Protective effect of L-carnitine against cisplatin-induced liver and kidney oxidant injury in rats

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of L-carnitine (LC) on changes in the levels of lipid peroxidation and endogenous antioxidants induced by cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II, CDDP) in the liver and kidney tissues of rats. Twenty-four Sprague Dawley rats were equally divided into four groups of six rats each: control, cisplatin, L-carnitine, and L-carnitine plus cisplatin. The degree of protection produced by L-carnitine was evaluated by determining the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). The activity of glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were estimated from liver and kidney homogenates, and the liver and kidney were histologically examined as well. L-carnitine elicited significant liver and kidney protective activity by decreasing the level of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and elevating the activity of GSH, GSHPx, GST, and SOD. Furthermore, these biochemical observations were supported by histological findings. In conclusion, the present study indicates a significant role for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their relation to liver and kidney dysfunction, and points to the therapeutic potential of LC in CDDP-induced liver and kidney toxicity.</jats:p>

Dose-Dependent Protective Effect of L-Carnitine on Oxidative Stress in the Livers of Hyperthyroid Rats

“…Endogenous L-carnitine is synthesized from lysine and methi- onine primarily in the liver, as well as in the kidneys and brain tissue [24]. Previous studies have indicated that L-carnitine has an important role in oxidative/antioxidative balance as well as in the transport function of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria in biological systems [12][13][14][15]. However, the effects of L-carnitine on specific antioxidant enzymes, such as GPX, CAT and MPO, which detoxify H 2 O 2 in water, have been reported independently in a few studies [14,25].…”

“…Previous studies have indicated that L-carnitine has an important role in oxidative/antioxidative balance as well as in the transport function of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria in biological systems [12][13][14][15]. However, the effects of L-carnitine on specific antioxidant enzymes, such as GPX, CAT and MPO, which detoxify H 2 O 2 in water, have been reported independently in a few studies [14,25]. There are no studies about the dose-dependent protective effect of L-carnitine against the free radical damage induced by hyperthyroidism in rat liver tissue.…”

“…There are no studies about the dose-dependent protective effect of L-carnitine against the free radical damage induced by hyperthyroidism in rat liver tissue. Cayır et al [14] examined the effects of L-carnitine at a dose of 500 mg/kg (i.p.) on cisplatin-induced oxidative damage in the liver and kidney tissues of rats.…”

“…Their data showed that L-carnitine elicited significant protective activity in the liver and kidney by decreasing the levels of MDA and elevating the activities of GPX, suggesting an antioxidant effect from this molecule. This finding was most likely caused by a decrease in the damage produced by free oxygen radicals [14]. Cetinkaya et al [25] investigated the effects of L-carnitine at a dose of 500 mg/kg (i.p.)…”

“…L-carnitine inhibits both the mitochondrial damage induced by oxidative stress and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in various types of cells [12,13]. Recent studies suggest that L-carnitine may play an important role in oxidative/antioxidative balance and has an antiperoxidative effect on several tissues [14][15][16].…”