L-Carnitine Effect upon Iron Growth Inhibition on Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abnormal levels of L-carnitine are known to be the cause of several diseases. Considering that the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae presents the enzymes and systems required by this compound, we decided to use this microorganism as a model system to study iron growth inhibition in media with L-carnitine. Also, the L-carnitine effect on mitochondria metabolism was evaluated through the fluorescence signal of the lipophilic cation 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 of iron inhibition by L-carnitine addition. In diseases where iron accumulation alters mitochondrial function, a treatment based on the exogenous supply of L-carnitine may be considered.