Molecular and biochemical evidence on the protection of cardiomyocytes from phosphine-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis by acetyl-l-carnitine

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR) on pathologic
changes of mitochondrial respiratory chain activity, ATP production, oxidative stress, and cellular apoptosis/necrosis induced by aluminum phosphide (AlP) poisoning. The study groups included: the Sham
that received almond oil only; the AlP that received oral LD50 dose of aluminum; the AC-100, AC-200, and
AC-300 which received concurrent oral LD50 dose of AlP and single 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of ALCAR by
intraperitoneal injection. After 24 h, the rats were sacrificed; the heart and blood sample were taken for
measurement of biochemical and mitochondrial factors. The results specified that ALCAR significantly
attenuated the oxidative stress (elevated ROS and plasma iron levels) caused by AlP poisoning. ALCAR
also increased the activity of cytochrome oxidase, which in turn amplified ATP production. Furthermore,
flow cytometric assays and caspase activity indicated that ALCAR prohibited AlP-induced apoptosis in
cardiomyocytes