title: Protective effect of propionyl carnitine against peroxidative damage to arterial endothelium membranes.
abstract: Endothelial cells may be damaged by oxygen reactive species produced by granulocytes, by transition metal ions or by xanthine oxidase, an enzyme present in great quantity in these cells. Since it has been observed that propionyl carnitine protects the heart from peroxidation, we have investigated the effect of this compound on the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive oxidation products (TBAR) in endothelial membranes. The peroxidation systems used were a mixture of Fe3+ and Fe2+, hydrogen peroxide and Fe2+, or xanthine oxidase-- xanthine. Propionyl carnitine at millimolar concentrations decreases TBAR formation. The protection is concentration-dependent and is almost absent in the presence of propionate and carnitine. From these results it appears that propionyl carnitine may protect not only myocardium but also vessels from peroxidative damage that occurs during ischaemia and reperfusion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Toxicology, University of Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bertelli
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Conte
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ronca
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Segnini
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Yu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002331:Carnitine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002417:Cattle; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002469:Cell Separation; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000517:prevention & control; D013858:Thiobarbiturates / Q000378:metabolism; D014969:Xanthine Oxidase / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D013858:Thiobarbiturates; C003223:propionylcarnitine; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D007501:Iron; D014969:Xanthine Oxidase; C029684:thiobarbituric acid; D002331:Carnitine