The effects of lipoic acid on rat submandibular salivary gland in valproic acid induced oxidative stress

Abstract

Valproic acid (VA), an anticonvulsant drug, has been associated with various toxic effects, primarily through the induction of oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective role of alpha lipoic acid (LA), a potent antioxidant, against VA-induced oxidative damage in rat submandibular salivary glands. Control, LA, VA, and VA+LA are groups. LA was given 1 h prior to VA administration. After 16 days VA injection, the rats were decapitated, and submandibular salivary glands were taken, homogenized, and examined by biochemical analyses. Biochemical analyses showed that submandibular salivary gland glutathione (GSH) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities decreased; malondialdehyde (MDA), sialic acid (SA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, tissue factor activity increased significantly in the VA group compared to the control group. No significant changes were found in catalase and myeloperoxidase activities. In the VA group, LA administration caused significant increases in GSH and NO levels; decreases in MDA, SA levels and SOD, GST activities. These findings suggest that LA may offer a protective effect against VA-induced oxidative damage in the salivary glands, potentially through its antioxidant properties. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of LA in mitigating oxidative stress and tissue damage induced by VA.