Protective Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid against 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Gastrointestinal Mucositis in Rats

Abstract

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is extensively utilized in multivitamin formulas and anti-aging products. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential protective benefits of ALA on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced gastrointestinal mucositis in Wistar albino rats. Tissues from the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine were excised, and blood sera were obtained to identify biochemical indices such as TNF-α, IL-1β, MDA, GPx, SOD, MMP-1, -2, -8, and TIMP-1. A histopathological study was also performed. The results revealed mucositis-elevated TNF-, IL-1, MDA, MMP-1, -2, -8, and TIMP-1 levels in both tissues and sera, and these values dropped dramatically following ALA treatment. Reduced SOD and GPx activities in mucositis groups were reversed in ALA-treated groups. The damage produced by mucositis in the stomach and small intestine regressed in the ALA-treated group, according to histopathological evaluation. Consequently, the implementation of ALA supplementation in 5-FU therapy may act as a protective intervention for cancer patients with gastrointestinal mucositis. In light of the findings, ALA, a food-derived antioxidant with pleiotropic properties, may be an effective treatment for 5-FU-induced gastrointestinal mucositus, and prevent oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue damage in cancer patients receiving 5-FU therapy.

The effects of lipoic acid on respiratory diseases

“…These factors may even be expected to become promising typical biomarkers to detect the severity of some lung diseases [238] . Ceylanlı et al [243] found that LA could suppress MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-8, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), TNF-α, IL-1, and MDA expression, thereby attenuating 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced gastrointestinal mucositis in rats. In addition, LPS-induced high levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, TNF-α and IL-1β in the serum and pulp tissues were reduced following LA treatment [164] .…”

Vitamin D is a potential treatment for the management of gastrointestinal mucositis

“…However, the agreed-upon hypothesis suggests that it consists of five stages: initiation, primary damage response, signal amplification, ulceration and healing 5,13,14 . Chemotherapeutics cause an imbalance of the redox system, resulting in an increased expression of reactive oxygen species 10 . These free radicals stimulate the second phase upregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 4,9▪▪ .…”

“…The most significant predicament with GM is the need for more effective treatment; even with multiple potential therapeutics, an effective treatment regimen is yet to be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration [1,2]. The lack of curative therapies and the severe symptoms of GM cause a significant negative impact on the quality of life of cancer patients [3,10]. Further investigation of the pathogenesis of GM, including immunoregulatory pathways that may provide therapeutic targets, is needed to fully elucidate the complex mechanisms and potential solutions for preventing or treating GM.…”

Does Chitosan Introduce Protection Against Methotrexate-Induced Hepatorenal Injury in Rats?

“…TIMPs bind to MMPs in a unidirectional manner, exerting inhibitory effects. Consequently, the balance between MMP and TIMP levels becomes a critical determinant of MMPs' efficacy in maintaining tissue homeostasis (6,7). Caspases serve as the principal executors of apoptosis, and numerous studies have demonstrated their involvement in MTX-induced tissue injuries, including oral and hepatorenal tissues (8,9).…”