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Peritoneal macrophages function modulation by L-carnitine in aging rats

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Abstract

Background and aims: The aging process is associated with a progressive decline in physiological functions involving immune response in most species. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of L-carnitine on impaired macrophages function in aged rats. Methods: Superoxide anion production, chemotaxis and phagocytic activity were studied in peritoneal macrophages obtained from young (2 months old) and aged (24 months old) rats. L-carnitine (50 mg/kg bw) or control vehicle was orally gavaged into young and aged rats for 30 consecutive days. Results: The peritoneal macrophages of the aged rats exhibited an increase in superoxide anion generation and a decline in chemotaxis and phagocytic index by comparison with the young rats. Superoxide anion production in aged rats was significantly reduced by L-carnitine treatment, as accompanied by a significant enhancement of chemotactic activity, which was restored to control levels observed in young rats. The age-related reduction in phagocytic index was only slightly, but not significantly, restored by L-carnitine administration, however. Conclusion: The findings suggest that L-carnitine administration may be useful in reversing some age-related changes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, 07070, Antalya, Turkey

    V. Nimet Izgüt-Uysal Ph.D, Arzu Agaç & Narin Derin

  2. Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey

    Ihsan Karadogan

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  1. V. Nimet Izgüt-Uysal Ph.D
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  2. Arzu Agaç
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  3. Ihsan Karadogan
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  4. Narin Derin
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Correspondence to V. Nimet Izgüt-Uysal Ph.D.

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Izgüt-Uysal, V.N., Agaç, A., Karadogan, I. et al. Peritoneal macrophages function modulation by L-carnitine in aging rats. Aging Clin Exp Res 16, 337–341 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03324561

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