Dietary L-carnitine Influences Broiler Thigh Yield

Kidd, M.T.,Gilbert, J.,Corzo, A.,Page, C.,Virden, W.S.,Woodworth, J.C. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2009 Animal Bioscience Vol.22 No.5

L-carnitine promotes mitochondrial ${\beta}$-oxidation of long chain fatty acids and their subsequent transport across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Although the role of L-carnitine in fatty acid metabolism has been extensively studied, its role in live performance and carcass responses of commercial broilers is less understood. The objective of this research was to determine if Lcarnitine fed at various levels in diets differing in CP and amino acids impacted on live performance and carcass characteristics of commercial broilers. Two floor pen experiments were conducted to assess the effect of dietary L-carnitine in grower diets. In Exp. 1, Ross${\times}$Hubbard Ultra Yield broilers were placed in 48 floor pens (12 birds/pen) and fed common diets to d 14. A two (0 or 50 ppm Lcarnitine) by three (173, 187, and 202 g/kg CP) factorial arrangement of treatments was employed from 15 to 35 d of age (8 replications/treatment). An interaction (p<0.05) in carcass yield indicated that increasing CP (187 g/kg) resulted in improved yield in the presence of L-carnitine. Increasing CP from 173 to 202 g/kg increased (p<0.05) BW gain and decreased (p<0.05) feed conversion and percentage abdominal fat. Feeding dietary L-carnitine increased back-half carcass yield which was attributable to an increase (p<0.05) in thigh, but not drumstick, yield relative to carcass. In Exp. 2, $Ross{\times}Ross$ 708 broilers were fed common diets until 29 d. From 30 to 42 d of age, birds were fed one of seven diets: i) 200 g/kg CP, 0 ppm L-carnitine; ii) 200 g/kg CP, 40 ppm L-carnitine; iii) 180 g/kg CP, 0 ppm L-carnitine; iv) 180 g/kg CP, 10 ppm L-carnitine; v) 180 g/kg CP, 20 ppm L-carnitine; vi) 180 g/kg CP, 30 ppm L-carnitine; and vii) 180 g/kg CP, 40 ppm L-carnitine (6 replications of 12 birds each). BW gain, feed conversion, mortality (30 to 42 d), and carcass traits (42 d) were measured on all birds by pen. There were no treatment differences (p<0.05). However, the addition of 40 ppm L-carnitine in the 200 g CP/kg diet increased (p = 0.06) thigh yields relative to BW in comparison to birds fed diets without L-carnitine, which was further confirmed via a contrast analysis (0 vs. 40 ppm L-carnitine in the 200 and 180 g CP/kg diets; p<0.05). These results indicated that dietary L-carnitine may heighten metabolism in dark meat of commercial broilers resulting in increased relative thigh tissue accretion without compromising breast accretion.

Effects of L-Carnitine with Different Lysine Levels on Growth and Nutrient Digestibility in Pigs Weaned at 21 Days of Age

Cho, W.T.,Kim, J.H.,Han, In K.,Han, Y.K.,Heo, K.N.,Odle, J. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 1999 Animal Bioscience Vol.12 No.5

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of L-carnitine with different levels of lysine on performance of pigs weaned at 21 days of age. A total of 120 pigs were allotted into a $3{\times}2$ factorial design with three different levels of lysine (1.40%, 1,60% and 1.80%) and two levels of L-carnitine (0 and 1,000 ppm). Each treatment had 4 replications with 5 pigs per replicate. Pigs of $22{\pm}1$ days (5.9 kg of body weight) were grouped into a completely randomized block design. Treatments were 1) 1.4-Crt; 1.40% of lysine with 1,000 ppm of L-carnitine, 2) 1.4-N; 1.40% of lysine without L-carnitine, 3) 1.6-Crt; 1.60% of lysine with 1,000 ppm of L-carnitine, 4) 1.6-N; 1.60% of lysine without L-carnitine, 5) 1.8-Crt; 1.80% of lysine with 1,000 ppm of L-carnitine and 6) 1.8-N; 1.80% of lysine without L-carnitine. Growth performance was optimized in pigs fed 1.6% lysine regardless of carnitine addition. For the first 7 days of the experimental period, the best ADG and F/G were found in pigs within the 1.6-Crt group. Carnitine significantly improved (p<0.05) ADG of pigs when the lysine level in the diet was 1.6%. Only in the third week carnitine had a significant influence on growth performance of pigs. A lysine-sparing effect of L-carnitine was not detected in this study. The 1.6-Crt group showed the best proximate nutrient digestibility, and the crude fat and gross energy digestibility were higher when the L-carnitine was added in the diet. Lysine level significantly affected the digestibilities of DM (p<0.001), GE (p<0.001), CP (p<0.01) and C.fat (p<0.05). Carnitine also significantly improved digestibility of nutrients. Lysine level as well as carnitine level affected the amino acids digestibility, however, in 1.8% lysine diet carnitine did not influence on amino acids digestibility. Plasma carnitine content was significant higher (p<0.05) in pigs fed L-carnitine. This indicates the increased biological availability of carnitine within the body. L-carnitine supplementation tended to improve feed utilization during the third week (p<0.10) and during the entire period (p=0.10). Lysine level significantly affected feed utilization of pigs during the third week and entire period (p<0.05). As pigs grew, the lysine requirement was reduced.

L-카르니틴의 사람피부에 대한 항노화 효과

이범천 ( Bum-chun Lee ),최태부 ( Tae-boo Choe ),심관섭 ( Gwan-sub Sim ),이근수 ( Geun-soo Lee ),박성민 ( Sung-min Park ),이천일 ( Chun-il Lee ),표형배 ( Hyeong-bae Pyo ) 대한화장품학회 2004 대한화장품학회지 Vol.30 No.3

L-Carnitine (β-hydroxy-γ-trimethyl-ammoniumbutyric acid)은 분자량이 적은 수용성 분자로서 세포 내 지방 대사에서 중요한 역할을 수행한다. 지방산의 운반 분자인 아실-코에이(acyl-CoA)가 미토콘드리아의 세포막을 투과하지 못하기 때문에 지방산은 CoA로부터 카르니틴으로 운반되어 미토콘드리아에서 작용한다. 노화와 연관된 L-carnitine의 기능을 확인하기 위하여 MMP inhibition assay와 자외선 조사에 의해 유도된 MMP 발현에 대한 영향을 확인하였다. MMP inhibition assay는 콜라겐을 이용한 형광분석법을 실시하였고 자외선 조사에 의해 유도된 MMP 발현양은 ELISA로 정량하였으며 그 활성은 젤라틴 기질 zymography로 확인하였고 MMP mRNA 발현양은 RT-PCR ELISA로 확인하였다. 또한, 사람을 이용한 임상 실험을 통하여 주름 개선 효과를 평가하였다. L-carnitine은 농도 의존적으로 MMP 저해 활성을 나타났으며 IC₅₀ 값은 2.45 mM이었으며 자외선 조사에 의해 발현된 MMP 활성을 강하게 저해하였다. 자외선 조사에 의해 발현되는 MMP에 대해 단백질의 양적인 변화는 40% 정도 감소되었으며 L-carnitine 처리에 의해 농도 의존적으로 MMP mRNA의 발현양은 감소되었다. 이러한 실험결과를 통하여 L-carnitine은 MMP 효소의 저해능 뿐만 아니라 자외선 조사에 의해 유도되는 MMP 단백질 발현과 mRNA 유전자 수준에서의 조절이 가능함을 확인하였다. 사람을 이용한 임상 실험에서는 1% 카르니틴을 함유하는 화장품을 약 3개월간 사용 후에는 유의적으로 주름 개선 효과를 확인하였다. 결론적으로 L-Carnitine은 광노화에 관여하는 MMP 활성과 발현 조절 메커니즘을 통하여 광손상에 대응하는 항노화 소재로서의 화장품에 매우 효과적이었음을 확인하였다. L-Carnitine (β-hydroxy-γ-trimethyl-ammoniumbutyric acid) is a small water-soluble molecule important in mammalian fat metabolism. It is essential for the normal oxidation of fatty acids by the mitochondria, and is involved in the trans-esterification and excretion of acyl-CoA esters. In this paper, to investigate the relationship between aging and L-carnitine, we investigated the effects of in vitro matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition and activity and expression of UYA-induced MMPs in human skin fibroblasts. Also, we studied to develop as anti-aging cosmetics with L-carnitine. Fluorometric assays of the proteolytic activities of MMP-1 (collagenase) were performed using fluorescent collagen substrates. ELISA (enzyme linked immune sorbent assay), gelatin-substrate zymography, RT-PCR ELISA techniques were used for the effects of L-carnitine on MMP expression, activity, and MMP mRNA expression in UVA irradiated fibroblast (5 J/㎠), respectively. In addition, we performed clinical study with L-carnitine cream. L-carnitine inhibited the activities of MMP-1 in a dose-dependent manner and the IC₅₀ values calculated from semi-log plots were 2.45 mM, and L-carnitine showed strong inhibition on MMP-2 (gelatinase) activity in UVA irradiated fibroblast by zymography. Also, UVA induced MMP-1, 2 expression was reduced 43%, 53% by treated with L-carnitine at 1.25 mM, and MMP-1 mRNA expression was reduced dose-dependent manner. Therefore L-carnitine was able to significantly inhibit the MMP activity, and regulate MMP expression in protein and mRNA level. The results of clinical study showed that 1.0% L-carnitine treated group reduced wrinkle significantly compared with placebo treated group (P<0.05). All these results suggest that L-carnitine may be useful as new anti-aging cosmetics for protection against UVA induced Mm expression and activity.

흰쥐에서 L-carnitine 투여 후에 혈청 지방산과 Carnitine의 농도 변화

이재원,홍영미,Lee, Jae Won,Hong, Young Mi 대한소아청소년과학회 2002 Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics (CEP) Vol.45 No.9

목 적: L-carnitine은 carnitine acyltransferase 효소에 의해 장쇄(long chain)지방산을 세포질에서 미토콘드리아로 이동시킬 때 필요한 효소로 미토콘드리아 내로 이동된 장쇄 지방산은 ${\beta}$-산화를 거쳐 신체의 에너지원으로 사용된다. 비만 치료 방법의 하나로 L-carnitine을 투여하여 간과 근육세포의 산화를 증가시켜 혈청 지방을 감소시키려는 시도가 있으며, 실제로 L-carnitine이 혈청 지방산을 낮추는지를 알아보기 위해 본 연구를 실시하였다. 방 법: 250 g 내외의 Sprague Dawley 쥐를 두 군으로 나누어 실험하였다. A군은 정상 대조군, B군에서 L-carnitine을 200 mg/kg씩 매일 복강 내로 투여하였다. Hitachi 기기를 이용하여 총 콜레스테롤, 중성지방, 고분자량 콜레스테롤, 저분자량 콜레스테롤을 측정하였고, 혈청 C6-C18 지방산은 GC/MS 분석에 의해 1일, 1주, 2주에 측정하였다. Cycling 기법을 이용하여 총 carnitine, 유리 carnitine, 아실 carnitine을 정량 분석하였다. 결 과 : 1) 혈청 총 콜레스테롤, 고분자량 콜레스테롤, 저분자량 콜레스테롤은 두 군 사이에 유의한 차이가 없었으나, 중성지방은 1주일째에 A군은 $131.3{\pm}31.3mg/dL$인데 반하여 B군은 $90.0{\pm}7.0mg/dL$로 의미있는 감소를 보였다. 2) 혈청 총 지방산은 A군에 비해 B군에서 1주에만 약간의 감소를 보였으나 통계학적 유의성은 없었다. 1주일째 장쇄 지방산인 리놀레인 산(linoleic acid)이 B군에서 A군에 비해 유의하게 감소하였다. 3) L-carnitine투여 후 carnitine(total, free, acyl) 치는 1일째, 1주일째 및 2주일째에 모두 B군이 A군보다 유의하게 높았으나, 유리 carnitine 만이 투여 누적 용량에 따라서 유의한 증가를 보였다. 결 론 : L-carnitine 투여 후 1주일째에 혈중 중성 지방의 농도가 감소하였고, 리놀레인 산이 미토콘드리아 내로 이동함으로 혈중 농도의 감소를 보였다. Purpose : Obesity is known to be associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and fatty liver and is thought to be associated with increased levels of free fatty acids. One of the strategies for decreasing free fatty acid levels is stimulation of hepatic lipid oxidation with L-carnitine. Carnitine is an essential cofactor for transport of long-chain fatty acid into mitochondria for oxidation. This study was designed to evaluate the changes of serum fatty acids and carnitine levels after exogenous injection of L-carnitine. Methods : Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups. Group A was control. Group B was given intraperitoneal injection with L-carnitine(200 mg/kg) daily for two weeks. Serum lipid (total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol) and fatty acid levels were analyzed on the first day of the first and second weeks after injection of L-carnitine. Total, free, and acyl carnitine levels also were performed by a enzymatic cycling techniques at the same day intervals. Results : There was no significant difference between the two groups in total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol levels before and after the administration of L-carnitine. But triglyceride levels were significantly decreased at the first week in group B compared with group A. Among free fatty acids, linoleic acid showed significant decrement(A group : $131.3{\pm}31.3mg/dL$ vs B group : $90.0{\pm}7.0mg/dL$) at the first week. Total, free, and acyl carnitine levels showed significant increments at all days intervals, but only free carnitine showed significant increments according to cumulative doses of carnitine. Conclusion : Plasma linoleic acid, a long-chain fatty acid, showed significant decrement after administration of L-carnitine in the first week. This may suggest that L-carnitine can be used as an antilipidemic agent for obese patients. A prospective study will investigate obese children in the future.

L-carnitine이 3T3-L1 지방세포 분화에 미치는 영향

이경애,조선기,김성호,이윤진 한국식품조리과학회 2023 한국식품조리과학회지 Vol.39 No.3

Purpose: This study investigates the effect of L-carnitine on 3T3-L1 cell adipocyte differentiation. Methods: The cytotoxicity of L-carnitine to 3T3-L1 was confirmed through the MTT assay, and fat accumulation of 3T3-L1 cells was observed by Oil-Red O staining. The effect of L-carnitine on adipogenesis-related protein expressions was determined with Western blot. Results: Compared to the control group, the degree of adipogenesis inhibition was confirmed by Oil-Red O staining. Intracellular liposynthesis-induced fat cell differentiation with MDI(1 μM dexamethasone, 1 μg/mL inulin, 0.5 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine) showed inhibition rates of 86.0%, 52.3%, and 32.5% at L-carnitine concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 nM, respectively. Protein expression levels of PPARγ and C/EBPα, which are transcription factors expressed during adipocyte differentiation, decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after exposure to L-carnitine. Moreover, compared to the MDI alone treatment group, we confirmed that the expression of the fatty acid synthase regulator (FAS) decreased to 84.4%, 50.9%, and 9.3% in the L-carnitine 1.25, 2.5, and 5 nM treatment groups, respectively. Conclusion: These results indicate that L-carnitine has the potential to suppress fat accumulation and exert an anti-obesity effect.

8주간 간헐적운동과 L-Carnitine 섭취가 비만남자 대학생의 신체구성, 비만관련호르몬 및 대사증후군에 미치는 영향

옌 지아훼이,송신영,고옥선,조홍관 한국스포츠학회 2021 한국스포츠학회지 Vol.19 No.3

본 연구에서는 비만남자 대학생 28명을 대상으로 L-carnitine 섭취와 간헐적운동 집단 7명, 간헐적운동 집단 7명, L-carnitine 섭취집단 7명, 통제집단 7명으로 8주간 주 3회, 1일 40분간 간헐적운동 프로그램에 참여하였으며, L-carnitine은 1일 1회, 2g을 섭취하도록 하였다. 연구의 결과를 요약하면 첫째, 신체구성에서 체중, 체지방률, BMI에서 시점과 집단 간의 상호작용 효과가 나타났으며, 체중, 체지방률, BMI에 대한 각 집단 내 전·후의 변화에서는 LEG, EG 집단에서 유의하게 나타났다. 둘째, 인슐린과 렙틴에서 시점과 집단 간의 상호작용 효과가 나타났으며, 인슐린과 렙틴에 대한 각 집단 내 전·후의 변화에서 LEG, EG 집단에서 유의하게 나타났다. 셋째, 대사증후군 위험요인 5가지 중 복부둘레, HDL-C에서 시점과 집단 간의 상호작용 효과가 나타났다. 복부둘레, HDL-C에 대한 각 집단 내 전·후의 변화에서 LEG, EG 집단에서 유의하게 나타났다. 이상의 연구결과를 종합하면, 8주간 L-carnitine 섭취와 간헐적운동 프로그램이 비만 남자 대학생들의 신체구성 및 대사증후군 위험 요인에는 긍정적인 효과를 보였으나, 비만관련 호르몬에서는 다소 미비한 효과를 보였다. This study was conducted to 28 Obese Male College Students were randomly divided into groups with 7 in the L-Carnitine consumption and Intermittent exercise group, 7 in the L-Carnitine consumption group, 7 in the Intermittent exercise group, and 7 in the control group. The Intermittent exercise program was conducted 3 days a week for 8 weeks with 40 minutes per day and L-Carnitine were consumed once a day with a daily amount of 2 grams. The main research results are as follows. First, in body composition, there was an interaction effect between the time point and the group in weight, body fat percentage, and BMI. Changes in weight, body fat percentage, and BMI before and after within each group were significant in LEG and EG groups. Second, Insulin and leptin showed an interaction effect between the time point and the group, and there were significant changes before and after the LEG and EG groups. Third, among the five risk factors for metabolic syndrome, there was an interaction effect between the time point and the group in the abdominal circumference and HDL. The changes in abdominal circumference and HDL before and after within each group were significant in LEG and EG groups. Taken together, these results showed that L-carnitine intake and intermittent exercise program for 8 weeks had a court effect on body composition and risk factors for metabolic syndrome in obese male college students, but showed little effect on obesity related hormones.

흰쥐에서 L-carnitine 투여 후에 혈청 지방산과 Carnitine의 농도 변화

이재원,홍영미 대한소아과학회 2002 小兒科 Vol.45 No.9

지구성 운동선수들의 운동수행능력에 적합한 L-carnitine 섭취 기간 평가: 여자 농구선수들을 대상으로

강성기(Seoung Ki Kang),천윤석(Yoon Seok Chun),이근일(Keun Il Lee) 한국체육측정평가학회 2011 한국체육측정평가학회지 Vol.13 No.3

본 연구는 8주 간의 L-carnitine 섭취를 통해 여자농구선수들의 신체조성, 최대운동수행능력과 근지구력을 비교, 분석하여 가장 합리적인 L-carnitine 섭취기간을 평가하는데 목적이 있다. 연구에 참여한 대상자는 엘리트 여자 농구선수 8명씩 2그룹으로 구분 하였으며, 그룹구성은 카르니틴 섭취군 8명과 통제군 8명으로 총 16명으로 선정하였다. 연구결과 체중과 체지방률은 섭취군에서 4주차 감소되는 것으로 나타났으며, 모든 집단에서 처치기간에 따라 통계적으로 유의하게 낮아지는 것으로 나타났다. 최대산소섭취량의 경우 섭취군에서는 4주 측정 시 증가하였다가 8주 측정까지 유지되는 것으로 나타났으며, 통제군에서는 8주 측정까지 점차 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 모든 집단에서 처치기간에 따라 통계적으로 유의하게 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 최대심박수에서는 섭취군에서 4주 측정 시 증가되는 것으로 나타났으며, 모든 집단에서 처치기간에 따라 통계적으로 유의하게 높아지는 것으로 나타났다. 피크파워와 평균파워에서는 두 집단 모두 8주 측정 시 소폭 증가하는 것으로 나타났으나 피크파워에서만 처치기간에 따라 유의한 차이가 나타났다. 굴근 평균파워 오른쪽·왼쪽과 신근 평균파워 오른쪽·왼쪽의 모든 요인에서는 4주 측정시 높아지는 향상을 보였고, 8주 측정에서도 소폭 증가하는 경향이 나타났다. 또한 모든 요인에서 처치기간에 따라 통계적으로 유의하게 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 본 연구결과는 지구성 엘리트 운동선수의 카르니틴 및 영양보조제 섭취의 오·남용 방지 및 인식도를 높이는 계기가 될 수 있을 것으로 판단된다. This study divided the intake period of L-carnitine into 8 weeks and evaluated the physical development, maximum exercise performance, and endurance of female basketball players in order to not only find out the proper intake period of L-carnitine but prevent the misuse of L-carnitine, which consequently provides experimental data necessary for performance improvement and ideal physical development. In this study, we have reached the following conclusion. The weight and body fat percentage of test group was decreased in 4th week and also statistically showed a significant reduce in all groups by treatment period. The Maximum oxygen uptake was increased in 4th week but remained the same till 8th week for the Group 1 (with L-carnitine) whereas the Group 2 (without L-carnitine) also shown increase till 8th week. It also statistically showed a significant increase in all groups by treatment period. The maximum heart rate was increased in 4th week for Group 1 but also statistically showed a significant increase in all groups by treatment period. Both test groups had a little increase till 8th week in terms of the peak power and average power, but only peak power showed a significant difference by treatment period. In addition, all factors for the average power of flexor and extensor muscle (right/left) showed a considerable increase in 4th week and still had a little increase in 8th week. They also statistically showed a significant increase in all groups by treatment period. The test result concludes that the L-carnitine may help the endurance exercise performance and physical refreshment. Also, it is suggested to conduct a further test about the effect of L-carnitine by the intake amount and period with comprehensive blood liquid analysis and treatment period after intensified endurance exercise. It is expected that this evaluation will provide endurance-focused athletes the proper usage guide for L-carnitine and other nutritional supplements as well as prevent from its misuse.

Effects of Dietary L-carnitine Supplementation on Growth Performance, Organ Weight, Biochemical Parameters and Ascites Susceptibility in Broilers Reared Under Low-temperature Environment

Wang, Y.W.,Ning, D.,Peng, Y.Z.,Guo, Y.M. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2013 Animal Bioscience Vol.26 No.2

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of L-carnitine on growth performance, organ weight, biochemical parameters of blood, heart and liver, and ascites susceptibility of broilers at different ages reared under a low-temperature environment. A total of 420 1-d-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments with fifteen replicates of fourteen broilers each. Treatment diets consisted of L-carnitine supplementation at levels of 0 and 100 mg/kg. At 11-d of age, low temperature stress was used to increase ascites susceptibility. Blood, heart and liver samples were collected at different ages for analysis of boichemical parameters. The results showed that, there was no significant difference in growth performance with L-carnitine supplementation, but the mortality due to ascites was significantly decreased. Dietary L-carnitine supplementation significantly reduced heart index (HI) and ascites heart index (AHI) on d 21, lung index (LUI) on d 35 and liver index (LI) on d 42. The broilers fed diets containing L-carnitine had significantly lower red blood cell counts (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB) concentration and hematocrit (HCT) on d 42. Dietary L-carnitine supplementation significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content of heart tissue on d 21 and 35, and significantly increased total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity of the heart on d 21 and 42. L-carnitine supplementation significantly reduced serum triglyceride (TG) content on d 28 and 35 and serum glucose (GLU) on d 35 and 42, and significantly increased serum total protein (TP) and globulin (GLO) content on d 42. L-carnitine supplementation significantly enhanced liver succinodehydrogenase (SDH), malic dehydrogenase (MDH) and $Na^+$-$K^+$-ATPase activity on d 28, and tended to reduce the lactic acid (LD) level of liver on d 35 (p = 0.06). L-carnitine supplementation significantly reduced serum uric acid (UA) content on d 28, 35 and 42. Based on the current results, it can be concluded that dietary L-carnitine supplementation reduced organ index, red blood cell counts and hematocrit, enhanced antioxidative capacity of the heart, enhanced liver enzymes activity involved in tricarboxylic acid cycle, and reduced serum glucose and triglyceride. Therefore, it is suggested that L-carnitine can potentially reduce susceptibility and mortality due to ascites.

Ameliorating Effects of l-Carnitine on Diabetic Podocyte Injury

판지안핑,Dongyeop Kim,하태선,한기동 한국식품영양과학회 2010 Journal of medicinal food Vol.13 No.6

High glucose levels can change podocyte gene expression and subsequently induce podocyte damage through altered glucose metabolism. l-Carnitine is known to play a beneficial role in diabetes; however, there are no studies on the effects of l-carnitine on podocyte alteration under high glucose conditions. This study investigated whether l-carnitine can attenuate diabetic podocyte injury through the prevention of loss of slit diaphragm proteins. The l-carnitine treatment group showed increased glucose uptakes compared to the control group, suggesting that glucose utilization in the podocytes was increased by l-carnitine. l-Carnitine treatment also prevented decreased mRNA expressions of nephrin and podocin in the high glucose-stimulated podocytes. However, mRNA expressions of CD2AP and a-actinin-4 were not significantly changed by the high glucose conditions. When these data are taken together, l-carnitine can increase glucose uptake in podocytes under high glucose conditions, and its mechanism may be at least partly related to the up-regulation of nephrin and podocin. Our results help clarify the beneficial effects of l-carnitine in diabetic nephropathy.