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

Authors : William SİBUOR, Fidel GWALA, Jeremiah MUNGUTİ, Moses OBİMBO

Pages : 118-123

View : 14 | Download : 8

Publication Date : 2018-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :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 overload in mice. Methods: After ethical approval, a total of 24 male mice were used. Twenty  mice were randomly divided into 2 groups: A and B. Group A rats received 50mg/kg of iron dextran intraperitoneally daily for 49 days while those in group B received a daily oral dose of 100mg/kg alpha lipoic acid by gavage in addition to the treatment in 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 morphometric analysis. Results: Treatment of mice with iron led to a distortion of the histoarchitecture of the liver which was attenuated with co-administration of alpha lipoic acid. Additionally, co-treatment of iron with alpha lipoic acid resulted in significant lowering of hepatic iron deposition insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.001);, reduction in leukocyte infiltration and significantly greater hepatocyte densities insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.001);. Conclusion: Alpha-lipoic acid appreciably attenuates the structural damage in the liver induced by iron overload.  
Keywords : Alpha lipoic acid, Iron, Liver