α-Lipoic acid protects kidney from oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction associated to inflammatory conditions.

An adequate redox status is important for maintaining mitochondrial function in inflammatory conditions. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of α-lipoic acid (LA) in kidney oxidative metabolism and mitochondrial function in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treated rats. Sprague-Dawley rats (female, 45 ± 5 days old) were treated with LPS (10 mg kg(-1)) and/or LA (100 mg kg(-1)). It was observed in LPS-treated animals that the LA prevented the increase in 1.2 fold of NO production, decreased (30-40%) mitochondrial complex I-III and IV activities, and decreased (26%) membrane potential and cardiolipin oxidation (76%). No differences were observed in mitochondrial O2 consumption, mitochondrial complex II-III activity, and ATP production when LPS group was compared to LA + LPS group. Based on the improvement of mitochondrial function, the decreased production of mitochondrial NO and restoration of cardiolipin levels, this work provides a new evidence that α-lipoic acid protects kidney from oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.