Protective effects of carnitine in an experimental ischemia–reperfusion injury

Background/Aims: We aimed to determine the role of exogenous carnitine to prevent ischemia–reperfusion damage in liver tissue in experimental model. Methods: Rats were divided into four groups as Sham (SG), 30% Hepatectomy (HG), ischemia–reperfusion +30% hepatectomy (IRHG) and ischemia–reperfusion+30% hepatectomy+carnitine (IRHCG). Serum AST, ALT and GGT levels have been determined in systemic blood samples (post-hepatic vena cava) and liver tissue and serum carnitine levels in blood samples from portal vein (pre-hepatic blood samples). Results: Serum carnitine levels were significantly higher in IRHCG compared to SG (P< 0.01). Each of the serum AST, ALT and GGT levels were statistically higher in HG, IRHG and IRHCG than SG (P< 0.001). While these values in IRHG were also higher than those in HG (P< 0.001), in IRHCG enzyme levels were significantly lower than IRHG (P< 0.001). Liver tissue damage was less in IRHCG than IRHG statistically (P< 0.001). Conclusions: This animal model implies that exogenous carnitine supplementation may be helpful in preventing free oxygen radical damage and inflammatory reactions in liver tissue.