Effect of DL alpha-lipoic acid on tissue lipid peroxidation and antioxidant systems in normal and glycollate treated rats.

The cytoprotective activity of alpha-lipoic acid against free radical toxicity, manifested during experimental hyperoxaluria, has been investigated. Glycollate was used as the inducer of oxalate hyperoxaluria in rats. The increase in lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, associated with a decrease in catalase activity and glutathione (GSH) level, are the salient features observed in tissues of hyperoxaluric rats. Free radical toxicity in the glycollate fed rats is effectively counteracted by lipoic acid administration. Lipoic acid administration brought about a significant decrease in peroxidative levels with an increase in catalase activity and glutathione level. These observations highlight the antioxidant property of alpha-lipoic acid and its cytoprotective action against experimental hyperoxaluria.