Ameliorative Effect of Alpha Lipoic Acid on Endometriosis: An Experimental Model in Rats

Abstract

Aim:This study aims to evaluate the effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA), which is a strong antioxidant, on endometriosis (EMS).Methods:Thirty sexually-mature, female Wistar albino rats weighing 180-220 grams were separated into three groups: sham (n=10), EMS (n=10) and EMS + ALA (n=10). Blood samples were taken from the rats and were centrifuged and stored at -80 °C before forming the experimental EMS model. ALA at a dose of 50 mg/kg was orally administered to EMS + ALA group. At the end of this procedure, blood samples were taken again and were centrifuged and stored at -80 °C. Plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), plasma total oxidant status, oxidative stress (OS) index and cancer antigen 125 were studied from these samples.Results:There were no differences between the groups in terms of baseline results. According to the second blood test results, all parameters in the sham group and all parameters other than plasma TAS in EMS + ALA group were statistically different than in EMS group (p<0.05). Considering the 1st and 15th day changes in the parameters of the groups, it was observed that ALA had positive effects.Conclusion:ALA reduces OS in EMS; thus, may have a positive effect on the severity and stage of the illness and reduce recurrence after treatment.

Keywords

• endometriosis
• oxidative stress
• alpha lipoic acid