The Possible Protective Effect of L-Carnitine against Gentamicin-Induced Acute Renal Injury in Rats

Abstract Background: Several studies concerned the role of free radicals in gentamicin-induced kidney injury, where reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly damage lipids, proteins, and DNA, which are the basic structures of cell components, including membrane lipid peroxidation during oxidative stress. Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of L‐carnitine against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male rats ( Rattus norvegicus ) were classified into four groups: Group-1: the animals received a single daily dose of normal saline solution (N.S.) for 2 weeks and served as the control; Group-2: Animals in this group were injected intra-peritoneally with a daily dose of gentamicin (60 mg/kg) for 2 weeks to induce renal injury. Group-3: Animals in this group received a daily dose of L-carnitine (60 mg/kg) via intra-peritoneal injection for 2 weeks. Group-4: Animals in this group were co-administered with a daily dose of gentamicin (60 mg/kg) via intra-peritoneal injection and L-carnitine daily dose intra-peritoneal injection (60 mg/ kg) for 2 weeks. Results: Gentamicin (60 mg/kg) for 2 weeks revealed a significant increase in the serum levels of urea and creatinine in comparison to the control group. Also, the induction group showed a significant decrease in the serum levels of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase compared to the control group. While the level of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM) was decreased in the gentamycin group in comparison with the control group, and the L-carnitine group showed a significant improvement in the levels of urea, creatinine, and GSH compared to the gentamycin group. In addition, the level of KIM was significantly reduced in the L-carnitine–treated group in comparison with the induction group. Furthermore, the L-carnitine showed amelioration in histopathological changes of renal tissues in comparison to the gentamycin-treated group. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that L-carnitine has a protective effect against gentamicin-induced renal injury, which is nephrotoxicity caused by gentamicin.