L-carnitine ameliorates doxorubicin-induced nephrotic syndrome in rats.
OBJECTIVE
Effects of L-carnitine on nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by doxorubicin (DOX) in rats were investigated.


METHODS
The rats were divided into four groups: group 1, control (0.9% NaCl); group 2, DOX injection (7.5 mg/kg, i.v.); group 3, DOX plus low dose (40 mg/kg) L-carnitine; and group 4, DOX plus high dose (200 mg/kg) L-carnitine. L-carnitine was administered 1 h before doxorubicin injection and daily thereafter for 15 days.


RESULTS
Rats in group 2 were associated with hypoalbuminaemia, hyperlipidaemia, high urinary excretion of protein and elevated plasma creatinine and urea nitrogen. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) decreased with increased renal vascular resistance (RVR). Kidney catalase (CAT) activity was decreased. In group 3 and 4, plasma triglyceride and cholesterol declined. L-carnitine improved renal functions by elevated GFR and ERPF and decreased plasma creatinine and urea nitrogen. The kidney CAT activity were increased significantly compared with group 2. From histopathological results, group 2 rats were found to have glomerular capillary dilation and tubular dilation. The lesions were less in group 3 and 4 rats.


CONCLUSIONS
L-carnitine can protect renal impairment functionally, biochemically and histopathologically with a corresponding reduction of oxidative stress.
Boonsanit
Dolrudee
D
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Patumwan, Bangkok, Thailand.
Kanchanapangka
Sumolaya
S
Buranakarl
Chollada
C
D000818:Animals; D002331:Carnitine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D008297:Male; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D004317:Doxorubicin; D002331:Carnitine