Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on radiation-induced small intestine injury in mice

Abstract

PurposeRadiation therapy is a highly effective treatment for patients with solid tumors. However, it can cause damage and inflammation in normal tissues. Here, we investigated the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as radioprotection agent for the small intestine in a mouse model.Materials and MethodsWhole abdomen was evenly irradiated with total a dose of 15 Gy. Mice were treated with either ALA (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection [i.p.]) or saline (equal volume, i.p.) the prior to radiation as 100 mg/kg/day for 3 days. Body weight, food intake, histopathology, and biochemical parameters were evaluated.ResultsSignificant differences in body weight and food intake were observed between the radiation (RT) and ALA + RT groups. Moreover, the number of crypt cells was higher in the ALA + RT group. Inflammation was decreased and recovery time was shortened in the ALA + RT group compared with the RT group. The levels of inflammation-related factors (i.e., phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B and matrix metalloproteinase-9) and mitogen-activated protein kinases were significantly decreased in the ALA + RT group compared with those in the RT group.ConclusionsALA treatment prior to radiation decreases the severity and duration of radiation-induced enteritis by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death.

Radiation Protection and Mitigation by Natural Antioxidants and Flavonoids: Implications to Radiotherapy and Radiation Disasters

“…In an in vitro study, ALA has shown amelioration of oxidative damage induced by NO and ROS, reduces inflammatory markers, and also restores antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and GSH [269]. Kang et al [270] investigated the radioprotective effect of ALA on the small intestine of mice. The mice were treated with 100 mg/kg of ALA for 3 days before irradiation.…”

“…In-vitro/in-vivo 1 µg/kg to 50mg/kg - Inhibition of NF-κB, Scavenging of ROS, restore of GSH, recycling of ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol [270,271] both the fat and hydrophilic environments within the cells. This result was investigated for a combination of ALA with alpha-tocopherol.…”

Radioprotective Effects of Heat-Killed Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Cultured Cells and Radiosensitive Tissues

“…increased the possibility of teratogenesis [28][29][30][31], HKMT provide novel therapeutic strategy for radioprotection on normal tissues.…”

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Ameliorates Radiation-Induced Salivary Gland Injury by Preserving Parasympathetic Innervation in Rats

“…Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a strong antioxidant exhibiting high reactivity toward free radicals, and it elevates glutathione levels in tissues [12]. Recently, we reported that ALA protects against radiation-induced normal tissue injury and dysfunction [7][8][9][10]. However, in our previous studies, saliva is significantly reduced even if the salivary glands were partially intact after irradiation.…”

“…Radiation-induced SG dysfunction is characterized by hyposalivation, loss of saliva-producing acinar cells, alterations in the epithelium of the ductal compartment, cell death, reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and fibrosis in SGs [7][8][9][10]. Various cell types exist in SGs such as salivary parenchymal, endothelial, stem/progenitor, and parasympathetic nerve cells.…”