Protective effect of L-carnitine nanoparticles Vs carnitine on lead acetate-induced toxicity in male rats

Chitosan nanoparticles are important materials that are widely used in many biological, engineering and food industries and are also used as plant growth stimulants as well as use as vectors for drug delivery to target cells. Whereas L-carnitine (LC) is a water-soluble compound that contributes to the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membranes and the oxidation of β-lipids. 60 male rats (Rattus Rattus) were divided into six equal groups. The first group (control group) received orally distilled water. The second group received 1ml lead acetate orally at a dose of 30 mg/kg of body weight daily for 30 days. Third group received 1ml lead acetate (30mg/kg B.W) + L-carnitine (100mg/ kg B.W. /daily). The fourth group received 1ml lead acetate (30mg/kg B.W.) + Nano L-carnitine (100mg/ kg B.W./ daily). The fifth group received 1ml of L-Carnitine orally at a dose of 100mg/ kg B.W /daily. The sixth group received 1ml of L-Carnitine-NPs orally at 100mg/ kg B.W /daily. Our findings demonstrated that exposure to lead acetate caused a significant increase in liver enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and renal function (creatinine and urea) in the lead acetate group. Whereas lead treatment increased oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Histopathological study showed significant changes in the brain (cerebellum) that disrupted the normal arrangement of the three layers, with large distances between the Purkinje cell layer and the molecular or granular layer. According to the study, we can conclude that the Nano L-Carnitine had a greater role in protecting against the effect of lead at the hematological parameters and a clear role in the protection against histopathology change of lead poisoning. L-Carnitine and Nano L-Carnitine had an active role in protecting against lead acetate toxicity.