Tissue lipids in experimental calcium oxalate lithiasis and the effect of DL alpha-lipoic acid.

The function of DL alpha-lipoic acid (6,8-thioctic acid) as a prosthetic group in the oxidative decarboxylation of alpha-keto acids, pyruvate and alpha-ketoglutarate in mitochondria is well known. Its role is well extended to certain reactions in lipid biosynthesis. In addition, lipoic acid has been shown to prevent the induced precipitation of calcium oxalate crystals in the renal tissues of laboratory animals. Here, the effect of alpha-lipoic acid was studied, on altered tissue lipid levels manifested during experimental renal lithiasis. Raised tissue cholesterol, triglyceride and low phospholipid levels were some of the striking significant observations made in calculogenic rats. Lipoic acid treatment reduced tissue cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly and raised phospholipids. The alterations may have a bearing in relation to calcium oxalate stone formation.