Biochemical changes related to aging in the brain of rats and the effect of alpha lipoic acid.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) on aging and lipid profile in rats. Animals: 48 male rats. Procedures: Rats were allocated equally to four groups (12 rats each); Group 1 (control young group) was fed on a normal diet. Group 2 (control adult group) was fed on a normal diet. Group 3 (lipoic young group); was fed on the lipoic acid-rich diet. Group 4 (lipoic adult group) ;was fed on the lipoic acid-rich diet also. Results: MDA concentration, GSH activity and SOD activity were significantly increased in adult lipoic treated groups at 30 days (P<0.05) compared to other groups, but catalase activity was significantly decreased (P<0.05) table(1). Serum cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL were significantly decreased in adult lipoic treated groups at 30 days (P<0.05) compared to other groups table(2). Apoptotic markers (BCL2 and caspase 3) were significantly increased in young lipoic treated groups at 30 days (P<0.05) compared to other groups, but they were significantly decreased in adult lipoic treated groups at 30 days (P<0.05) table (3) . Conclusion and clinical relevance: LA supplementation is effective in lowering triglycerides, VLDL, LDL serum levels. In young rats, LA may produce up-regulation of pro-survival genes. For aged rats, LA may protect the brain cells from apoptosis and improved serum lipid profile