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Systemic antioxidant properties of L-carnitine in two different models of arterial hypertension
Alfonso Mate1, José L Miguel-Carrasco, María T Monserrat
1Departamento de Fisiología y Zoología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, CL Profesor García González, 2, 41012 Sevilla, Spain. mate@us.es
Abstract:
In spite of a wide range of drugs being available in the market, treatment of arterial hypertension still remains a challenge, and new therapeutic strategies could be developed in order to improve the rate of success in controlling this disease. Since oxidative stress has gained importance in the last few years as one of the mechanisms involved in the origin and development of hypertension, and considering that L-carnitine (LC) is a useful compound in different pathologies characterized by increased oxidative status, the aim of the present study was to investigate the systemic antioxidant effect of LC and its correlation to blood pressure in two experimental models of hypertension: (1) spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and (2) rats with hypertension induced by N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Treatment with captopril was also performed in SHR in order to compare the antioxidant and antihypertensive effects of LC and captopril. The antioxidant defense capacity, in terms of antioxidant enzyme activity, glutathione system availability and plasma total antioxidant capacity, was measured in both animal models with or without an oral, chronic treatment with LC. All the antioxidant parameters studied were diminished in SHR and in L-NAME-treated animals, an alteration that was in general reversed after treatments with LC and captopril. In addition, LC produced a significant but not complete reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels in these two models of hypertension, whereas captopril was able to normalize blood pressure. Both LC and captopril prevented the reduction in nitric oxide (NO) levels observed in hypertensive animals. This suggests a decrease in the systemic oxidative stress and a higher availability of NO induced by LC in a similar way to captopril's effects, which could be relevant in the management of arterial hypertension eventually.
Insights
L-carnitine (LC) demonstrates systemic antioxidant effects, reducing oxidative stress and increasing nitric oxide (NO) availability in experimental hypertension models. This suggests LC may aid in managing arterial hypertension by improving antioxidant capacity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Oxidative Stress and Metabolism
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Arterial hypertension remains a significant clinical challenge despite available treatments.
- Oxidative stress is increasingly recognized as a key factor in hypertension development and progression.
- L-carnitine (LC) shows potential benefits in conditions associated with elevated oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the systemic antioxidant effects of L-carnitine (LC) in hypertension.
- To evaluate the correlation between LC's antioxidant activity and blood pressure reduction.
- To compare LC's effects with captopril in experimental models of hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two rat models of hypertension: spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertension.
- Administered chronic oral L-carnitine (LC) treatment.
- Measured antioxidant defense capacity, including enzyme activity, glutathione system, and plasma total antioxidant capacity.
- Assessed blood pressure and nitric oxide (NO) levels.
- Included a captopril treatment group in SHR for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- Hypertensive models (SHR and L-NAME) exhibited diminished antioxidant parameters.
- L-carnitine (LC) treatment reversed these antioxidant alterations in both models.
- LC significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, though not to normal levels.
- Captopril normalized blood pressure in SHR.
- Both LC and captopril prevented the reduction in nitric oxide (NO) levels observed in hypertensive animals.
Conclusions:
- L-carnitine (LC) decreases systemic oxidative stress and enhances nitric oxide (NO) availability in experimental hypertension.
- These effects suggest L-carnitine (LC) may be a valuable therapeutic agent for managing arterial hypertension.
- LC's antioxidant and NO-modulating properties offer a potential complementary strategy to existing antihypertensive treatments.
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