Protective effect of alpha lipoic acid against oxidative damage caused by valproic acid in pancreatic tissue in rats

Valproic acid (VPA) is one of the most commonly used antiepileptic drugs in childhood and adult epilepsy. Although VPA is a well-tolerated drug, it also has side effects that can cause life-threatening conditions. The pancreas may also be adversely affected during the use of this drug. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), which has antioxidant properties, is a protective treatment option to prevent these side effects. The aim of our study is to investigate the protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid on VPA-induced pancreatic damage. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: Group I; control group, Group II; ALA-treated group (50 mg/kg), Group III; VPA-treated group (500 mg/kg), Group IV; VPA+ALA-treated group. The experimental procedure was applied for 15 days. At the end of the experiment, all animals were sacrificed under anesthesia. Pancreatic tissues were collected and homogenized with cold physiological saline. The samples were centrifuged. After VPA application in the obtained pancreatic homogenates, a decrease in glutathione and total antioxidant levels and antioxidant enzyme activities was observed. Meanwhile, lipid peroxidation, sialic acid, reactive oxygen species, total oxidant levels, oxidative stress index, advanced oxidized protein product levels and lipase activity increased. The administration of ALA to the VPA group reversed these values and activities. In conclusion, it can be stated that ALA exerts a protective effect againist VPA-induced pancreatic damage.