Effect of Biosynthesized L-carnitine from Pleurotus ostreatus against Acute Paracetamol Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity in Mice

L-carnitine is a cofactor in the transfer of long-chain fatty acid allowing the β-oxidation of fatty acid in the mitochondria. It is also a known antioxidant with protective effects against lipid peroxidation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the biosyenthesized L-carnitine from mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus against paracetamol (AA) induced hepatotoxicity and nepherotoxicity where mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are thought to be involved in AA toxicity. Forty Swiss albino male adult mice were divided into five groups. Mice were dosed with single-AA injection (500 mg/kg via the intra peritoneal route) with or without L-carnitine (500 mg/kg for 10 days starting 10 days before and after AA injection via intra peritoneal route) AA increased serum AST, ALT, serum creatinine and BUN levels significantly. Administration of biosynthesized L-carnitine from Pleurotus ostreatus significantly reduced AA-induced elevations in AST, ALT, serum createnine and BUN levels. Also histopathological examination of liver and kidney showed great improvement of AA induced necrosis and hemorrhage. These results suggested that AA results in oxidative damage in the liver and kidney with an acute effect and L-carnitine from mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus pharmacologically active and has a prominent therapeutic and protective effect against acute AA toxicity and may be of therapeutic value in the treatment and prevention of AA-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxiciy.