Protective effect of L-carnitine on alcoholic fatty liver in rats

We have investigated the protective effects of L-carnitine against experime ntal alcoholic fatty liver in terms of steatosis, liver damage, lipid perox idation and lipid levels. 36 male Wistar rats were divided into three group s. One group received a liquid diet and the other two the liquid diet suppl emented with ethanol for 6 weeks. One of the groups given alcohol also rece ived L-carnitine (250 mg/kg, i.m., 3 times/week) and the other isotonic sal ine (i.m., 3 times/week) as placebo. All of the rats given alcohol develope d fatty liver, presenting different grades at the end of the 6 weeks. The l evels of steatosis, inflammation and necrosis in the livers of alcohol + L- carnitine animals were significantly lower (P < 0.001) compared to the alco hol + saline animals' livers. The levels of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver and plasma were significantly lower in the L-carnitine + alcohol group (P < 0.001) than in the saline + alcohol group. Moreover, the activi ty of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and levels of triglycerides and LDL-ch olesterol were significantly lower in the L-carnitine + alcohol group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively) compared to the alcohol + saline group. Based on these results, it is possible to postulate that L-carnitin e may have a preventive role against alcohol-induced steatosis and liver da mage. Med Sci Res 27:475-478 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.