Effects of L-Carnitine and Taurine on associated biochemical changes in Alloxan induced diabetic rats

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the beneficial effects
of L-carnitine and taurine in healthy and alloxan induced diabetes mellitus
in rats. Results showed that diabetic rats had significant increase in the
levels of plasma glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA), urea, creatinine and
the activity of serum asparate aminotransferase and alanine
aminotransferase as compared to normal control rats. While, blood
glutathione (GSH) content and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD)
activity were significantly lowered. The elevated plasma glucose, MDA,
AST, ALT, urea and creatinine levels of diabetic rats were significantly
reduced by treatment for 6weeks with L-carnitine and taurine. In addition,
normal healthy rats fed on the balanced diet plus L-Carnitine and taurine
showed significant increase in blood glutathione (GSH) content and
erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity as compared with
healthy control. It was concluded that dietary administration of L-carnitine
and taurine reduces, delays or even prevent oxidative stress in diabetic
rats.

Keywords: Alloxan induced diabetes, L-carnitine, taurine, blood glucose,
lipid peroxidation, liver and kidney functions.