Effect of Genistein and L-carnitine and Their Combination on Lipid Profile and Inflammatory Cytokines in Experimental Nephrotic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Nephrotic syndrome is a disorder caused by kidney damage that results in severe leakage of protein from blood into urine. Hyperlipidemia is one complication of nephrotic syndrome. L-carnitine and genistein can control cardiovascular diseases by causing changes in lipid metabolism and cytokine production. This study was designed to examine the effects of genistein and L-carnitine on serum lipid and cytokine profiles in experimental nephrotic syndrome.

METHODS

In this study, 50 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups of 10 animals each with similar mean body weights (300±50 g). The five groups were NC (normal-control), PC (patient-control), LC (L-carnitine), G (genistein), and LCG (L-carnitine-genistein). Serum HDL-cholesterol (HDL) LDL-cholesterol (LDL), triglyceride, cholesterol, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured. Statistics were analyzed using SPSS 18.0.

RESULTS

At the end of the study, of the patient groups, HDL was significantly greater in the LC than in the PC or G groups (P<0.001). LDL was significantly less in the G than in the PC, LC, or LCG groups (P<0.001). Interleukin-6 was significantly greater in the PC than in the LC, G, or LCG groups, and significantly greater in the LC than in the G group. (P<0.001), but no significant differences were found for triglyceride, cholesterol, or TNF-α between the patient groups.

CONCLUSION

Genistein had less effect on HDL and triglyceride levels than LC or LCG. Regarding inflammatory cytokines, genistein and L-carnitine had less effect on TNF-α than on IL-6.