Effects of α-lipoic acid on γ-radiation and lindane-induced heart toxicity in rats

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible protective role of α-lipoic acid (α-la) as a natural antioxidant on lindane and γ-radiation (ir)-induced heart toxicity. a total of thirty-six healthy adult male rats were divided into control,α-la alone (40 mg/kg b.wt orally daily for 3 weeks),ir (6 gy; 2gy/week for 3 weeks),lindane alone (8.8 mg/kg b.wt. orally daily for 3 weeks),α-la with ir and α-la with lindane. exposure to lindane and ir resulted in significant increases in serum free fatty acids,phospholipids,triglycerides and total cholesterol levels and significant elevation of heart damage markers,serum creatine phosphokinase,aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities. heart toxicity was further confirmed by a significant increase in lipid peroxides and a significant decrease of antioxidants (superoxide dismutase,glutathione peroxidase,and catalase activities and glutathione content) in heart tissues substantiate heart damage. administration of α-la produced a significant amelioration in the level of serum lipids and heart damage markers associated with significant amelioration of oxidative stress in heart tissues. in conclusion,α-la appears to have protective effects against lindane and ir-induced heart toxicity. © copyright 2016 zoological society of pakistan.