Effect of DL-alpha-lipoic acid on the status of lipid peroxidation and lipids in aged rats.

The effect of dextro and levo (DL)-alpha-lipoic acid on lipid peroxidation and lipids has been evaluated in plasma, liver, and kidney of young and aged rats. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lipids were considerably higher in aged rats compared with younger controls. DL-alpha-lipoic acid (100 mg/kg body wt/day) was administered intraperitoneally for 7 and 14 days. Supplementation of lipoic acid in aged rats prevents the elevated levels of TBARS and lipids. From our observations, we conclude that lipoic acid is very effective in normalizing age-related alterations in lipids, and it can be implemented in the aged to minimize age-associated disorders where free radicals are the major cause.