Investigation of the effects of L-carnitine on oral mucosal wound healing by using different methods

Investigation of the Effects of L-Carnitine on Oral Mucosal Wound Healing by using Different Methods The aim of this study was to investigate the oral mucosal wound healing potential of L-carnitine, which is used to relieve inflammation and to heal skin wounds. For this purpose Wistar albino rats were used. The linear incisional and circular excisional wounds were created on buccal mucosa of each rat. In this study, L-carnitine was administered at 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day through the i.p. method in order to examine the dose-dependent effects as well. The wound healing effect was comparatively evaluated with Vitamin E. Control group was not given any pharmacologic agent. At the end of 10 days after wound creation, all subjects were sacrificed so as to observe wound healing by biochemically, biomechanically, and histologically. The healing process characterized by the enhancement of the wound contraction was also tested. The anti-inflammatory effect of the L-carnitine was determined by using an in vivo experimental model. Furthermore, L-carnitine was assayed in vitro for inhibition of the activity of matrix metalloproteinases. In consequence of these assesments, the animals receiving the 100 mg/kg/day L-carnitine supplements healed more rapidly, with almost complete restoration of mucosa by 10 days. It was observed that L-carnitine affected wound healing positively and was able to accelerate the wound healing. With the advantages of being a natural substance in the body, having less side effects, being easy to procure and having a practical usage, L-carnitine is a substance of which prospect for wound healing in the future can be further secured by conducting additional studies.