Tas, S.Ozkan, O.F.Cikman, O.Kiraz, A.Akgun, Y.Karaayvaz, M.2025-05-102025-05-1020160102-865010.1590/S0102-8650201600900000072-s2.0-84992146098https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-865020160090000007https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14720/4945PURPOSE: To evaluate histopathologically the radioprotective effect of L-carnitine on the colonic mucosa in rats undergoing abdominopelvic irradiation. METHODS: Thirty-two rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: intraperitoneal administration of normal saline (group 1) or L-carnitine (300 mL/kg; group 2), followed in groups 3 and 4, respectively, by one dose of abdominopelvic radiation (20 Gy) 30 min later. Rats were sacrificed 5 days after radiation, and their descending colons were resected for histopathological evaluation of the presence and severity of damage. RESULTS: Average damage scores did not differ significantly between groups 1 and 2 (0.13 ± 0.35 and 0.25 ± 0.46, respectively); the group 3 score was highest (10.25 ± 0.71), and the group 4 score (3.63 ± 1.41) was significantly lower than that of group 3 (both p = 0.0001). Pre-radiation L-carnitine administration significantly reduced mucosal thinning, crypt distortion, reactive atypia, inflammation, cryptitis, and reactive lymph-node hyperplasia (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: L-carnitine had a radioprotective effect on rat colonic mucosa. L-carnitine use should be explored for patients with gastrointestinal cancer, who have reduced serum L-carnitine levels. © 2016, Sociedade Brasileira para o Desenvolvimento de Pesquisa em Cirurgia. All rights reserved.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessCarnitineColitisRadiationRadiation-Protective AgentsRatsArticle319Q4Q261562027737347