Significance of L-carnitine in internal medicine

Abstract

The review presents the results of a number of experimental and clinical studies proving the prospects of using L-carnitine in the clinic of internal diseases. Due to the antioxidant and antihypoxant properties, the additional use of L-carnitine in addition to the main etiopathogenetic therapy is prescribed by cardiologists, nephrologists, neurologists, gerontologists. Experimental studies we conducted earlier showed no effect of L-carnitine on the activity of the P450 CYP 3A4 system, which reduces the likelihood of drug-drug interaction at the level of metabolism of drugs metabolized by P450 3A4. When using L-carnitine as part of complex pharmacotherapy, the drug has an increased safety profile in comorbid patients taking L-carnitine.

The efficacy of L-carnitine in improving malnutrition in patients on maintenance hemodialysis: a meta-analysis

“…Levo (L)-carnitine (L-CN), also known as carnitine or carnitine and vitamin BT, is a natural substance necessary for energy metabolism in the mammals. L-carnitine is a special amino acid necessary for fat metabolism in the body [14]. Due to reduced intake and rapid clearance by dialysis, patients on MHD generally have a deficiency of L-CN, thereby aggravating several complications, such as dialysis hypotension, myocardial damage, malnutrition, and anemia [15].…”

Mitoprotective Clinical Strategies in Type 2 Diabetes and Fanconi Anemia Patients: Suggestions for Clinical Management of Mitochondrial Dysfunction

“…Hence, mitochondria are commonly regarded as the main cell's "power plant" and the first victim of this pro-oxidant state. As a lucky evolutive solution for mitochondrial-and cellular-survival, MNs both exert their cofactor roles in energetic-pro-oxidant-metabolism and behave as strong antioxidants [10][11][12].Among the extensive number of OS/MDF-related disorders [2], the present review is focused on two apparently unrelated diseases, such as a pandemic disease as T2D and a rare genetic disease as FA. These may be seen as two paradigms both offering mechanistic insights of the two disorders and providing working hypotheses toward adjuvant treatments of these and other OS/MDF-related disorders.…”

“…Hence, mitochondria are commonly regarded as the main cell's "power plant" and the first victim of this pro-oxidant state. As a lucky evolutive solution for mitochondrial-and cellular-survival, MNs both exert their cofactor roles in energetic-pro-oxidant-metabolism and behave as strong antioxidants [10][11][12].…”

Water-soluble vitamins: their physiological significance, role in life of humans and their content in the nutrition of the population suffered as a result of Chernobyl accident

“…The exact figure remains unknown, as vitamin B 11 is still a poorly studied substance. A number of scientists [42] claim that it is enough to use 20 mg of carnitine per 1 kg of body weight to meet the needs of the body in this important nutrient.…”

“…It increases life expectancy and improves erythrocyte function, promotes blood circulation and oxygen saturation of the muscles of the heart and blood vessels, heals the body with ischemia and hypoxia, sustains the nervous system functioning by minimizing states of stress and depression, helps to restore nervous tissues (cells and fibers), improves mental activity and memory, slows the pathological process of cataract development, inhibits the aging process, increases the number of lymphocytes (T and B), thereby stimulating the immune system by increasing protection against viruses and bacteria. It also promotes the production of lysine, improving the activity of the reproductive system, has a positive effect on pregnancy, normalizes fetal development and subsequent maturation, exhibits antioxidant and redox activity, protects hepatocytes from free radical oxidation and toxins, prevents detrimental effect of chemotherapy, indirectly promotes the breakdown of ethyl alcohol molecules, protects against liver cirrhosis and alcoholism, improves the condition of hair and nail plate [42].…”