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Neuroprotective effects of α-lipoic acid against hypoxic–ischemic brain injury in neonatal rats Mei, Xiao-han & Yang, You-wen Abstract Purpose: To explore the neuroprotective efficacy of α-lipoic acid (ALA) against hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in neonatal rats. Methods: Forty-eight rats (P7-pups) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: group I received saline; group II (HI) underwent unilateral carotid artery ligation and hypoxia (92 % N2 and 8 % O2) for 2.5 h; and groups III and IV (ALA 50 and 100) were treated with 50 or 100 mg ALA/kg for 7 days prior to against hypoxic-ischemic (HI) insult. Cerebral antioxidant status, edema, and the levels of inflammatory markers were determined. Results: ALA administration substantially (p < 0.01) attenuated both cerebral infarct area and degree of edema while decreasing the levels of several inflammatory markers (TNF-α, NF-p65, IL-1β, IL-6). In addition, in the ALA groups, antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, GSH) activities were significantly elevated, while the expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β protein were significantly (p < 0.01) down-regulated. Conclusion: The neuroprotective efficacy of ALA in HIE can be attributed to its suppression of both oxidative stress and the levels of inflammatory markers. Keywords Hypoxic–ischemic brain injury; α-Lipoic acid; Cerebral infarct area; Edema; Antioxidants; Inflammatory markers

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