Beneficial effect of dl-α-lipoic acid on cyclosporine A induced hyperlipidemic nephropathy in rats

Cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced dyslipidemia is one of the most important risk factors for morbidity and mortality after solid organ transplantation. Reducing this side effect of CsA by dietary agents may be safe, cost-effective, and attractive to both patients and health professionals. Hence the present study was designed to evaluate the role of dl-α-Lipoic acid (LA) in deteriorating the lipid abnormalities induced by CsA in rat kidney. Male albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups. CsA administered at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight, orally for 21 days showed abnormal changes in the levels of lipoprotein fractions (LDL, HDL and VLDL) and lipid profile in both plasma and renal tissue. Significant alterations were also observed in the activities of lipid metabolizing enzymes. Co-treatment with LA (20 mg/kg body weight, oral gavage, for 21 days) reverted the levels of lipid profile (P < 0.001, P < 0.01) and lipoprotein fractions (P < 0.001, P < 0.01) to near control. The activities of lipid metabolizing enzymes also showed considerable restoration on LA supplementation. The outcome of this study provides evidence that LA (a natural metabolic antioxidant) treatment acts as a potent antilipemic agent against CsA-induced lipid abnormalities.