antioxidant capacity levels, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, sodium-potassium ATPase, and paraoxonase activities. Treatment with ALA reversed these effects. In conclusion, we may suggest that ALA may be a good candidate for prevention of VPA-induced brain injury.

Keywords: alpha-lipoic acid; brain; enzymes; oxidative stress; valproic acid.