The effect of L-Carnitine on the recovery of achilles tendon injury in postmenopausal rats

Abstract

Background: Use of surgery for the treatment of achilles tendon rupture has its limitations. Therefore, additional treatment modalities are required during recovery of these ruptures. The present study investigated the effect of L-Carnitine (Carnitene®) on the recovery of injured achilles tendons in postmenopausal rats. Methods: This experimental study was conducted in 60 mature female Sprague-Dawney rats. Ovariectomy was performed for postmenopausal period. Carnitene® was administered in two doses as 100 mg/kg at low dose and 200 mg/kg at high dose using insulin injectors under sterile conditions. Inflammation score, Visual Analogue Score (VAS), and cartilaginous metaplasia were evaluated. Results: In rats with ovariectomy and tendon incision there was no difference in the effect of Carnitene® administration on the inflammation score (p=0.36), VAS score (p=0.26), cartilaginous metaplasia (p=0.44), and fibrosis development (p=0.44). Conclusion: There was no difference in the effect of the drug on postmenopausal tendon recovery. We recommend the use of Carnitene® for tendon recovery as a non-toxic and biocompatible agent.