The Effect Of L-Carnitine And Alpha Lipoic Acid Administration With Exercise In Old Rats On Energy Metabolism Related To Oxidative Stress Parameters

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to contribute novel insights by investigating the potential positive effects of a combined dietary supplement and exercise program on mitochondrial oxidative stress and energy metabolism in aging. Focusing on the protective impact of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), a potent antioxidant, against exercise-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress in rats, we also assess how L-Carnitine administration affects exercise ability by analyzing resistin and HbA1c levels, indicators linked to insulin resistance and cellular sensitivity. Methods: In this 10-day study, 42 old male Sprague Dawley rats (weighing 400±10 g, aged 15–17 weeks) were divided into six groups (n=7): Control, Exercise, L-Carnitine, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), L-Carnitine+Exercise, ALA+Exercise. Relevant groups received daily oral gavage doses of L- Carnitine (50 mg/ml) and ALA (18 mg/ml). Exercise groups underwent treadmill sessions. On day 10, blood samples were quantitatively analyzed for HbA1c and Resistin levels using a Cusabio ELISA assay kit (China). Results: ALA supplementation synergistically reduced resistin and HbA1c levels, individually and combined with exercise. Conversely, L-Carnitine supplement, alone or with exercise, increased resistin levels but it caused a decrease in HbA1c levels. Conclusions: The data indicated a minor, insignificant decrease in resistin levels for the exercise and ALA groups, with a statistically significant difference in HbA1c levels among all groups. Exercise alone positively impacted both HbA1c and resistin levels, suggesting a potential counteraction of age-related oxidative stress and a positive influence on energy metabolism through an appropriate diet and exercise program. Further studies are required to explore specific metabolic pathways and relationships identified in our findings.