1
|
Jewell DE, Tavener SK, Creech R, Panickar KS. Betaine and L-Carnitine Synergistically Influence the Metabolome and Immune Response in Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:357. [PMID: 38338001 PMCID: PMC10854714 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study used thirty-two dogs, which were assigned to a preferred period of 14 days and then assigned to one of the four treatment foods: control (containing no added betaine, no added L-carnitine), control with 0.5% added betaine (Treatment 2), control with no added betaine and 300 ppm added L-carnitine (Treatment 3), or control with 0.5% added betaine and 300 ppm added L-carnitine (Treatment 4). All treatment foods were fed for ninety days. Untargeted blood metabolomic analysis and immune response were measured at the beginning and end of the 90-day feeding trial. Feeding betaine increased single-carbon metabolites while decreasing many carnitine-containing metabolites. Feeding L-carnitine increased many carnitine metabolites, while the combination synergistically influenced the metabolome. The combination of betaine and L-carnitine increased the cytokines released in a Tru-culture system in response to stimulation while numerically decreasing their release when unstimulated. Therefore, the combination of dietary betaine and L-carnitine could have the dual positive effects of reducing cytokine stimulation, controlling inflammation during health, and providing a robust response to bacterial infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis E. Jewell
- Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | | | - Renea Creech
- Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc., Overland Park, KS 66211, USA (K.S.P.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Broome HAO, Woods-Lee GRT, Flanagan J, Biourge V, German AJ. Weight loss outcomes are generally worse for dogs and cats with class II obesity, defined as > 40% overweight. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22958. [PMID: 38151525 PMCID: PMC10752889 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50197-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In pet dogs and cats, adiposity is most-often estimated clinically using a 9-category body condition score (BCS), with BCS 9 equating to ~ 40% overweight. Animals that are more overweight (> 40%) are seen in clinical practice but are not appropriately depicted by descriptions in the existing categories. To determine whether being > 40% overweight has clinical relevance, this study aimed to compare the outcomes of weight management in animals that were > 40% overweight with those < 40% overweight. Records of dogs and cats attending a specialist obesity care clinic, where adiposity is determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), were reviewed. Animals were assigned to two classes (class I ≤ 40% overweight: 118/398 [40%] dogs and 68/116 [59%] cats; class II, > 40% overweight: 180/398 [60%] dogs and 48/116 [41%] cats) based on DXA results, and weight loss outcomes were compared. Fewer class II dogs obesity completed weight management than class I dogs (P < 0.001), rate of weight loss was also slower (P = 0.012) and lean tissue loss greater (P < 0.001). Compared with class I, cats with class II obesity lost more weight (P = 0.048) albeit over a longer period (P = 0.043) leading to greater lean tissue loss (P = 0.004). Approximately half the pets presenting to a specialist clinic were have class II obesity (> 40% overweight), and some weight loss outcomes are worse for these animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H A O Broome
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - G R T Woods-Lee
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - J Flanagan
- Royal Canin Research Centre, Aimargues, France
| | - V Biourge
- Royal Canin Research Centre, Aimargues, France
| | - A J German
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Perez-Montero B, Fermin-Rodriguez ML, Miro G, de Juan L, Cruz-Lopez F. Hemolysis, icterus and lipemia interfere with the determination of two oxidative stress biomarkers in canine serum. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:172. [PMID: 37741986 PMCID: PMC10517482 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03740-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress has been proven to play a role in numerous human and canine diseases. Among the biomarkers of oxidative stress, Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) are two of the most widely used. Preanalytical factors are crucial for obtaining accurate results in these assays. Hemolysis, icterus and lipemia (HIL) are common sources of preanalytical errors in the laboratory; however, limited information is available regarding the considerations for canine specimens. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential interferences of HIL in the determination of TBARS and TAS in canine serum. METHODS Solutions of pooled canine serum samples were prepared by adding increasing concentrations of hemolysate, bilirubin and a synthetic lipid emulsion. TBARS and TAS were determined, and biases from the control value caused by the interfering substances were calculated. RESULTS Hemolysis, icterus and lipemia induced significant interferences on TBARS and TAS, albeit to varying degrees depending on the specific biomarker and interfering substance. TBARS appeared to be more susceptible to interferences in this study. Slight hemolysis, moderate icterus and slight lipemia caused notable deviations in TBARS values, surpassing the acceptable threshold for interference. TAS assay was also affected by HIL, although to a lesser extent compared to TBARS. Significant biases from TAS control value were observed when icterus was moderate, and when hemolysis and lipemia were more pronounced. CONCLUSIONS In light of our results, we conclude that hemolyzed, icteric and lipemic specimens are not suitable for TBARS and TAS determination in canine serum. Our findings hold considerable practical utility, as a simple visual inspection would be sufficient for identifying and excluding such specimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Perez-Montero
- Clinical Pathology Service, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.
| | - M L Fermin-Rodriguez
- Clinical Pathology Service, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Miro
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - L de Juan
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - F Cruz-Lopez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Malaguarnera G, Catania VE, Bertino G, Chisari LM, Castorina M, Bonfiglio C, Cauli O, Malaguarnera M. Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial. Curr Pharm Des 2022; 28:3158-3166. [PMID: 36043711 DOI: 10.2174/1381612828666220830092815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ageing is characterized by a gradual decline in body function, representing the clinical situation called "frailty". Prefrailty is the intermediate stage between frailty and robust condition. L-carnitine (LC) plays an important role in energy production from long-chain fatty acids in mitochondria, and its serum level is lower in prefrail and frail subjects. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the effect of Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) in pre-frail older patients. METHODS We scheduled 3 months of treatment and then 3 months of follow-up. A total of 92 subjects were selected from May, 2009 to July, 2017, in a randomized, observational, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. We scheduled 3 months of treatment and then 3 months of follow-up. ALCAR (oral 1.5 g/bis in die - BID) or placebo groups were used. RESULTS After the treatment, only the treated group displayed a decrease in C reactive protein (CRP) p < 0.001 and an increase in serum-free carnitine and acetylcarnitine (p < 0.05) in Mini-Mental state (MMSE) p < 0.0001 and 6-walking distance (p < 0.0001); ALCAR group vs. placebo group showed a decrease in HDL cholesterol and CRP (p < 0.01), an increase in MMSE score (p < 0.001) and in the 6-walking distance (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS ALCAR treatment delays the incidence and severity of onset of degenerative disorders of the elderly in prefrail subjects with improvement in memory and cognitive processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Malaguarnera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vito Emanuele Catania
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gaetano Bertino
- Hepatology Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico- San Marco, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Laura Maria Chisari
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Omar Cauli
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, University of Valencia, c/Jaume Roig s/n, 46010 Valencia, Spain.,Frailty and Cognitive Impairment Organized Group (FROG), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Michele Malaguarnera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Valencia, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sahebnasagh A, Avan R, Monajati M, Hashemi J, Habtemariam S, Negintaji S, Saghafi F. L-carnitine: Searching for New Therapeutic Strategy for Sepsis Management. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:3300-3323. [PMID: 34789120 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666211117092345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adeleh Sahebnasagh
- Clinical Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd. Iran
| | - Razieh Avan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand. Iran
| | - Mahila Monajati
- Department of Internal Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan. Iran
| | - Javad Hashemi
- Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd. Iran
| | - Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories and Herbal Analysis Services, School of Science, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham-Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB. United Kingdom
| | - Sina Negintaji
- Student Research Committee, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd. Iran
| | - Fatemeh Saghafi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd. Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Canine sports medicine and rehabilitation recently have evolved to embody the optimization of performance, injury prevention, and mitigation of musculoskeletal degeneration. This article discusses the diverse factors and considerations of working dog wellness and injury prevention and the importance of recognizing normal and abnormal posture and anatomic structure for performance evaluation and early indication of musculoskeletal injury. The importance of a canine physical fitness program is highlighted and the need for a 4-phase recovery plan to determine if a working dog can safely return to work after injury discussed.
Collapse
|
7
|
Varney JL, Fowler JW, Coon CN. Undenatured type II collagen mitigates inflammation and cartilage degeneration in healthy Labrador Retrievers during an exercise regimen. Transl Anim Sci 2021; 5:txab084. [PMID: 34124592 PMCID: PMC8191485 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txab084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of undenatured type II collagen supplementation on inflammation and cartilage degeneration after exercise in healthy dogs. Forty healthy Labrador Retrievers (20 male/20 female; range 5-12 yr; average 8 yr) were sorted into two groups: undenatured type II collagen group receiving 40 mg UC-II (10 mg collagen type II/min. 3% undenatured type II collagen; Lonza Consumer Health, Inc.) and placebo group receiving 40 mg maltodextrin daily by capsule. After 2-wk loading, all dogs began an 11-wk endurance exercise regimen consisting of two weekly runs, starting at 5 km and increasing incrementally to 8 km, with one final 16 km run. Blood samples were collected at baseline, pre and post first 5 km run, and pre- and post-16 km run. Activity per kilometer was greater in male undenatured type II collagen vs. male placebo over all runs (P = 0.004), and average moving speed was greater in all undenatured type II collagen dogs compared with placebo over all runs (P < 0.001). Hematology analysis indicated that during the first insult, undenatured type II collagen dogs had a greater lymphocyte count (P < 0.001) and lymphocyte percentage (P = 0.001) vs. placebo dogs. Undenatured type II collagen dogs had a lesser neutrophil percentage (P = 0.042) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios (P = 0.001) compared to placebo dogs. For the final insult, undenatured type II collagen dogs had greater lymphocyte percentage (P = 0.013) and lesser mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (P = 0.043) compared with placebo dogs. Both groups had significant changes between timepoints for several hematological parameters. Biomarker IL-6 was lesser in undenatured type II collagen dogs compared with placebo at post 5 km (P = 0.037). Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) was lesser in undenatured type II collagen dogs at post 16 km (P = 0.023), and only the placebo dogs had a significant increase in COMP from pre to post 16 km (P = 0.021). In summary, Labrador Retrievers supplemented with undenatured type II collagen had decreased inflammation and cartilage degeneration compared with nonsupplemented dogs during exercise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J L Varney
- Four Rivers Kennel, LLC, Walker, MO 64790, USA
| | - J W Fowler
- Four Rivers Kennel, LLC, Walker, MO 64790, USA
| | - C N Coon
- Four Rivers Kennel, LLC, Walker, MO 64790, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Varney JL, Fowler JW, McClaughry TC, Vignale K, Caldas J, Weil JT, Coon CN. L-Carnitine metabolism, protein turnover and energy expenditure in supplemented and exercised Labrador Retrievers. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2020; 104:1540-1550. [PMID: 32557872 PMCID: PMC7540169 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
L-Carnitine is critical for protection against bioaccumulation, long-chain fatty acid transportation and energy production. Energy production becomes important as the body maintains lean mass, repairs muscles and recovers from oxidative stress. The aim was to investigate the effects of supplemented L-carnitine on protein turnover (PT), energy expenditure (EE) and carnitine metabolism in muscle/serum of Labrador Retrievers. In a series of experiments, all dogs were fed a low-carnitine diet and sorted into one of two groups: L-carnitine (LC) supplemented daily with 125 mg L-carnitine and 3.75 g sucrose or placebo (P) supplemented with 4 g sucrose daily. The experiments consisted of analyses of muscle/serum for L-carnitine content (EXP1), a protein turnover experiment (EXP2) and analysis of substrate utilization via indirect calorimetry (EXP3). EXP1: 20 Labradors (10 M/10 F) performed a 13 week running regimen. L-Carnitine content was analysed in the serum and biceps femoris muscle before/after a 24.1 km run. LC serum had higher total (p < .001; p = .001), free (p < .001; p = .001) and esterified (p = .001; p = .003) L-carnitine pre- and post-run respectively. LC muscle had significantly higher free L-carnitine post-run (p = .034). EXP2: 26 Labs (13 M/13 F) performed a 60-day running regimen. For the final run, half of the Labradors from each treatment rested and half ran 24.1 km. Twenty-four Labradors received isotope infusion, and then, a biopsy of the biceps femoris of all 26 Labradors was taken to determine PT. Resting/exercised LC had a lower fractional breakdown rate (FBR) versus P group (p = .042). LC females had a lower FBR v. P females (p = .046). EXP3: Respiration of 16 Labradors (8 M/8 F) was measured via indirect calorimetry over 15 week. All dogs ran on a treadmill for 30 min at 30% VO2 max (6.5 kph), resulting in higher maximum and mean EE in LC females v. P females (p = .021; p = .035). Implications for theory, practice and future research are discussed.
Collapse
|
9
|
Lorke M, Willen M, Lucas K, Schille JT, Lüder Ripoli F, Willenbrock S, Beyerbach M, Wefstaedt P, Murua Escobar H, Nolte I. Effect of antioxidants, mitochondrial cofactors and omega-3 fatty acids on telomere length and kinematic joint mobility in young and old shepherd dogs - A randomized, blinded and placebo-controlled study. Res Vet Sci 2020; 129:137-153. [PMID: 32000015 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In dogs, decreasing telomere length is a biomarker for cellular aging. On a systemic level, aging affects the locomotor system in particular, leading to restricted joint mobility. As aging is thought to be related to oxidative stress, it may be counteracted by a diet enriched with antioxidants, mitochondrial cofactors and omega-3 fatty acids. This randomized, blinded and placebo-controlled study examined the influence of an accordingly enriched diet compared to a control diet on 36 young and 38 old shepherd dogs. At the outset, after 3 and after 6 months, mean and minimum telomere lengths were measured. Furthermore, minimum and maximum joint angles and range of motion of the shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle and tarsal joints were measured by computer-assisted gait analysis. A positive influence of the enriched diet on old dogs could be verified for minimum telomere length and all three parameters of the shoulder joint on the side with the higher vertical ground reaction force after 6 months. In the other joints there were less significant differences; in some cases they indicated a contrary influence of the enriched diet on young dogs, probably due to its reduced protein content. The greater effect of the enriched diet on minimum than on mean telomere length may be due to the higher preference of telomerase for short telomeres. The greater effect on shoulder joint mobility is explained by the greater influence of musculature and connective tissue in this joint. For elderly dogs it is advisable to feed these nutritional supplements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malin Lorke
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Maray Willen
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Karin Lucas
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan Torben Schille
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Florenza Lüder Ripoli
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30559 Hannover, Germany; Division of Medicine Clinic III, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, University of Rostock, D-18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Saskia Willenbrock
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Beyerbach
- Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Patrick Wefstaedt
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Hugo Murua Escobar
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30559 Hannover, Germany; Division of Medicine Clinic III, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, University of Rostock, D-18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Ingo Nolte
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30559 Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gnoni A, Longo S, Gnoni GV, Giudetti AM. Carnitine in Human Muscle Bioenergetics: Can Carnitine Supplementation Improve Physical Exercise? Molecules 2020; 25:E182. [PMID: 31906370 PMCID: PMC6982879 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25010182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
l-Carnitine is an amino acid derivative widely known for its involvement in the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix, where fatty acid oxidation occurs. Moreover, l-Carnitine protects the cell from acyl-CoA accretion through the generation of acylcarnitines. Circulating carnitine is mainly supplied by animal-based food products and to a lesser extent by endogenous biosynthesis in the liver and kidney. Human muscle contains high amounts of carnitine but it depends on the uptake of this compound from the bloodstream, due to muscle inability to synthesize carnitine. Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation represents an important energy source for muscle metabolism particularly during physical exercise. However, especially during high-intensity exercise, this process seems to be limited by the mitochondrial availability of free l-carnitine. Hence, fatty acid oxidation rapidly declines, increasing exercise intensity from moderate to high. Considering the important role of fatty acids in muscle bioenergetics, and the limiting effect of free carnitine in fatty acid oxidation during endurance exercise, l-carnitine supplementation has been hypothesized to improve exercise performance. So far, the question of the role of l-carnitine supplementation on muscle performance has not definitively been clarified. Differences in exercise intensity, training or conditioning of the subjects, amount of l-carnitine administered, route and timing of administration relative to the exercise led to different experimental results. In this review, we will describe the role of l-carnitine in muscle energetics and the main causes that led to conflicting data on the use of l-carnitine as a supplement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Gnoni
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Serena Longo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (S.L.); (G.V.G.)
| | - Gabriele V. Gnoni
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (S.L.); (G.V.G.)
| | - Anna M. Giudetti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (S.L.); (G.V.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Menchetti L, Guelfi G, Speranza R, Carotenuto P, Moscati L, Diverio S. Benefits of dietary supplements on the physical fitness of German Shepherd dogs during a drug detection training course. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218275. [PMID: 31199843 PMCID: PMC6570027 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A high standard of physical fitness is an essential characteristic of drug detection dogs because it affects not only their ability to sustain high activity levels but also their attention and olfaction efficiency. Nutritional supplements could improve physical fitness by modulating energy metabolism, oxidative processes, and perceived fatigue. The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological and biochemical changes induced by submaximal exercise on drug detection dogs (German Shepherd breed) and to assess whether a dietary supplement improves their physical fitness. During a drug detection dog training course, seven dogs were fed with a basal diet (Control Group) for three-month period, while a further seven dogs were fed with a basal diet as well as a daily nutritional supplement containing branched-chain and limiting amino acids, carnitine, vitamins, and octacosanol (Treatment Group). At the end of this period, individual physical fitness was assessed by making each subject take a graded treadmill exercise test. A human heart rate monitor system was used to record the dog's heart rate (HR) during the treadmill exercise and the subsequent recovery period. The parameters related to HR were analysed using nonparametric statistics. Blood samples were collected before starting the nutritional supplement treatment, before and after the treadmill exercise and following recovery. Linear mixed models were used. The dietary supplements accelerated HR recovery, as demonstrated by the lower HR after recovery (P<0.05) and Time constants of HR decay (P<0.05), and by the higher Absolute HR Recovered (P<0.05) recorded in the Treatment group compared with the Control dogs. The supplemented dogs showed the lowest concentrations of creatine kinase (CK; P<0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, P<0.05) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA; P<0.01) suggesting a reduction in muscle damage and improvement of energy metabolism. These data suggest that this combined supplement can significantly enhance the physical fitness of drug detection dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Menchetti
- Laboratory of Ethology and Animal Welfare (LEBA), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Perugia University, Perugia, Italy
| | - Gabriella Guelfi
- Laboratory of Ethology and Animal Welfare (LEBA), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Perugia University, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Speranza
- GdF (Military Force of Guardia di Finanza), Dog Breeding and Training Course, Castiglione Del Lago (PG), Italy
| | - Pasquale Carotenuto
- GdF (Military Force of Guardia di Finanza), Dog Breeding and Training Course, Castiglione Del Lago (PG), Italy
| | - Livia Moscati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche, Perugia, Italy
| | - Silvana Diverio
- Laboratory of Ethology and Animal Welfare (LEBA), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Perugia University, Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Given its pivotal role in fatty acid oxidation and energy metabolism, l-carnitine has been investigated as ergogenic aid for enhancing exercise capacity in the healthy athletic population. Early research indicates its beneficial effects on acute physical performance, such as increased maximum oxygen consumption and higher power output. Later studies point to the positive impact of dietary supplementation with l-carnitine on the recovery process after exercise. It is demonstrated that l-carnitine alleviates muscle injury and reduces markers of cellular damage and free radical formation accompanied by attenuation of muscle soreness. The supplementation-based increase in serum and muscle l-carnitine contents is suggested to enhance blood flow and oxygen supply to the muscle tissue via improved endothelial function thereby reducing hypoxia-induced cellular and biochemical disruptions. Studies in older adults further showed that l-carnitine intake can lead to increased muscle mass accompanied by a decrease in body weight and reduced physical and mental fatigue. Based on current animal studies, a role of l-carnitine in the prevention of age-associated muscle protein degradation and regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis is suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roger Fielding
- Tufts University, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
| | - Linda Riede
- analyze & realize GmbH, Waldseeweg 6, 13467 Berlin, Germany.
| | - James P Lugo
- Lonza Inc., 90 Boroline Road, Allendale, NJ 07401, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|