Zootechnical performance, degree of steatosis and the genotoxic potential in yellowtail tetra Astyanax lacustris fed with different levels of L-carnitine / Desempenho zootécnico, grau de esteatose e potencial genotóxico de lambaris Astyanax lacustris alimentados com diferentes níveis de L-carnitina

L-carnitine perform a major role in transporting long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are oxidized. It has been used in animal diets to decrease fat and increase muscle protein. The aim of this study was to evaluate the zootechnical performance, degree of steatosis in the liver, and genotoxic potential in Astyanax lacustris fed with different levels of L-carnitine (LC). Yellowtail tetra juveniles (n = 140) were distributed in 20 tanks of 70 L, with seven fish in each, in a water recirculation system with controlled temperature (27±0.1°C). The treatments with different levels of L-carnitine supplementation were: 0 (control), 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg of LC per kg of food. The diets were provided twice a day for 60 days. The results showed that the different levels of LC did not affect (P>0.05) weight gain, survival, viscerosomatic index, and the liver hepatocytes showed a normal appearance. However, the use of LC supplementation showed genotoxic potential with a significant difference (P<0.05) for cell alterations when compared to the control at concentrations above 500mg kg-1.

A L-carnitina exerce um papel importante no transporte de ácidos graxos de cadeia longa até a mitocôndria para serem oxidados e tem sido incorporada em rações para animais com o objetivo de diminuir a deposição de gordura e aumentar a proteína muscular. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho zootécnico, o grau de esteatose no fígado e o potencial genotóxico em Astyanax lacustris alimentados com diferentes níveis de L-carnitina (LC). Juvenis de lambari-do-rabo-amarelo (n=140) foram distribuídos em 20 caixas de 70L, sete peixes em cada, em um sistema de recirculação de água com temperatura controlada (27±0,1°C). Os tratamentos com os níveis de suplementação foram: 0 (controle), 250, 500, 750 e 1000 mg de LC kg-1 de ração. As dietas foram fornecidas duas vezes ao dia, durante 60 dias. Os resultados mostraram que os diferentes níveis de LC não influenciaram (P>0,05) o ganho de peso; a sobrevivência, o índice viscerossomático e os hepatócitos do fígado apresentaram-se com aparência normal. No entanto, a suplementação com LC apresentou potencial genotóxico com diferença significativa (P<0,05) para alterações celulares quando comparada ao controle em concentrações superiores a 500mg kg-1.

Biomedical role of L-carnitine in several organ systems, cellular tissues, and COVID-19 / Papel biomédico da L-carnitina em vários sistemas de órgãos, tecidos celulares e COVID-19

Carnitine is a conditionally necessary vitamin that aids in energy creation and fatty acid metabolism. Its bioavailability is higher in vegetarians than in meat-eaters. Deficits in carnitine transporters occur because of genetic mutations or in conjunction with other illnesses. Carnitine shortage can arise in health issues and diseases­including hypoglycaemia, heart disease, starvation, cirrhosis, and ageing­because of abnormalities in carnitine control. The physiologically active form of L-carnitine supports immunological function in diabetic patients. Carnitine has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, several painful neuropathies, and other conditions. It has been used as a dietary supplement for the treatment of heart disease, and it also aids in the treatment of obesity and reduces blood glucose levels. Therefore, L-carnitine shows the potential to eliminate the influences of fatigue in COVID-19, and its consumption is recommended in future clinical trials to estimate its efficacy and safety. This review focused on carnitine and its effect on tissues, covering the biosynthesis, metabolism, bioavailability, biological actions, and its effects on various body systems and COVID-19.

A carnitina é uma vitamina condicionalmente necessária que auxilia na geração de energia e no metabolismo de ácidos graxos. Sua biodisponibilidade é maior em vegetarianos do que em carnívoros. Déficits nos transportadores de carnitina ocorrem devido a mutações genéticas ou em conjunto com outras doenças. A escassez de carnitina pode surgir em problemas de saúde e doenças ­ incluindo hipoglicemia, doenças cardíacas, fome, cirrose e envelhecimento ­ devido a anormalidades no controle da carnitina. A forma fisiologicamente ativa da L-carnitina suporta a função imunológica em pacientes diabéticos. A carnitina demonstrou ser eficaz no tratamento da doença de Alzheimer, várias neuropatias dolorosas e outras condições. Tem sido utilizado como suplemento dietético para o tratamento de doenças cardíacas, também auxilia no tratamento da obesidade e reduz os níveis de glicose no sangue. Portanto, a L-carnitina mostra potencial para eliminar as influências da fadiga na COVID-19 e seu consumo é recomendado em futuros ensaios clínicos para estimar sua eficácia e segurança. Esta revisão enfocou a carnitina e seu efeito nos tecidos, abrangendo a biossíntese, metabolismo, biodisponibilidade, ações biológicas e seus efeitos em vários sistemas corporais e COVID-19.

Protective effect of L-carnitine on myocardial injury in rats with heatstroke

Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of L-carnitine on myocardial injury in rats with heatstroke. Methods: orty-eight rats were randomly divided into control, heatstroke and 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg L-carnitine groups. The last three groups were treated with 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg L-carnitine, respectively, for seven successive days. Then, except for the control group, the other four groups were transferred into the environment with ambient temperature of (39.5 ± 0.4 °C) and relative humidity of (13.5 ± 2.1%) for 2 h. The core temperature (Tc), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and serum and myocardial indexes were detected. Results: Compared with the heatstroke group, in the 100 mg/kg L-carnitine group, the Tc was significantly decreased, the MAP and HR were significantly increased, the serum creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 1 levels were significantly decreased, the myocardial superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels were significantly increased, the myocardial malondialdehyde level was significantly decreased and the cardiomyocyte apoptosis index and myocardial caspase-3 protein expression level were remarkably decreased (p 0.05). Conclusions: The L-carnitine pretreatment can alleviate the myocardial injury in heatstroke rats through reducing the inflammatory response, oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis.(AU)

Supplementation of L-carnitine in diets for silver catfish and its effects on reproductive aspects / Suplementação de L-carnitina em dietas para jundiá e seus efeitos sobre os aspectos reprodutivos

The objective of the present study was to assess the reproductive performance of silver catfish Rhamdia quelen fed with diets supplemented with growing levels of L-carnitine. 288 juveniles with average initial weight of 94.36 ± 3.76g, fed during 126 days with diets containing 400, 800, 1200, 1600 and 2000 mg. kg-1 of L-carnitine and one control diet. Females fed with diets supplemented with 400 mg. kg-1 of L-carnitine presented increase in fertilization and fertility, reduction in levels of triglycerides and plasma calcium when fed with diets supplemented with 1600 mg. kg-1 of L-carnitine. Males fed with diets supplemented with 1600 mg. kg-1 of L-carnitine presented increase in spermatozoa and improvement in semen quality. Structural changes were observed in the development of germ cells in females and males, even though all fish were in final stages of maturation in all treatments. The offspring from breeding animals fed with 400 mg. kg-1 of L-carnitine presented better potentials of development during the embryonic process. Therefore, the L-carnitine supplementation in diets stimulates the gonad development of breeding animals and also speeds up the initial development of silver catfish offspring.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho reprodutivo de jundiá Rhamdia quelen alimentados com dietas suplementadas com níveis crescentes de L-carnitina. Utilizou-se 288 juvenis com 94,36±3,76g de peso inicial médio, alimentados durante 126 dias com dietas contendo 400, 800, 1200, 1600 e 2000 mg. kg-1 de L-carnitina e uma dieta controle. As fêmeas alimentadas com dietas suplementadas com 400 mg. kg-1 de L-carnitina apresentaram aumento na taxa de fertilização e fecundidade. E aquelas que consumiram dietas contendo 1600 mg. kg-1 de L-carnitina demonstraram redução nos níveis de triglicerídeos e cálcio plasmático. Os machos alimentados com dietas suplementadas com 1600 mg. kg-1 L-carnitina apresentaram aumento na produção de espermatozoides e melhora na qualidade seminal. No desenvolvimento das células germinativas em fêmeas e machos apresentaram modificações estruturais, embora todos os peixes encontravam-se em estágios finais da maturação em todos os tratamentos. A prole proveniente de reprodutores alimentados com 400 mg. kg-1 L-carnitina apresentaram melhores potenciais de desenvolvimento no decorrer do processo embrionário. Portanto, a suplementação dietética de L-carnitina estimula o processo de desenvolvimento gonadal dos reprodutores e ainda acelera o desenvolvimento inicial das proles de jundiá.(AU)

Supplementation of L-carnitine in diets for silver catfish and its effects on reproductive aspects / Suplementação de L-carnitina em dietas para jundiá e seus efeitos sobre os aspectos reprodutivos

The objective of the present study was to assess the reproductive performance of silver catfish Rhamdia quelen fed with diets supplemented with growing levels of L-carnitine. 288 juveniles with average initial weight of 94.36 ± 3.76g, fed during 126 days with diets containing 400, 800, 1200, 1600 and 2000 mg. kg-1 of L-carnitine and one control diet. Females fed with diets supplemented with 400 mg. kg-1 of L-carnitine presented increase in fertilization and fertility, reduction in levels of triglycerides and plasma calcium when fed with diets supplemented with 1600 mg. kg-1 of L-carnitine. Males fed with diets supplemented with 1600 mg. kg-1 of L-carnitine presented increase in spermatozoa and improvement in semen quality. Structural changes were observed in the development of germ cells in females and males, even though all fish were in final stages of maturation in all treatments. The offspring from breeding animals fed with 400 mg. kg-1 of L-carnitine presented better potentials of development during the embryonic process. Therefore, the L-carnitine supplementation in diets stimulates the gonad development of breeding animals and also speeds up the initial development of silver catfish offspring.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho reprodutivo de jundiá Rhamdia quelen alimentados com dietas suplementadas com níveis crescentes de L-carnitina. Utilizou-se 288 juvenis com 94,36±3,76g de peso inicial médio, alimentados durante 126 dias com dietas contendo 400, 800, 1200, 1600 e 2000 mg. kg-1 de L-carnitina e uma dieta controle. As fêmeas alimentadas com dietas suplementadas com 400 mg. kg-1 de L-carnitina apresentaram aumento na taxa de fertilização e fecundidade. E aquelas que consumiram dietas contendo 1600 mg. kg-1 de L-carnitina demonstraram redução nos níveis de triglicerídeos e cálcio plasmático. Os machos alimentados com dietas suplementadas com 1600 mg. kg-1 L-carnitina apresentaram aumento na produção de espermatozoides e melhora na qualidade seminal. No desenvolvimento das células germinativas em fêmeas e machos apresentaram modificações estruturais, embora todos os peixes encontravam-se em estágios finais da maturação em todos os tratamentos. A prole proveniente de reprodutores alimentados com 400 mg. kg-1 L-carnitina apresentaram melhores potenciais de desenvolvimento no decorrer do processo embrionário. Portanto, a suplementação dietética de L-carnitina estimula o processo de desenvolvimento gonadal dos reprodutores e ainda acelera o desenvolvimento inicial das proles de jundiá.

Efeito da gama-orizanol e L-carnitina sob parâmetros corporais, de performance e laboratoriais em equinos quarto-de-milha praticantes de três tambores / Gamma-orizanol and L-carnitine effect under body, performance and laboratory parameters in barrel racing competitors American quarter horses

Os animais da raça quarto de milha são conhecidos por serem usados em diversas práticas e atividades, devido à sua alta ve-locidade. A constante busca pela melhora no ganho de massa muscular e recuperação em equinos, principalmente atletas, im-pulsiona as pesquisas para suplementos sem efeitos colaterais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar parâmetros clínicos e laborato-riais em animais dessa raça, suplementados com gama-orizanol e L-carnitina antes e após a execução da prova de três tambores. Esses equinos puros de origem recebiam 200 mililitros (ml) do suplemento Energy Horse® como suplementação alimentar mis-turados à ração para os estabulados, e via oral para os animais de piquete. Executaram o percurso de uma prova de tambor em pista de tamanho oficial em 3 momentos do experimento: dia 0, dia 30 e dia 60 após o tratamento. Os animais foram clinicamente exa-minados antes e após os exercícios (coloração de mucosas ocular e oral; frequência cardíaca; frequência respiratória; e motilidade intestinal), além da pesagem e coleta de sangue para dosagem de colesterol total, proteína total, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), alanina aminotransferase (ALT), gama glutamil transpeptidase (GGT), fosfatase alcalina (FA), creatinoquinase (CK) e glicose.

The American quarter horses are known by their uses in various activities, due to their high resistance and speed. The constant search for improvement in muscle mass gain and recovery in horses, mainly athletes, drives research for supplements without side effects. The objective of the present study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory parameters in these animals supplemented with gamma-orizanol and L-carnitine, before and after the execution of the barrel racing. These pure horses would receive 200 milliliters (ml) from the Energy Horse® supplement as a feed supply for animals in stable and oral feed for picket animals. The course of a race on an official track was performed in three moments of the experiment: day 0, day 30 and day 60 after treatment. Animals were clinically examined before and after exercise, in addition to heart rate, total part, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and glucose.

Efeito da gama-orizanol e L-carnitina sob parâmetros corporais, de performance e laboratoriais em equinos quarto-de-milha praticantes de três tambores / Gamma-orizanol and L-carnitine effect under body, performance and laboratory parameters in barrel racing competitors American quarter horses

Os animais da raça quarto de milha são conhecidos por serem usados em diversas práticas e atividades, devido à sua alta ve-locidade. A constante busca pela melhora no ganho de massa muscular e recuperação em equinos, principalmente atletas, im-pulsiona as pesquisas para suplementos sem efeitos colaterais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar parâmetros clínicos e laborato-riais em animais dessa raça, suplementados com gama-orizanol e L-carnitina antes e após a execução da prova de três tambores. Esses equinos puros de origem recebiam 200 mililitros (ml) do suplemento Energy Horse® como suplementação alimentar mis-turados à ração para os estabulados, e via oral para os animais de piquete. Executaram o percurso de uma prova de tambor em pista de tamanho oficial em 3 momentos do experimento: dia 0, dia 30 e dia 60 após o tratamento. Os animais foram clinicamente exa-minados antes e após os exercícios (coloração de mucosas ocular e oral; frequência cardíaca; frequência respiratória; e motilidade intestinal), além da pesagem e coleta de sangue para dosagem de colesterol total, proteína total, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), alanina aminotransferase (ALT), gama glutamil transpeptidase (GGT), fosfatase alcalina (FA), creatinoquinase (CK) e glicose.(AU)

The American quarter horses are known by their uses in various activities, due to their high resistance and speed. The constant search for improvement in muscle mass gain and recovery in horses, mainly athletes, drives research for supplements without side effects. The objective of the present study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory parameters in these animals supplemented with gamma-orizanol and L-carnitine, before and after the execution of the barrel racing. These pure horses would receive 200 milliliters (ml) from the Energy Horse® supplement as a feed supply for animals in stable and oral feed for picket animals. The course of a race on an official track was performed in three moments of the experiment: day 0, day 30 and day 60 after treatment. Animals were clinically examined before and after exercise, in addition to heart rate, total part, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and glucose.(AU)

Effect of dietary supplementation with l-carnitine, chromium, and selenium on the performance of finishing pigs / Efeito da suplementação dietética com l-carnitina, cromo e selênio no desempenho de suínos em fase de terminação

This study aimed to assess the combined effect of L-carnitine, chromium propionate, and organic selenium in the diet of pigs at the finishing stage in commercial farms on performance parameters. The sample included 5,456 female and castrated male DB pigs with mean age of 159 days and mean initial weight of 103.33 ± 4.11 kg. The pigs were split into two treatments in a completely randomized design: the control group, free of growth-promoting dietary additives, and the test group, supplemented with Profitilina® (50 mg L-carnitine, 0.2 mg chromium propionate, and 0.3 mg organic selenium kg-1 of feed) for 30 days prior to slaughter. The outcomes assessed were daily weight gain (DWG), daily feed intake (DFI), feed conversion (FC), and final body weight (FBW). An improved performance according to all parameters (P<0.001) was seen for the test group (2.58 versus 2.64 g day-1 for DFI; 0.76 versus 0.87g day-1 for DWG; 3.42 versus 3.06 for FC; and 125.7 versus 127.7 kg for FBW). Providing a combined dietary supplementation with L-carnitine, chromium propionate, and organic selenium to finishing pigs was effective at improving weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, and final weight.

Objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a ação combinada da L-carnitina, do propionato de cromo e do selênio orgânico em dietas de suínos em fase final de engorda, em granjas comerciais, sobre os parâmetros de desempenho. Foram avaliados 5.456 suínos (genética DB), machos castrados e fêmeas, com idade média de 159 dias e peso médio inicial de 103,33 ± 4,11 kg. Os animais foram divididos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com dois tratamentos, definidos como grupo Controle, isento de aditivos promotores de crescimento na ração; e Teste, suplementados com o produto Profitilina® (50 mg kg-1 de L-carnitina; 0,2 mg kg-1 de propionato de cromo e 0,3 mg kg-1 de selênio) durante 30 dias pré-abate. Foram avaliados o ganho diário de peso (GDP), o consumo diário de ração CDR), a conversão alimentar (CA) e o peso vivo final (PVF). Houve melhora do desempenho para todos os parâmetros (P<0,001) a favor do grupo Teste (2,58 versus 2,64 g dia-1 para o CDR; 0,76 versus 0,87g dia-1 para o GDP; 3,42 versus 3,06 para a CA, e 125,7 versus 127,7 kg de PVF). A suplementação dietética de rações de suínos em fase final de terminação com 50 mg kg-1 de L-carnitina; 0,2 mg kg-1 de propionato de cromo e 0,3 mg kg-1 de selênio foi efetiva na melhora dos índices de desempenho.

Effect of dietary supplementation with l-carnitine, chromium, and selenium on the performance of finishing pigs / Efeito da suplementação dietética com l-carnitina, cromo e selênio no desempenho de suínos em fase de terminação

This study aimed to assess the combined effect of L-carnitine, chromium propionate, and organic selenium in the diet of pigs at the finishing stage in commercial farms on performance parameters. The sample included 5,456 female and castrated male DB pigs with mean age of 159 days and mean initial weight of 103.33 ± 4.11 kg. The pigs were split into two treatments in a completely randomized design: the control group, free of growth-promoting dietary additives, and the test group, supplemented with Profitilina® (50 mg L-carnitine, 0.2 mg chromium propionate, and 0.3 mg organic selenium kg-1 of feed) for 30 days prior to slaughter. The outcomes assessed were daily weight gain (DWG), daily feed intake (DFI), feed conversion (FC), and final body weight (FBW). An improved performance according to all parameters (P<0.001) was seen for the test group (2.58 versus 2.64 g day-1 for DFI; 0.76 versus 0.87g day-1 for DWG; 3.42 versus 3.06 for FC; and 125.7 versus 127.7 kg for FBW). Providing a combined dietary supplementation with L-carnitine, chromium propionate, and organic selenium to finishing pigs was effective at improving weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, and final weight.(AU)

Objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a ação combinada da L-carnitina, do propionato de cromo e do selênio orgânico em dietas de suínos em fase final de engorda, em granjas comerciais, sobre os parâmetros de desempenho. Foram avaliados 5.456 suínos (genética DB), machos castrados e fêmeas, com idade média de 159 dias e peso médio inicial de 103,33 ± 4,11 kg. Os animais foram divididos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com dois tratamentos, definidos como grupo Controle, isento de aditivos promotores de crescimento na ração; e Teste, suplementados com o produto Profitilina® (50 mg kg-1 de L-carnitina; 0,2 mg kg-1 de propionato de cromo e 0,3 mg kg-1 de selênio) durante 30 dias pré-abate. Foram avaliados o ganho diário de peso (GDP), o consumo diário de ração CDR), a conversão alimentar (CA) e o peso vivo final (PVF). Houve melhora do desempenho para todos os parâmetros (P<0,001) a favor do grupo Teste (2,58 versus 2,64 g dia-1 para o CDR; 0,76 versus 0,87g dia-1 para o GDP; 3,42 versus 3,06 para a CA, e 125,7 versus 127,7 kg de PVF). A suplementação dietética de rações de suínos em fase final de terminação com 50 mg kg-1 de L-carnitina; 0,2 mg kg-1 de propionato de cromo e 0,3 mg kg-1 de selênio foi efetiva na melhora dos índices de desempenho.(AU)

The role of L-carnitine during oocyte in vitro maturation: essential co-factor?

In vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes is a promising technology for both the treatment of human infertility and in animal production as a means of improving genetic gain. However, IVM derived oocytes remain inferior to those matured in vivo with reduced developmental potential. The environment in which an oocyte matures in vitro is vastly different to in vivo where maturation takes place within the ovarian follicle. The in vitro environment differs in oxygen concentration, exposure to light, and metabolite composition of culture media vs. follicle fluid, to name a few. Human follicle fluid contains the metabolite L-carnitine and has shown to be associated with human fertility. L-carnitine has known biological functions as an essential co-factor for beta-oxidation, regulating ATP production from lipids, and as a potent antioxidant. Importantly, it appears that cumulus cells and the oocyte lack the machinery to synthesize L-carnitinede novo. The inability for local production of L-carnitine during IVM and its importance in human fertility warrants investigation of its affects during IVM. The potential to improve oocyte quality by inclusion of L-carnitine in the culture media thus increasing the capacity for beta-oxidation and/or antioxidant activity of the culture media is receiving increased attention. This review Summarizes studies to date investigating the developmental importance of L-carnitine during IVM and the mechanisms by which improved developmental potential is elicited. Overall, the inclusion of L-carnitine during IVM of several species results in improved oocyte quality with increased development to blastocyst. This is likely due to the antioxidant capacity of L-carnitine and its ability to increase ATP production from intracellular lipid stores.

The role of L-carnitine during oocyte in vitro maturation: essential co-factor?

In vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes is a promising technology for both the treatment of human infertility and in animal production as a means of improving genetic gain. However, IVM derived oocytes remain inferior to those matured in vivo with reduced developmental potential. The environment in which an oocyte matures in vitro is vastly different to in vivo where maturation takes place within the ovarian follicle. The in vitro environment differs in oxygen concentration, exposure to light, and metabolite composition of culture media vs. follicle fluid, to name a few. Human follicle fluid contains the metabolite L-carnitine and has shown to be associated with human fertility. L-carnitine has known biological functions as an essential co-factor for beta-oxidation, regulating ATP production from lipids, and as a potent antioxidant. Importantly, it appears that cumulus cells and the oocyte lack the machinery to synthesize L-carnitinede novo. The inability for local production of L-carnitine during IVM and its importance in human fertility warrants investigation of its affects during IVM. The potential to improve oocyte quality by inclusion of L-carnitine in the culture media thus increasing the capacity for beta-oxidation and/or antioxidant activity of the culture media is receiving increased attention. This review Summarizes studies to date investigating the developmental importance of L-carnitine during IVM and the mechanisms by which improved developmental potential is elicited. Overall, the inclusion of L-carnitine during IVM of several species results in improved oocyte quality with increased development to blastocyst. This is likely due to the antioxidant capacity of L-carnitine and its ability to increase ATP production from intracellular lipid stores.(AU)

L-carnitine has a protective effect on the colonic mucosa during abdominopelvic radiotherapy in rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate histopathologically the radioprotective effect of L-carnitine on the colonic mucosa in rats undergoing abdominopelvic irradiation. METHODS: Thirty-two rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: intraperitoneal administration of normal saline (group 1) or L-carnitine (300 mL/kg; group 2), followed in groups 3 and 4, respectively, by one dose of abdominopelvic radiation (20 Gy) 30 min later. Rats were sacrificed 5 days after radiation, and their descending colons were resected for histopathological evaluation of the presence and severity of damage. RESULTS: Average damage scores did not differ significantly between groups 1 and 2 (0.13 ± 0.35 and 0.25 ± 0.46, respectively); the group 3 score was highest (10.25 ± 0.71), and the group 4 score (3.63 ± 1.41) was significantly lower than that of group 3 (both p = 0.0001). Pre-radiation L-carnitine administration significantly reduced mucosal thinning, crypt distortion, reactive atypia, inflammation, cryptitis, and reactive lymph-node hyperplasia (all p 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: L-carnitine had a radioprotective effect on rat colonic mucosa. L-carnitine use should be explored for patients with gastrointestinal cancer, who have reduced serum L-carnitine levels.(AU)

Carcass traits and immune response of broiler chickens fed dietary l-carnitine, coenzyme Q10 and ractopamine

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine and ractopamine supplementation, alone and in combinations, on carcass traits and immune response of broiler chickens. Five hundred and twelve one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens were randomly allocated into eight treatments with four replicates each. A 2×2×2 factorial arrangement was applied, with two levels of coenzyme Q10 (0 and 40 mg/kg), two levels of L-carnitine (0 and 200 mg/kg) and two levels of ractopamine (0 and 10 mg/kg). The birds were reared until day 42 of age under standard conditions. Blood samples were collected at the end of grower and finisher periods from the wing vein. Four birds per group were sacrificed at day 42 of age. Except for carcass yield, other carcass traits were not significantly affected (p>0.05) by different levels of coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, or ractopamine. Immune response parameters were significantly (p 0.05) different between the treatments. The lowest antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus and relative spleen weight were observed in control group. The results of this study suggest that addition of coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine to broiler diets has benefit effect on immune response of broiler chickens.

Carcass traits and immune response of broiler chickens fed dietary l-carnitine, coenzyme Q10 and ractopamine

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine and ractopamine supplementation, alone and in combinations, on carcass traits and immune response of broiler chickens. Five hundred and twelve one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens were randomly allocated into eight treatments with four replicates each. A 2×2×2 factorial arrangement was applied, with two levels of coenzyme Q10 (0 and 40 mg/kg), two levels of L-carnitine (0 and 200 mg/kg) and two levels of ractopamine (0 and 10 mg/kg). The birds were reared until day 42 of age under standard conditions. Blood samples were collected at the end of grower and finisher periods from the wing vein. Four birds per group were sacrificed at day 42 of age. Except for carcass yield, other carcass traits were not significantly affected (p>0.05) by different levels of coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, or ractopamine. Immune response parameters were significantly (p 0.05) different between the treatments. The lowest antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus and relative spleen weight were observed in control group. The results of this study suggest that addition of coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine to broiler diets has benefit effect on immune response of broiler chickens.(AU)

Níveis de carnitina na ração no desempenho corporal de tricogáster léri (Trichogaster leeri bleeker, 1852) / Carnitine levels in feed of body performance of the gouramis (Trichogaster leeri bleeker, 1852)

Foram avaliados os efeitos de carnitina na dieta de Trichogaster leeri, com peso inicial de 0,5±0,2g, distribuídos aleatoriamente e individualmente em aquários plásticos (1000mL), com renovação total da água a cada 48 horas. Cinco dietas isocalóricas, contendo 28 por cento de proteína bruta e 3100kcal de energia bruta, foram elaboradas com a suplementação de T1 = 0mg, T2 = 300mg, T3 = 600mg, T4 = 900mg e T5 = 1200mg de l-carnitina/kg de ração. As dietas foram administradas três vezes ao dia, ad libitum, durante 45 dias. Foram avaliados comprimento total e padrão, altura, peso final e tamanho de cauda, além do ganho de peso, conversão alimentar e fator de condição. Em todas as características analisadas, o tratamento de 900mg de carnitina/kg foi o mais eficiente no desempenho zootécnico para o T. leeri, e, após cálculos dos pontos máximos, sugere-se a concentração de 1.000mg/kg de ração. Observou-se diferença significativa para tamanho de cauda, altura do corpo, peso final e fator de condição.(AU)

The effects of carnitine were evaluated in diets fed to Trichogaster leeri, initial weight 0.5±0.2g and individually randomized into plastic containers (1000mL), with total renewal of water every 48 hours. Five isocaloric diets containing 28 percent crude protein and 3100 kcalof gross energy were made with the supplementation of: T1= 0 mg; T2= 300mg;T3= 600mg; T4= 900mg; and T5= 1200mg of l-carnitina/kg feed. The diets were administered three times daily ad libitum for 45 days. Total and standard length, height, weight and size of the tail end, in addition to weight gain, feed conversion ratio and condition factor were evaluated. In all parameters examined the treatment of 900 mg of carnitine/kg was the most efficient on the performance for the T. leeri, and after calculating the maximum points, a concentration of 1.000mg/kg feed is suggested. There was significant difference in tail length, body height, final weight and condition factors.(AU)