Effects of alpha lipoic acid on intra-abdominal adhesion: an experimental study in a rat model.

BACKGROUND This study was performed to determine the effect of alpha lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant, on intra-abdominal adhesion formation. METHODS Twenty-four female Wistar Albino rats weighing 250-300 g were used in this study conducted on three groups consisting of the alpha lipoic acid group (Group I, n=8), control group (Group II, n=8), and sham group (Group III, n=8). After performing laparotomy with a midline incision under general anesthesia, the adhesion model was created on the antimesenteric side of the caecum in Group I and Group II. 50 mg/kg alpha-lipoic acid was administered intraperitoneally (IP) in Group I while the surgical procedure was performed but no drugs administered in Group II. Only laparotomy was performed in Group III. Rats were sacrificed at the end of the tenth day. RESULTS Macroscopic scoring was performed, tissue samples were obtained and subjected to biochemical and histopathological evaluation. The degree of adhesion and malondialdehyde level decreased (p<0.01), and glutathione levels had increased (p<0.01) in Group I compared to Group II in macroscopic scoring. CONCLUSION Alpha lipoic acid was found to significantly decrease (p<0.01) intra-abdominal adhesion when administered IP compared to the control group.