Combination of alpha-lipoic acid and mitoquinone improves myocardial function in an experimental model of myocardial infarction in aged rats

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to investigate whether a combination of two potent antioxidants, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and mitoquinone (Mito Q), could improve myocardial function and the underlying mechanisms in an experimental model of myocardial infarction in aged rats. To develop a myocardial infarction model in aged rats the left anterior descending artery (LADA) was transiently occluded for 30 minutes and then re-perfused for 24 hours. Mito Q (10 mg/kg, IP) and ALA (100 mg/kg, gavage) was given daily for 2 weeks before occlusion of LADA. Subsequently, 24 hours after ischemia, left ventricular function was measured, and inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), tissue apoptosis, expression of Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome C (Cyt-c), and caspase-3 were evaluated using ELISA, TUNEL, real-time PCR methods, respectively. The findings of this study indicated that the administration of the combination of ALA and Mito Q significantly improved cardiac function. This improvement was linked to a reduction in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P < 0.001) and apoptotic markers (Bax, caspase-3, and Cyt-c), as well as a decrease in the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells (P < 0.001). The combined administration of ALA and Mito Q was found to synergistically reduce cardiac dysfunction in aged rats with myocardial infarction by inhibiting both the inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. This compound may offer a promising solution for elderly individuals who are at risk of heart attack, however, further research is needed to validate its potential