Effect of lipoic acid on Aβ1-42-induced damage in PC12 cells

Objective:To investigate the protective effects of lipoic acid on the damage induced by amyloid-β peptide1-42(Aβ1-42) in PC12 cells.Methods: PC12 cells were treated with Aβ1-42 and lipoic acid.The viability of PC12 cells was detected by MTT assay.The loss of membrane integrity and the cell lysis were measured by assaying the release of lactic dehydrogenase(LDH).The activity of caspase-3 in cells was measured by means of the cleavage of fluorogenic substrate Ac-DEVD-MCA.Results: Aβ1-42 induced apoptosis of PC12 cells and decreased cell viability.Lipoic acid improved the viability of PC12 cells,decreased LDH level in the culture media,and reduced the increase in caspase-3 activity.Conclusion: Lipoic acid can inhibit the cellular toxicity of Aβ;it may protect nerve cells.