:: Volume 21, Issue 5 (Bimonthly 2017) ::
Feyz 2017, 21(5): 414-421 Back to browse issues page
The antidiabetic effect of L-carnitine in rats: the role of nitric oxide system
Shaghayegh Hajian-Shahri , Mohammad Reza Hajinezhad , Mehdi Jahantigh , Hamid Reza Miri
Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, I. R. Iran. , hajinezhad@gmail.com
Abstract:   (4103 Views)
Background: Nowadays, the use of L-carnitine in the treatment of diabetes is increasing. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of co-administration of L-arginine (precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide) and nitro-L-arginine (nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor) on antidiabetic activity of L-carnitine in diabetic rats.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 50 male rats weighing 180-201g  were divided into five groups: (1) non diabetic control rats; (2) untreated diabetic rats; (3) diabetic rats treated with L-carnitine 300 mg/kg (4); diabetic rats treated with L-carnitine 300 mg/kg + L-arginine 300 mg/kg; and (5) diabetic rats treated with L-carnitine (300 mg/kg) + nitro-L-arginine (1mg/kg). Type 1 diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 110 mg/kg body weight alloxan. After 30 days, liver malondialdehyde levels, lipid profile, serum glucose, and glycated hemoglobin serum levels were measured.
Results: Blood glucose, liver enzymes, glycated hemoglobin, and liver malondialdehyde levels significantly decreased in diabetic rats treated with L-carnitine compared to the untreated diabetic group (P<0.05). The co-administration of L-arginine and L-carnitine led to a significant decrease in glycated hemoglobin levels and serum glucose, in a manner similar to the group received only L-carnitine. Also, L-arginine and nitro-l-arginine had similar effects on liver lipid peroxidation and serum biochemical parameters.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the hypoglycemic effect of L-carnitine is mediated independently from nitric oxide pathways. The interaction between L-carnitine and L-arginine may not be synergistic. So, their combined administration is not recommended for the diabetic patients.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, L- carnitine, Nitric oxide, Rats
Full-Text [PDF 281 kb]   (2579 Downloads)    
Type of Study: Research | Subject: General
Received: 2016/07/16 | Revised: 2017/12/12 | Accepted: 2017/09/10 | Published: 2017/11/14
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Volume 21, Issue 5 (Bimonthly 2017) Back to browse issues page