Organ Specific Changes in Markers of Oxidative Stress in Choline, Carnitine and Caffeine Supplemented and Exercised Rats

Objective: of this study was to determine changes in oxidative indices in tissues of exercised rats fed diet fortified with choline, carnitine and caffeine; and relate to those reported in humans. Methods: 7-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied for five weeks. Diets were supplemented with choline, carnitine and caffeine and rats were either exercised or not during the last 2 weeks of the dietary regimen. Tissue samples were collected at the end of the period and analyzed for the concentrations of TBARS, hydroperoxides and protein carbonyls. Results: The changes modulated by the supplement as well as exercise regimens in the oxidative stress markers were tissue specific. The changes in serum TBARS of rats were unlike those in women under similar conditions of treatment we reported earlier. Conclusions: The effects of choline, carnitine and caffeine supplements on the indices of oxidative stress were tissue specific and were not always correlated with serum TBARS. The changes in serum TBARS in rats were contrary to those reported in humans under similar conditions of treatment.