Radiation-induced acute kidney toxicity: Protective effect of L-carnitine versus amifostine

Background: &nbsp;The aim of the study was to compare the radioprotective efficacy in the kidney of L-carnitine to that of amifostine. Materials and Methods: Thirty three-month-old Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups: Group 1 (Control); Group 2 (Irradiation alone); Group 3 (amifostine plus irradiation); and Group 4 (L-carnitine before irradiation). The rats in Groups 2, 3, and 4 were irradiated individually with a single dose of 20 Gy to whole abdomen. L-carnitine (300 mg/kg) or amifostine (200 mg/kg) was administered 30 minutes before irradiation. Euthanasia was performed 5 days after irradiation, and kidneys were evaluated histopathologically. Results: Dilatation of Bowman&rsquo;s capsule, congestion of blood vessels, and tubular epithelial degeneration were significantly different among the groups (p < 0.05). Pretreatment with both L-carnitine and amifostine reduced the radiation-induced dilatation of Bowman&rsquo;s capsule (p < 0.05), congestion of blood vessels (p < 0.05), and tubular epithelial degeneration (p < 0.05). L-carnitine and amifostine were similar in protective effect. Conclusion: L-carnitine was equally effective as amifostine in protecting the kidney against acute irradiation damage.