RESUMO
The aim of the present study was to investigate the beneficial effects of L-carnitine and taurine in healthy and alloxan induced diabetes mellitus in rats. Results showed that diabetic rats had significant increase in the levels of plasma glucose, malondialdehyde [MDA], urea, creatinine and the activity of serum asparate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase as compared to normal control rats. While, blood glutathione [GSH] content and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase [SOD] activity were significantly lowered. The elevated plasma glucose, MDA, AST, ALT, urea and creatinine levels of diabetic rats were significantly reduced by treatment for 6weeks with L-carnitine and taurine. In addition, normal healthy rats fed on the balanced diet plus L-carnitine and taurine showed significant increase in blood glutathione [GSH] content and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase [SOD] activity as compared with healthy control. It was concluded that dietary administration of L-carnitine and taurine reduces, delays or even prevent oxidative stress in diabetic rats