Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of L-carnitine on transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) / Sma and Mad related protein (Smad) signaling pathway and calcium and phosphorus metabolism in uremic peritoneal dialysis rats.Methods The rats were divided into 3 groups: the sham operation group, the model group and the left carnitine group. Each group was given medicine or saline once a day for 6 weeks. The levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine, parathyroid hormone, calcium and phosphorus were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Sma-and Mad-related protein (Smad) and phosphorylation of Smad (p-Smad3) in renal tissue was detected by Western blotting.Results There was no significant difference in body weight among 3 groups before modeling. After 6 weeks of modeling, compared with the sham operation group, the serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, parathyroid hormone and phosphorus water in the model group and the left carnitine group increased significantly, the serum calcium level decreased significantly, and the expression levels of TGF-β1 and p-smad3 protein increased significantly (all P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the level of serum calcium, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone were significantly increased. The expression of TGF-β1 and p-smad3 protein was significantly decreased in the L-carnitine group (all P < 0.05).Conclusion By inhibiting the activation of the uremic peritoneal dialysis TGF-β1 / Smad pathway, L-carnitine can improve renal function, increase the levels of serum calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone, so as to achieve the balance of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in uremic peritoneal dialysis.