Combination of vitamin E and L-carnitine is superior in protection against isoproterenol-induced cardiac injury: histopathological evidence

• Published in: Folia morphologica 2019-01, Vol.78 (2), p.274-282
• Main Author: Huwait, E.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antioxidants; Atrophy; Carnitine; Electron microscopy; Enzymes; Fibers; Heart; Inflammation; Interleukin 6; Isoproterenol; L-Carnitine; Myocardial infarction; Tumor necrosis factor-TNF; Tumor necrosis factor-α; Tumors; Ventricle; Vitamin E
• ISSN: 0015-5659; 1644-3284
• DOI: 10.5603/FM.a2018.0070

Background: L-carnitine and vitamin E have antioxidant properties. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of L-carnitine, vitamin E and their combination in protection against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced biochemical and histopathological changes in rat heart. Materials and methods: Fifty male Wistar rats assigned to five groups; control, ISO-treated group (100 mg/kg), ISO + vitamin E-treated group (100 IU/kg), ISO + L-carnitine (100 mg/kg) and ISO + vitamin E + L-carnitine treated group. At the end of the experiment, serum cardiac enzyme as well as the cardiac level malondi- aldehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) were assessed. Histopathological changes in the left ventricle wall were assessed using the light and electron microscopy. Results: Treating rats with vitamin E and L-carnitine could alleviate ISO-induced changes as it significantly reduced the serum level cardiac enzymes, MDA and IL-6, TNF-a and improved the antioxidants enzymes (SOD, GSPxase and GSRase). Histopathologically, they improved cardiac fibres atrophy, haemorrhages between cardiac fibres, lost striations, and disturbed sarcomere structure. The combined ef- fect of vitamin E and L-carnitine was more superior compared to the other groups. Conclusions: Combined administration of vitamin E, L-carnitine ameliorated the biochemical and histopathological cardiac injury induced by ISO. The effect seemed to be mediated through the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin E, L-carnitine. Administration of these two elements is recommended for patient at risk for myocardial infarction.