Intraperitoneal L-carnitine Regulates Lipid Metabolism and Reduces Oxidative Stress in Fructose-induced Hyperlipidemic Rats

The role of nutritional substances in the management of insulin resistance is of interest. The present study was aimed to explore the effect of administration of L-carnitine on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in a high fructose-fed, hyperlipidemic, insulin resistant rat model. Rats fed fructose showed hyperlipidemia, significant alterations in lipoprotein profile, and accumulation of triglycerides in the liver. High density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly reduced, while very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly elevated (p<0.05). The activities of lipoprotein lipase and lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase in plasma and liver were significantly reduced. Alterations in the activities of plasma and liver cholesterol ester hydrolase, cholesterol ester synthetase and hydroxymethyl glutarylcoenzyme A reductase were observed. Fructose-fed rats displayed reduction in plasma nitrite, accumulation of lipid peroxidation end products and depletion of antioxidants in the liver. Simultaneous administration of carnitine along with fructose diet alleviated the effects of fructose. These rats showed near-normal levels of the parameters studied. The results suggest that carnitine supplementation may have some benefits in patients with insulin resistance. INTRODUCTION