Effects of L-Carnitine and N-Acetylcysteine on nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis in rats

Abstract

This study was performed to investigate whether the antioxidants L-carnitine and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) have therapeutic effects on Nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis (NHS) in rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fatty liver disease. Twenty-four healthy male and female Wistar Albino rats, weighing 220–250 g and obtained from our university health research institute, were used in this study. The animals were divided into four groups of six rats each: Group 1 [Diet + normal saline solution (NSS), control group], Group 2 [Diet + CCl4], Group 3 [Diet + CCl4 + L-carnitine] and Group 4 [Diet + CCl4 + NAC]. For biochemical examinations blood samples were obtained from the right ventricle of the heart and liver samples for histopathological were also obtained. The mean Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P = 0.043) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (P=0.021) were significantly lower in rats with l-carnitine treatment. The mean ALT level were significantly lower in rats with NAC and (P = 0.014). Microscopic steatosis severity was decreased in the rats with NAC treatment than the controls. However administration of l-carnitine did not sufficiently prevent hepatic steatosis or inflammation. Our study showed that L-carnitine and NAC treatment resulted in significant regression of steatosis in rats with NHS. However, these findings must be confirmed by further studies including larger populations.