European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ACETYL-L-CARNITINE AND VITAMIN E PROTECT AGAINST INCREASED RISK OF CEREBRAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND HIGH BRAIN LIPIDS: BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOCHEMICAL EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Afrah F. Salama, Mahmoud E. Salama, Ahmad A. El-Ebiary and Hamdy Sliem*

ABSTRACT

Triton is a non-ionic detergent, which produces hyperlipidemia via inhibition of lipoprotein lipase. Oxidative damage takes place in plasma lipids, mainly LDL, leading to atherosclerosis. Complications of atherosclerosis, including cerebral atherosclerosis, constitute a major cause of death. Based on the anti-oxidant and neuroprotective effects of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) and vitamin E, this study was designed to evaluate their protective role against triton-induced oxidative stress and atherosclerosis in the brain of adult male rats. The present study was performed on 50 male albino rats, weighed 150±20 g. The animals were randomly assigned to five groups of ten rats each. Group I was used as control. Group II was injected I.V. with triton. Group III was treated with triton and ALC (I.P.). Group IV was treated with triton and vitamin E (orally). Group V was treated with triton and combination of ALC and vitamin E. Triton induced atherosclerosis via increased serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and LDL and total brain lipids. These effects were associated with decline in serum HDL level and total protein concentrations in the brain. Meanwhile, triton increased oxidative stress through an elevation in brain malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, associated with depletion of total thiol concentration, total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity. The use of ALC and vitamin E attenuated the toxic effects of triton on lipid profile, and it improved the antioxidant defense system of the experimental rats. The protective effect of the combination, with its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, gives additive advantage, which exceeds that of ALC or vitamin E alone.

Keywords: triton; atherosclerosis; lipid peroxidation; antioxidant enzymes; vitamin E; acetyl-L-carnitine; brain.