This study investigated both the mutagenicity and anti-mutagenicity of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in the bone marrow cells of mice using a chromosomal aberration assay. Cyclophosphamide (CP) 40 mg/kg was used as a clastogen in the positive control, and a vehicle-treated negative control group was also included. Multiple dose levels (15, 30, and 100 mg/kg of ALA) were given by intraperitoneal injection (IP) alone and in combination with CP (CP was administered 1 h prior to ALA). Bone marrow samples were collected 12 and 24 h after drug administration. The results demonstrated a significant increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CA) in bone marrow cells with depressions in the mitotic index (MI) of the positive control group of mice. However, in the groups of mice treated with different doses of ALA in the presence of CP, the percentages of CA decreased significantly with increases in mitotic activity. The results also indicate that ALA given alone in different doses had no mutagenic effect on mouse bone marrow cells. ALA has a dose and time-dependent protective effect against the mutagenicity induced by CP.
Keywords: Alpha-lipoic acid; anti-mutagenic; antioxidant; chromosomal aberration; cyclophosphamide; mitotic index.