Alpha-lipoic acid prevents brain injury in rats administered with valproic acid.

Valproic acid (VPA) is an effective drug, which is preferred for the treatments of epilepsy and various kinds of seizures. Nonetheless, VPA has many life-threatening side effects associated with free radical production. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant, which can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). The effects of ALA against VPA-stimulated brain injury were investigated. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were divided as four groups: Group I, control rats; Group II, ALA-administered rats (50 mg/kg/d); Group III, VPA-administered rats (0.5 g/kg/d); Group IV: VPA- and ALA-administered rats at the same dose and time. According to the results, VPA increased lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl, advanced oxidation protein products, total oxidant status, nitric oxide levels and glutathione-S-transferase, adenosine deaminase, xanthine oxidase activities, decreased glutathione, total antioxidant capacity levels, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, sodium-potassium ATPase, and paraoxonase activities. Treatment with ALA reversed these effects. In conclusion, we may suggest that ALA may be a good candidate for prevention of VPA-induced brain injury.

Effects of zinc on intestinal injury and some serum parameters in ethanol-administered rats.

This study was designed to determine the morphological and biochemical effects of zinc sulfate and the role of metallothionein in ethanol-induced intestinal injury. Rats received zinc sulfate (100 mg/kg/d) for 3 consecutive d, 2 h prior to the administration of ethanol by gavage. Ethanol administration caused intestinal injury as determined by increased serum lactate dehydrogenase activity, urea, creatinine, uric acid, and sialic acid levels, intestinal lipid peroxidation level, decreased serum catalase activity, intestinal glutathione level, and metallothionein expression. Zinc sulfate pretreatment of the ethanol group caused a decrease in histological damage, serum lactate dehydrogenase activity, urea, creatinine, uric acid, sialic acid levels, and intestinal lipid peroxidation level, but increases in serum catalase activity, intestinal glutathione level, and metallothionein expression. The present study indicates that zinc sulfate has a protective effect against ethanol-induced intestinal injury. In addition, the protective effect of zinc on ethanol-induced intestinal injury might be mediated by metallothionein, as well as having antioxidative potential.

The role of vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium on cadmium-induced renal toxicity of rats.

The aim of this study was to determine whether vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium have protective effects against cadmium-induced renal toxicity of rats. Vitamin C (250 mg/kg/day), vitamin E (250 mg/kg/day), and sodium selenate (0.25 mg/kg/day) were given to rats orally for 8 days. Cadmium (2 mg/kg/day CdCl2) was given to rats intraperitoneally. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium (in the same dose and time) were given 1 h prior to the administration of cadmium every day. The tissue and blood samples were taken from the rats for histological evaluation and biochemical analyses on the Day 9. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione (GSH) determination were made in kidney tissue. In addition, urea and creatinine levels were determined in serum. The damage to the kidney tissue was moderate in the rats given cadmium. In this group, the distinctive changes in the proximal tubules were observed. Degenerative changes in kidney tissue were also observed in rats given vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and cadmium. LPO levels significantly increased and GSH levels decreased in kidney tissues following cadmium administration. Serum urea and creatinine levels were also increased in rats given cadmium. The administration of vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium caused a significant decrease in LPO levels and an increase in GSH levels in the kidney of rats given cadmium. Serum urea and creatinine levels were decreased in rats given both the antioxidant and cadmium. It is concluded that vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium showed some protective effect on the rat kidney.