Synergistic Effects of L-Carnitine and Arabic Gum on Oxidative Stress and Adipokines in Hyperlipidaemic Rats

Abstract

Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate the combined effects of Arabic gum and L-carnitine on oxidative stress markers and serum concentrations of leptin and adiponectin in male albino rats subjected to diet-induced hyperlipidaemia

Methods: The three-month study involved 48 albino rats, aged three months, with a weight range of 160–180 grams per rat was conducted at the Animal house in the University of Al-Qadisiyah. The rats were divided into six groups, with eight animals per group. One of the groups served as the control and received a normal diet and free access to water during the experimental duration. The remaining groups (T1–T5) were administered a high-fat diet containing 30% animal fat for 60 consecutive days to induce hyperlipidaemia. After confirmation, treatments were applied for 30 days as follows: T1 (positive control, high-fat diet only), T2 (Arabic gum, 600 mg/kg), T3 (L-carnitine, 250 mg/kg), T4 (combination of Arabic gum and L-carnitine), and T5 (standard diet + Arabic gum and L-carnitine).

Results: Group T1 showed significant increases (P<0.05) in body weight gain, total cholesterol, triglycerides, leptin, and MDA, and significant decreases in adiponectin, glutathione, and catalase levels compared to the control. Groups T2–T5 showed significant improvements in all parameters, including reduced lipid levels, oxidative stress markers, and leptin, with increased adiponectin and antioxidant enzymes compared to T1.

Conclusion: Arabic gum and L-carnitine, especially in combination, demonstrated a protective and corrective effect against hyperlipidaemia-induced oxidative stress and hormonal imbalance, indicating their potential as therapeutic agents for metabolic disorders.