الفهرس 
Alpha lipoic acidOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Background and aim: alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an endogenous agent which is synthesized in both the human and animal body in the mitochondria. It has been shown to combat oxidative stress. It is involved in the regeneration of exogenous and endogenous antioxidants, chelation of metal ions and repair of oxidized proteins. The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of alpha lipoic acid on gastric mucosal damage induced by acetyl salicylic acid (ASA).
Design: the study was conducted on 50 adult male albino rats that were divided into four groups. Group I (Control group). Group II received alpha lipoic acid (ALA) 100mg/kg for two weeks (subgroup IIa) and for four weeks (subgroup IIb). Group III received acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) 200mg/kg for two weeks (subgroup IIIa) and for four weeks (subgroup IIIb). Group IV received ALA 100mg/kg before ASA for two weeks (subgroup IVa) and for four weeks (subgroup IVb).
Results: histological examination of the gastric mucosa revealed that ASA when given for two weeks induced focal damage to the mucosa with exfoliation of the surface epithelium, widening of the gastric pits and focal mononuclear cellular infiltration. The mucous content of the mucosa showed apparent increase and PCNA positive reaction showed a significant decrease as compared to that in the control group. ASA when given for 4 weeks resulted in severe damage to the gastric mucosa with extensive desquamation, thinning out of the mucosa, diffuse mononuclear cellular infiltration and dilated congested blood vessels. The collagen content of the lamina propria showed apparent increase while the mucous content of the mucosa showed apparent decrease. The parietal cell count and PCNA positive reaction were significantly decreased. In ultrathin sections, the parietal cells appeared with cytoplasmic vacuoles, decreased intracellular canaliculli and mitochondria while the chief cells appeared with flattened irregular nuclei and decreased secretory granules.
The concomitant use of ALA showed a histological profile nearly comparable to that of the control group in both subgroup IIIa (2 weeks) and subgroup IIIb (4 weeks). The mucosa was intact with preservation of the cells lining the fundic glands. Mucosal thickness, parietal cell count, mucous content and PCNA positive reaction were comparable to that of the control group.
Conclusion: alpha lipoic acid protected the gastric mucosa from damage by acetyl salicylic acid.