Journal
BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
Volume 102, Issue 8, Pages 1145-1153Publisher
CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114509389230
Keywords
Propionyl-L-carnitine; Metabolic syndrome; Obese Zucker rats; Insulin resistance
Categories
Funding
- Andalusian Regional Government [CTS-178]
- Spanish Government, Ministry of Science and Technology
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC) is an SCFA esterified to carnitine that plays an important role in fatty acid oxidation and energy expenditure, in addition to having a protective effect on the endothelium. In order to evaluate the effect of PLC oil an animal model of obesity, insulin resistance and, consequently, endothelial dysfunction, lean and obese Zucker rats (OZR) received either vehicle- or PLC-supplemented drinking water (200 mg/kg per d) for 20 weeks. Body weight, food intake, systolic blood pressure and heart rate were controlled weekly and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Fasting glucose, TAG, cholesterol, HDL, NEFA, adiponectin and insulin were analysed in serum. Visceral adipose tissue and liver were weighed and liver TAG liver composition was evaluated. Endothelial and vascular functions were assessed in the aorta and small mesenteric arteries by response to acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine (Phe) NO participation was evaluated after incubation with the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor N-G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and endothelial NOS protein expression by Western blotting. PLC decreased body-weight gain, food intake, adiposity, insulin serum concentration and TAG liver content and improved insulin resistance. Aortae front OZR receiving either vehicle or PLC exhibited a lower contractile response to Phe. PLC-treated OZR showed all enhanced release of endothelial NO upon the adrenergic stimulation. The protection of vascular function found after treatment with PLC in an animal model of insulin resistance supports the necessity of clinical trials showing the effect Of L-carnitine supplements oil metabolic disorders.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available