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

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 (p<0.001), reduction in leukocyte infiltration and significantly greater hepatocyte densities (p<0.001). Conclusion: Alpha-lipoic acid appreciably attenuates the structural damage in the liver induced by iron overload.