Short term effects of L-carnitine on serum lipids in STZ-induced diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into diabetic and diabetic-L-carnitine-supplemented groups. Diabetes was induced by injection of a single dose of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) in citrate buffer. L-Carnitine was supplemented by IM injection of 100 mg/kg per day for 10 days. Serum glucose, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were determined at days 0, 5 and 10. Rats receiving L-carnitine had lower triglyceride levels at both days 5 and 10 (P<0.05). Total cholesterol levels in the carnitine-supplemented group were lower, but statistical significance was achieved only at day 10 (P<0.05). These results suggest that L-carnitine exhibits hypotriglyceridemic and hypocholesterolemic effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Clinical trials of L-carnitine supplementation on patients with diabetes induced hyperlipidemia must be further evaluated. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.