Alpha-Lipoic acid protects against the toxic effects of ethanol on the kidneys in rats

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant and cofactor for mitochondrial enzymes. The kidneys are among the organs affected by chronic ethanol (EA) consumption. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of ALA against kidney damage caused by chronic ethanol consumption based on histological and biochemical analyses. Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats were used in the study. Group I (Sham group): Animals received 1 cc saline orally via gavage for 4 weeks; Group II (ALA): Animals received 100 mg/kg/day of ALA orally via gavage for 4 weeks; Group III (EA group): Animals received 5 g/kg ethanol orally via gavage for 4 weeks; Group IV (EA + ALA group): Both ALA and ethanol were administered simultaneously. Urea and creatinine levels were significantly lower in the EA + ALA group compared to the EA group (p = 0.013). Increased oxidative stress markers, Total Oxidative Status (TOS), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) in the EA group triggered pro-apoptotic signaling and increased Bax expression in kidney tissues. However, the EA + ALA group showed increased expression of the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2. ALA demonstrated protective effects against apoptotic expressions in the kidneys. ALA provides protective effects against oxidative damage. Additionally, ALA exhibited anti-apoptotic effects in response to apoptotic signaling in the kidneys.