L-carnitine Protects Cisplatin Induced Liver Fibrosis in Experimental Animals via Reducing Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present study was to examine the protective potential of L-carnitine against Cisplatin-induced liver fibrosis in experimental models. Materials and Methods: The rats were randomly divided into five groups, each containing an equal number of animals (n = 6). Repeated doses of Cisplatin were used to promote liver fibrosis, and serum parameters like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin (TB), and albumin were assessed, as well as hepatic hydroxyproline (HP), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and pro-inflammatory cytokines. A Western blot was used to quantify iNOS expression, and liver tissue was also processed for histological examination (H&E staining). Results: In this investigation, we discovered that Cisplatin decreased body and liver weight in rats, whereas L-carnitine administration resulted in normal body and liver weight. Cisplatin rats had higher levels of serum parameters (AST, ALT, total bilirubin) as well as oxidative parameters like GSH, MDA, and inflammatory-cytokines. Treatment with L-carnitine reduced oxidative stress and suppressed the release of cytokines in a dose-dependent manner, as well as providing protection against fibrosis. In cisplatin-treated rats, iNOS expression was found to be 1.8 times higher. Furthermore, increased iNOS expression was dose-dependently reduced after treatment with L-carnitine. Conclusion: According to the findings, L-carnitine has a protective effect against Cisplatin-induced liver fibrosis.