Immunomodulatory effects of L-carnitine and q10 in mouse spleen exposed to low-frequency high-intensity magnetic field

Method for noninvasive whole-body stimulation with spinning oscillating magnetic fields and its safety in mice

We recently reported shrinkage of untreatable recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) in an end-stage patient using noninvasive brain stimulation with a spinning oscillating magnetic field (sOMF)-generating device called the Oncomagnetic device. Our in vitro experiments demonstrated selective cancer cell death while sparing normal cells by sOMF-induced increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels due to magnetic perturbation of mitochondrial electron transport. Here, we describe the results of an in vivo study assessing the toxicity of chronic sOMF stimulation in mice using a newly constructed apparatus comprised of the sOMF-generating active components of the Oncomagnetic device. We chronically stimulated 10 normal 60-day old female C57BL/6 mice in their housing cages for 2 h 3 times a day, as in the patient treatment protocol, over 4 months. We also studied the effects of 2-h acute sOMF stimulation. Our observations and those of blinded independent veterinary staff observers, indicated no significant adverse effects of chronic or acute sOMF stimulation on the health, behavior, electrocardiographic and electroencephalographic activities, hematologic profile, and brain and other tissue and organ morphology of treated mice compared to age-matched untreated control mice. These findings suggest that short- and long-term therapies with the Oncomagnetic device are safe and well tolerated.

L-carnitine: Searching for New Therapeutic Strategy for Sepsis Management

In this review, we discussed the biological targets of carnitine, its effects on immune function, and how L-carnitine supplementation may help critically ill patients. L-carnitine is a potent antioxidant. L-carnitine depletion has been observed in prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stays, while L-carnitine supplementation has beneficial effects in health promotion and regulation of immunity. It is essential for the uptake of fatty acids into mitochondria. By inhibiting the ubiquitin-proteasome system, down-regulation of apelin receptor in cardiac tissue, and reducing β-oxidation of fatty acid, carnitine may decrease vasopressor requirement in septic shock and improve clinical outcomes of this group of patients. We also have an overview of animal and clinical studies that have been recruited for evaluating the beneficial effects of L-carnitine in the management of sepsis/ septic shock. Additional clinical data are required to evaluate the optimal daily dose and duration of L-carnitine supplementation.

The use of a bed with an insulating system of electromagnetic fields improves immune function, redox and inflammatory states, and decrease the rate of aging

BACKGROUND

The immune system, as a homeostatic system, is an excellent marker of health and has also been proposed as an indicator of the rate of aging. The base of the age-related changes in the immune system, "immunosenescence", is oxidative-inflammatory stress. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produced by technology causes inhibitory effects on the immune response and increases oxidation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of resting on an EMF-insulated system on several immune functions, the oxidative-inflammatory state and subsequently the rate of aging (biological age).

METHODS

Several immune functions, in peripheral blood neutrophils and mononuclear cells, of 31 volunteers were analyzed before and after 2 months of using a bed with the patented HOGO system, which insulated participants against EMFs. Several oxidative and inflammatory parameters, in whole blood cells, were also studied. The biological age was calculated using a mathematical formula, which was based on several immune function parameters. A placebo group of 11 people using beds without that property were used as a control.

RESULTS

The results showed a significant improvement of immune functions and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses after using the HOGO system for 2 months. In addition, a decrease in oxidants and pro-inflammatory compounds, a lowering of oxidative damage in lipids and in DNA as well as a reduction of calculated biological age was also observed. The placebo group did not show any changes.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, 2 months of resting on a bed insulated from EMFs demonstrates improvement in immune function, oxidative-inflammatory state and biological age.

L-Carnitine Supplementation Reduces Short-Term Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

This study aims to investigate whether preoperative L-carnitine supplementation affects the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is an inflammatory marker that has proven usefulness for predicting postoperative complications in coronary artery bypass surgery. A lot of studies concerning the role of L-carnitine in the immune system have been performed, contradictory results have been reported on its effects on absolute numbers of WBC subtypes. This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted among patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery between June 2012 and December 2013 in our cardiovascular surgery clinic. A total of 60 consecutive patients were randomized and divided into 2 groups. The first group received 2 g of L-carnitine in 1000 mL of 0.9% saline solution infused over 24 hours for each of the 3 preoperative days (L-carnitine group, n = 30), or only 1000 mL of 0.9% saline solution for the same time period (placebo group, n = 30). The basal values of leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte counts, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio were similar in the 2 groups. After L-carnitine supplementation (just before surgery), leukocyte and neutrophil counts of the L-carnitine group were significantly lower than those of the placebo group (7.7 ± 1.5 versus 9.7 ± 2.6, P < 0.001 and 4.6 ± 1.3 versus 6.5 ± 2.2, P < 0.001). On postoperative day 1, lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in the L-carnitine group (1.1 ± 0.6 versus 0.8 ± 0.9, P < 0.001). Moreover, the increase in NLR was significantly lower in the L-carnitine group at postoperative day 1 (20.7 ± 13.8 versus 10.8 ± 4.1, P < 0.001). Preoperative L-carnitine supplementation may reduce neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio during the early postoperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

Magnetic nano-Fe3O4 particles targeted gathering and bio-effects on nude mice loading human hepatoma Bel-7402 cell lines model under external magnetic field exposure in vivo

Magnetic nano-Fe3O4 particles (MNPs), static magnetic field (SMF) and extremely low-frequency altering electric magnetic field (ELFF) were utilized to treat nude mice loading hepatoma Bel-7402 cell lines to investigate the therapeutic values of MNPs combined with ELFF in vivo. Magnetic resonance image (MRI) figures showed that about 98.9% MNPs injected into mice body through tail vein were gathered in tumor focal by SMF directing exposure. Single ELFF and MNPs treatments did not influence mice physiological function obviously. However, gathered MNPs combined with ELFF treatment prolonged mice survival time and inhibited loading tumor cells proliferation significantly compared to other mice groups (p < 0.05); furthermore, the tumor cells early apoptosis ratio of mice group was significantly higher than other groups (p < 0.05), and ELFF combined with gathered MNPs treatment improved tumor cells early apoptosis associated with Bcl group protein expression: Bax protein expression was higher than Bcl-2 and the combined treatment improved cells Heat shock protein-27 (Hsp-27) expression which could protect cells avoiding early apoptosis. The possible mechanism that this kind of combination inducing more cells into early apoptosis could be due to ELFF exposure influencing cells ion metabolism, MNPs strengthening the effects, and the ELFF vibrating MNPs to generate extra heat and activate cellular heat shock signal channel.

Is there a place for coenzyme Q in the management of metabolic disorders associated with obesity?

Coenzyme Q (CoQ), a lipophilic cofactor of the electron transport chain in the mitochondria, can be synthesized endogenously or provided by food. The aim of this review is to summarize the in vitro cell culture studies, the in vivo animal studies, and the human studies investigating the impact of CoQ supplementation on the occurrence of obesity and related disorders (diabetes, hypertension, lipemia, and atherosclerosis). The antioxidative properties of CoQ have been observed in different experimental models of atherosclerosis, obesity, and diabetes. The recent discovery of the anti-inflammatory effect of CoQ, mostly described in vitro, has generated increased interest in CoQ supplementation, but it needs to be confirmed in vivo in pathological situations. CoQ intervention studies in humans failed to show reproducible effects on body weight, fat mass, or glycemia, but CoQ supplementation does seem to have an antihypertensive effect. The molecular mechanism to explain this effect has only recently been discovered.

Effects of ELF-EMF on brain proteins in mice

Effect of electromagnetic low frequency fields was studied on mice. We analyzed level of protein in brain of mouse. The levels of c-Jun and c-Fos in brains were measured using Western-blot techniques. Female and male laboratory mice were exposed for 4 days to magnetic field (Bm = 2 mT, f = 50 Hz). The exposure took place in cylindrical coil at laboratory temperature. After the experiment they were sacrificed and the level of protein c-Jun and c-Fos in different parts of brain were estimated. The expression of c-Fos was not affected by magnetic field on the other hand the expression of c-Jun decreased after magnetic field exposure. The results did not depend on sex of mice.

Role of L-carnitine in the modulation of immune response in aged rats

BACKGROUND

The immune system undergoes alterations in functions with aging which results in progressive deterioration in the ability to respond to infection. The importance of nutrients in regulating immune responses has widened attempts on interventions that improve immune functions with aging. L-carnitine serves as a vital factor in the mitochondrial transport of fatty acids, a process essential for fatty acid oxidation and energy release. L-carnitine is categorized as a conditionally essential nutrient factor and its concentrations are reported to be decreased with aging.

METHODS

The immunomodulatory role of L-carnitine was assessed in aged rats after administration of L-carnitine (300 mg/kg body weight/day) for 7, 14 and 21 days by evaluating neutrophil functions, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses and immunoglobulin concentrations.

RESULTS

Aged animals exhibited decreased non-specific immune functions, delayed-type hypersensitivity responses and immunoglobulin concentrations compared to younger controls. Treatment with L-carnitine improved neutrophil functions, delayed-type hypersensitivity responses and the concentrations of immunoglobulins A and G in aged animals in a significant manner. However L-carnitine treatment did not have any impact on IgM concentration and type responses.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that aging is associated with a decline in immune functions and supplementing L-carnitine had a positive effect in improving immune responses in aged animals.

Effects of dietary L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10at different supplemental ages on growth performance and some immune response in ascites-susceptible broilers

Effects of dietary L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) at different supplemental ages on performance and some immune response were investigated in ascites-susceptible broilers. A 3 x 2 x 2 factorial design was used consisting of L-carnitine supplementation (0, 75, and 100 mg/kg), CoQ10 supplementation (0 and 40 mg/kg) and different supplemental ages (from day 1 on and from day 10 on). A total of 480 one-day-old Arbor Acre male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 12 groups, every group had five replicates, each with eight birds. The birds were fed a corn-soybean based diet for six weeks. From day 10-21, all the birds were exposed to a low ambient temperature (12-15 degrees C) to increase the susceptibility to ascites. No significant effects were observed on growth performance by L-carnitine, CoQ10 supplementation, and different supplemental ages. Packed cell volume was significantly decreased by L-carnitine supplementation alone, and ascites heart index and ascites mortality were decreased by L-carnitine, CoQ10 supplementation alone, and L-carnitine + CoQ10 supplementation together (p < 0.05). Heart index of broilers was significantly improved by L-carnitine, CoQ10 supplementation alone during 0-3 week. Serum IgG content was improved by L-carnitine supplementation alone (p < 0.05), but lysozyme activity was increased by L-carnitine + CoQ10 supplementation together (p < 0.05). A significant L-carnitine by supplemental age interaction was observed in lysozyme activity. L-carnitine supplementation alone had no effects on the peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) proliferation in response to concanavalin A (ConA) and lipopolysaccharide, but supplemental CoQ10 alone and L-carnitine+ CoQ10 together decreased the PBL proliferation in response to ConA (p < 0.05). The present study suggested that L-carnitine + CoQ10 supplementation together had positive effects on some immune response of ascites-susceptible broilers, which might benefit for the reduction of broilers' susceptibility to ascites.

The effect of L-carnitine in the prevention of ionizing radiation-induced cataracts: a rat model

BACKGROUND

The objective was to determine the antioxidant role of L-carnitine (LC) against ionizing radiation-induced cataracts in lens after total cranium irradiation of rats with a single dose of 5 Gy.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this experiment and were divided into three groups. Group 1 did not receive LC or irradiation (control group). Group 2 received a 5 Gy gamma irradiation as a single dose to the total cranium (RT group). Group 3 received total cranium irradiation plus 100 mg/kg body weight/day LC (RT+LC group). The rats were irradiated using a cobalt-60 teletherapy unit. At the end of the 10th day, the rats were sacrificed and their eyes were enucleated. The lenticular activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured. Furthermore, the lenticular content of an indicator of lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde (MDA), was measured.

RESULTS

Irradiation significantly increased the MDA level as an end product of lipid peroxidation. Irradiation also significantly decreased SOD activity and increased GSH-Px activity, indicating the generation of oxidative stress and an early protective response to oxidative damage. Irradiation with 5 Gy to the total cranium as a single fraction formed cataracts in the rat lenses. Cataract development was detectable in 9 rats in the RT group, and in only 4 rats in the RT+LC group 10 days after irradiation. LC administration plus irradiation significantly decreased the MDA level and increased the activity of SOD and GSH-Px enzymes, which might indicate the protection of the lenses from gamma radiation-induced cataracts.

CONCLUSIONS

L-carnitine may protect against the damage produced by gamma radiation by increasing the activity of the SOD enzyme and by scavenging free radicals generated by ionizing radiation. As a result of this process, MDA as an indicator of lipid peroxidation may decrease.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation attenuates cell loss and oxidative damage in the striatum induced in the 3-nitropropionic model of Huntington's disease

An investigation was conducted on the effect of transcranial magnetic field stimulation (TMS) on the free radical production and neuronal cell loss produced by 3-nitropropionic acid in rats. The effects of 3-nitropropionic acid were evaluated by examining the following changes in: the quantity of hydroperoxides and total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP), lipid peroxidation products, protein carbonyl groups, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities; total nitrite and cell death [morphological changes, quantification of neuronal loss and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels]. Our results reveal that 3-nitropropionic acid induces oxidative and nitrosative stress in the striatum, prompts cell loss and also shows that TMS prevents the harmful effects induced by the acid. In conclusion, the results show the ability of TMS to modify neuronal response to 3-nitropropionic acid.

Vitamin E and L-carnitine, separately or in combination, in the prevention of radiation-induced oral mucositis and myelosuppression: a controlled study in a rat model

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of vitamin E (VE) and L-carnitine (LC) supplementation, separately or in combination, on radiation-induced oral mucositis and myelosuppression. Group 1 received no treatment (control). Group 2 received 15 Gray of 60Co gamma irradiation as a single dose to total cranium (IR). Group 3, 4, and 5 received irradiation plus 40 mg/kg/day VE (IR+VE) or 200 mg/kg/day LC (IR+LC) or in combination (IR+VE+LC) respectively. Clinically and histopathologically, assessments of mucosal reactions were performed by two independent experts in Radiation Oncology and Pathology, respectively. Hematologic analyses and antioxidant enzyme evaluations were also performed. Irradiation significantly increased oral mucositis, and decreased thrombocyte and White Blood Cell counts. A significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in plasma were found in the IR group. VE and LC administration, separately, plus irradiation significantly delayed the starting day, and reduced the severity of, oral mucositis. This administration also reduced a fall in the numbers of thrombocyte and WBC caused by irradiation, and decreased the MDA level, and increased the activity of SOD and CAT enzymes in the plasma. VE and LC, in combination, plus irradiation did not provide a superior radioprotection against radiation-induced toxicities.

Effects of fish-derived lipoprotein extracts on activation markers, Fas expression and apoptosis in peripheral blood lymphocytes

Several factors may influence numbers and function of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) by different processes. We conducted this study to evaluate the effect of E-CAB-94011 and E-JUR-94013, two marine fish extracts from S. scombrus and T. trachurus, respectively, on in vitro PBLs activation and on the expression and functionality of Fas, a cell surface molecule that plays a central role in immune homeostasis and cytotoxic activity. PBLs from 24 healthy volunteers were isolated and flow cytometry was performed to measure the state of activation, Fas expression and apoptosis of PBLs. Functionality of Fas was tested by assessing apoptosis after incubation of isolated lymphocytes with agonistic anti-Fas antibodies in blood samples treated with both E-CAB-94011 and E-JUR-94013. Studies on the lymphocyte cell marker suggest a clear immune activation as measured by the increased levels of CD25, CD8, CD38, CD19 and HLA-DR in vitro expression on lymphocytes treated with both extracts. In addition, a significant reduction in the percentages of apoptotic CD19(+)CD38(+) double positive lymphocytes could be demonstrated in the treated samples with respect to controls (p<0.05). Therefore the present results indicate that both E-CAB-94011 and E-JUR-94013 in vitro are powerful immunoregulatory, increasing immune surveillance.