Effect of L-carnitine derivatives on heart mitochondrial damage induced by lipid peroxidation

We have incubated heart mitochondria with ferrous ions as catalyst of lipid peroxidation. Ferrous ions induced an increase of malondialdehyde formation and a reduction of mitochondrial oxygen consuming and calcium transporting capacities. L-Carnitine and Acetyl-L-Carnitine failed to prevent mitochondrial damage. Propionyl-L-Carnitine significantly improved mitochondrial function, but failed to reduce malondialdehyde formation. This protective effect was specific for Propionyl-L-Carnitine as propionic acid and L-Carnitine did not modify mitochondrial damage.