Lipoic acid decreases 3-nitrotyrosine and cytokine levels in a rat sepsis model

INTRODUCTION: It was aimed to investigate the effects of lipoic acid (LA) on 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), magnesium and trace elements levels in serum of rats with sepsis.
METHODS: Control group (n=10) received a single dose of saline, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group (n=10) was injected a single dose of 20 mg/kg LPS, and LA+LPS (n=10) group was injected a single dose of 20 mg/kg LPS at the end of third day of 10 mg/kg/day LA injection. The serum 3-NT levels were determined by a high performance liquid chromatography. The serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Determination of magnesium and trace element levels were performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer.
RESULTS: 3-NT, IL-1β and TNF-α levels in control and LA+LPS groups were not determined. However, observable levels of these parameters were detected in the LPS group. It was found that manganese levels were positively correlated with IL-1β and TNF-α in LPS group. LA increased the manganese levels, while it decreased magnesium and iron levels in LA+LPS group.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our results show that LA decreases serum levels of 3-NT, IL-1β and TNF-α in rats with sepsis, and it is also effective on trace element levels. Decreased levels of manganese and its association with IL-1β and TNF-α in the LPS group suggest that manganese may be associated with immune response.