The effect of alpha-lipoic acid on liver damage induced by extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields in a rat model

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on liver damage caused by extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) in rats. Thirty-two male rats were arbitrarily assigned into four groups: Group 1 (control group), Group 2 (ELF-MF exposure group), Group 3 (ELF-MF exposure + ALA administration), and Group 4 (sham group). Groups 2 and 3 were exposed to ELF-MF at 2 mT intensity emitted by two Helmholtz coils for 4 hours/day throughout 30 days. Group 3 received ALA intraperitoneally (100 mg/kg/day) 1 hour prior to each exposure for 30 days. Group 4 was placed inside the coils, but the generator was turned off. Histopathological analysis of the liver revealed statistically significant increases in hyperemia, inflammation, fibrosis, vacuolization, multiple nuclei, and biliary proliferation in Group 2 compared to all other groups. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed that Group 2 had statistically significantly higher TUNEL and caspase-3 levels than all other groups. ELF-MF-induced alterations, including hyperemia, inflammation, vacuolization, and multiple nuclei, were significantly reduced in Group 3 compared with Group 2. However, no significant difference was observed between Group 2 and Group 3 regarding bile duct proliferation or fibrosis. No pathological changes were observed in Groups 1 and 4. ALA administration effectively reduced some histopathological changes caused by ELF-MF, particularly hyperemia, inflammation, vacuolization, and multiple nuclei, but did not improve fibrosis or biliary proliferation. Additionally, it reduced TUNEL and caspase-3 expression. Our findings suggest that ALA exhibits anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects against ELF-MF-induced liver damage.