Experimental Study of the Possible Protective Effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Paracetamol induced Oxidative Stress and Hepatic Toxicity in albino rats

Background: Paracetamol, is the most widely used over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic medication in the world, which has minimal adverse effects at therapeutic dosages. But in high doses causes hepatic damage and oxidative stress. Objectives: The current study was designed to investigate paracetamol toxic effects upon the liver and oxidative stress after repeated oral dose and evaluate possible protective effect of alpha lipoic acid when co-administered with and after paracetamol. Methods: forty eight white albino rats were divided equally into four groups. Each group was subdivided into two sub groups A & B. Group I received gum acacia suspension. Group II received Alpha lipoic acid (50mg/kg) orally. Group III received paracetamol (1 gm/ kg orally) for 4 weeks. Group IV received paracetamol and alpha lipoic acid at the same doses. Sub groups A were euthanized after 4 weeks, while sub groups B were euthanized after 8 weeks. Blood was collected for evaluation of liver functions and oxidative stress marker. The livers were preserved for histopathological examinations. Results: The study proved that repeated administration of paracetamol induced disturbed liver functions and oxidative stress. But this toxic effects decline markedly when alpha lipoic acid (ALA) was coadministered with paracetamol. And more improvement occurs when ALA was administered for another 4 weeks after stoppage of paracetamol. Conclusions: The present study concluded that repeated paracetamol administration has hepatotoxic and oxidative stress effect and alpha lipoic acid has a protective effect against such harmful effects especially when ALA was administered for another 4 weeks after stoppage of paracetamol.