The protective effect of L-carnitine on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Ischemia-reperfusion injury may occur during liver transplantation and remains a serious concern in clinical practice. This study was designed to study the potential benefit of L-carnitine on experimental warm hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Forty-five male Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups; Group 1 sham-operation without ischemia-reperfusion (n=15); Group 2, ischemia-reperfusion (n=15); and Group 3, which was administered L-carnitine (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, for 4 days) prior to ischemia-reperfusion (n=15). The study animals were then sacrificed to obtain hepatic tissue and serum samples. Tissue levels of malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione and serum levels for aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase were assessed.

Mean aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in Group 2 (405.2 U/L) when compared to Groups 1 (137.1 U/L) and 3 (267.6 U/L). Mean alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in Group 2 (257.1 U/L) when compared to Groups 1 (37.2 U/L), and 3 (118.1 U/L) (p< 0.001 for each). Mean lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly higher in Group 2 (2943.8 U/L) when compared to Groups 1 (1496.5 U/L), and 3 (2185.3U/L) (p < 0.001 for each). Mean malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in Group 2 (54.3 nmol/g) compared to Groups 1 (41.0 nmol/g) and 3 (42.1 nmol/g) (p < 0.001 for each). Mean reduced glutathione levels were significantly lower in Group 2 (5.9 nmol/mg) and Group 3 (7.4 nmol/mg) compared to Group 1 (9.1 nmol/mg) (p < 0.001 for each).

In conclusion, our data supports a protective effect of L-carnitine against oxidative damage in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. This is evidenced by improvement of the antioxidant defense system and lipid peroxidation levels.