L-Carnitine Effect upon Iron Growth Inhibition on Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract: Abnormal levels of L-carnitine are known to be the cause of several diseases. Considering that theyeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae presents the enzymes and systems required by this compound, we decided touse this microorganism as a model system to study iron growth inhibition in media with L-carnitine. Also, theL-carnitine effect on mitochondria metabolism was evaluated through the fluorescence signal of the lipophiliccation rhodamine 123. For this purpose, cells were grown in a synthetic medium with glycerol as carbon source,supplemented with either 3.0 mM or 6.0 mM L-carnitine. Results obtained showed a decrease in the extent ofiron inhibition by L-carnitine addition. In diseases where iron accumulation alters mitochondrial function , atreatment based on the exogenous supply of L-carnitine may be considered. Keywords: S.cerevisiae, L-carnitine, iron growth inhibition, rhodamine 123. INTRODUCTION estimate the electrical component of the mitochondrialmembrane potential.In higher eucariotyc cells