Levo-carnitine supplementation normalizes skeletal muscle functions in type 2 diabetic rats

Abstract

Levo-carnitine is known to improve skeletal muscle contractile functions in healthy humans and rats. It has also been claimed to correct metabolic derangements in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This randomized control trial was designed to determine the effect of levo-carnitine on isometric contraction, force frequency relationship and fatigue of skeletal muscles along with oxidative stress in T2DM. Sprague-dawley rats (n=90) were randomly divided in three equal groups. Control group remained healthy while T2DM was induced in the diabetic and carnitine groups. Then, carnitine group was administered levo-carnitine 200mg/kg/day intraperitonealy for 6 days. At 28th day, extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were removed and their functions were assessed using iWorx data acquisition unit (AHK/214). Blood obtained by intra-cardiac sampling at 28th day was used for estimation of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Regarding muscle parameters, no significant difference was found in maximum isometric twitch tension, time-to-peak twitch tension and time-to-relax to 50% of the peak twitch tension amongst the three groups. However, carnitine group showed significant improvement in maximum fused tetanic tension, maximum fused tetanic tension after fatigue protocol and recovery from fatigue after 5 minutes of rest period when compared with diabetic group. Serum MDA levels were reduced in carnitine group as compared to the diabetic group. These findings suggest that levo-carnitine supplementation reduces oxidative stress, improves work capacity and delays fatigue in T2DM.