[Study on therapeutic effect of carnitine on hepatic steatosis caused by total parenteral nutrition in rats].
OBJECTIVE
To study the hepatic steatosis-minimizing effects of carnitine supplemented total parenteral nutrition (TPN).


METHODS
Eighteen normal Wistar rats and nineteen cirrhotic Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups, respectively: group A (12), chow and libitum; group B (13), TPN for one week group C (12), TPN with carnitine. Liver functions were tested at the seventh day, and also, the liver was resected for histological studies and lipid content determination.


RESULTS
Hepatic lipid content was significantly elevated and hepatic steatosis was noted in group B. Hepatic lipid content and hepatic lipid deposit were significantly lowered when carnitine was added to the TPN solution.


CONCLUSIONS
Carnitine can minimize hepatic steatosis caused by TPN.
Liang
L
L
Department of Hepatobiliary, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080.
Luo
S
S
Zheng
J
J
Huang
J
J
D000818:Animals; D002331:Carnitine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D002331:Carnitine