Aim: The effects of L-carnitine (300 mg/kg/day) treated intraperitoneally (i.p) to rats fed ration containing several proportions of fish oils for 30 days on plasma L-carnitine, lipid hydroperoxide (LPO), triglyceride, cholesterol, body weight; plasma-tissue antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels were investigated.

Materials and Methods: Seventy two Sprague-Dawley male rats were used. Rats were divided into 6 groups as follows; 1-Control; 2-Fish oil (1%); 3-Fish oil (5%); 4-L-carnitine (300 mg/kg/day), 5-L-carnitine (300 mg/kg/day) plus fish oil (1%) 6-L-carnitine (300 mg/kg/day) plus fish oil (5%). All plasma and tissue parameters were determined by spectrophometric methods using commercial kits.

Results: At the end of the experimental and washout period (day 30 and 60), the plasma carnitine concentrations were affected by carnitine administrations. Remarkable decreases in triglyceride and cholesterol values were obtained particularly at the end of day 60 in carnitine groups. LPO values were associated with significant differences between period and groups comparisons for carnitine administrations. The highest GSH values were obtained in group 4; CAT and SOD status in group 4 and 5.

Conclusions: Extra-carnitine and fish oil additions may regulate plasma lipid profile and increase blood and tissue antioxidants, while LPO levels scan be display controlling effect by carnitine administration.