Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of alpha-lipoic acid in experimentally induced acute otitis media

J Laryngol Otol. 2016 Jul;130(7):616-23. doi: 10.1017/S0022215116001183. Epub 2016 May 30.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and tissue protective effects, as well as the potential therapeutic role, of alpha-lipoic acid in experimentally induced acute otitis media.

Methods: Twenty-five guinea pigs were assigned to one of five groups: a control (non-otitis) group, and otitis-induced groups treated with saline, penicillin G, alpha-lipoic acid, or alpha-lipoic acid plus penicillin G. Tissue samples were histologically analysed, and oxidative parameters in tissue samples were measured and compared between groups.

Results: The epithelial integrity was better preserved, and histological signs of inflammation and secretory metaplasia were decreased, in all groups compared to the saline treated otitis group. In the alpha-lipoic acid plus penicillin G treated otitis group, epithelial integrity was well preserved and histological findings of inflammation were significantly decreased compared to the saline, penicillin G and alpha-lipoic acid treated otitis groups. The most favourable oxidative parameters were observed in the control group, followed by the alpha-lipoic acid plus penicillin G treated otitis group.

Conclusion: Alpha-lipoic acid, with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and tissue protective properties, may decrease the clinical sequelae and morbidity associated with acute otitis media.

Keywords: Alpha-Lipoic Acid; Guinea Pig; Inflammation; Otitis Media; Reactive Oxygen Species.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Glutathione / drug effects
  • Glutathione / metabolism
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Malondialdehyde / metabolism
  • Mucous Membrane / drug effects*
  • Mucous Membrane / metabolism
  • Mucous Membrane / pathology
  • Otitis Media*
  • Penicillin G / pharmacology*
  • Pneumococcal Infections
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Superoxide Dismutase / drug effects
  • Superoxide Dismutase / metabolism
  • Thioctic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Tympanic Membrane / drug effects*
  • Tympanic Membrane / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Malondialdehyde
  • Thioctic Acid
  • Superoxide Dismutase
  • Glutathione
  • Penicillin G