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

Authors: Aydinbelge Dizdar N, Aylin Akbulut, Koca G, Demirel MK, Yumusak N, Umurhan G, Canseven Kursun AG, Korkmaz M

Year: 2025 Sep 29

Category: Toxicology

Journal: Toxicol Ind Health

DOI: 10.1177/07482337251383412

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41022467/

Abstract

Overview

This study investigated 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 randomly assigned to four groups:
    • Group 1: Control group
    • Group 2: ELF-MF exposure group
    • Group 3: ELF-MF exposure + ALA administration
    • Group 4: Sham group
  • Groups 2 and 3 were exposed to ELF-MF at 2 mT intensity via two Helmholtz coils for 4 hours/day for 30 days.
  • Group 3 received ALA (100 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) 1 hour prior to each exposure for 30 days.
  • Group 4 was placed in the coils, but the ELF-MF generator was turned off.

Findings

  • Histopathological analysis of the liver showed statistically significant increases in:
    • Hyperemia
    • Inflammation
    • Fibrosis
    • Vacuolization
    • Multiple nuclei
    • Biliary proliferation
    in Group 2 compared to all other groups.
  • Immunohistochemical evaluation revealed higher TUNEL and caspase-3 levels in Group 2 than in all other groups.
  • ELF-MF-induced alterations, including hyperemia, inflammation, vacuolization, and multiple nuclei, were significantly reduced in Group 3 compared with Group 2.
  • No significant difference between Groups 2 and 3 in terms of bile duct proliferation or fibrosis.
  • No pathological changes in Groups 1 and 4.

Conclusion

ALA administration effectively reduced several histopathological changes caused by ELF-MF exposure, particularly hyperemia, inflammation, vacuolization, and multiple nuclei, but did not improve fibrosis or biliary proliferation. It also reduced TUNEL and caspase-3 expression, indicating that ALA has anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects against ELF-MF-induced liver damage. The findings demonstrate a clear link between electromagnetic field exposure and adverse liver effects in this animal model.

alpha-lipoic acid extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields liver damage rat model histopathology apoptosis inflammation
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