Effects of L-carnitine on the erythrocytes of stored human blood

L-carnitine and Acetyl-L Carnitine: A Possibility for Treating Alterations Induced by Obesity in the Central Nervous System

Excessive consumption of nutrients, as well as obesity, leads to an inflammatory process, especially in adipose tissue. This inflammation reaches the systemic level and, subsequently, the central nervous system (CNS), which can lead to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in brain damage. Thus, adequate treatment for obesity is necessary, including lifestyle changes (diet adequation and physical activity) and pharmacotherapy. However, these drugs can adversely affect the individual's health. In this sense, searching for new therapeutic alternatives for reestablishing metabolic homeostasis is necessary. L-carnitine (LC) and acetyl-L-carnitine (LAC) have neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in several conditions, including obesity. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a narrative review of the literature on the effect of LC and LAC on brain damage caused by obesity, in particular, on mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Overall, these findings highlight that LC and LAC may be a promising treatment for recovering REDOX status and mitochondrial dysfunction in the CNS in obesity. Future work should focus on better elucidating the molecular mechanisms behind this treatment.

The Nutraceutical Value of Carnitine and Its Use in Dietary Supplements

Carnitine can be considered a conditionally essential nutrient for its importance in human physiology. This paper provides an updated picture of the main features of carnitine outlining its interest and possible use. Particular attention has been addressed to its beneficial properties, exploiting carnitine's properties and possible use by considering the main in vitro, in animal, and human studies. Moreover, the main aspects of carnitine-based dietary supplements have been indicated and defined with reference to their possible beneficial health properties.

A case report of a mild form of multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency due to compound heterozygous mutations in the ETFA gene

Background

Multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD), previously called glutaric aciduria type II, is a rare congenital metabolic disorder of fatty acids and amino acids oxidation, with recessive autosomal transmission. The prevalence in the general population is estimated to be 9/1,000,000 and the prevalence at birth approximately 1/200,000. The clinical features of this disease are divided into three groups of symptoms linked to a defect in electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF) metabolism. In this case report, we present new pathogenic variations in one of the two ETF protein subunits, called electron transfer flavoprotein alpha (ETFA), in a childhood-stage patient with no antecedent.

Case presentation

A five-year-old child was admitted to the paediatric emergency unit for seizures without fever. He was unconscious due to hypoglycaemia confirmed by laboratory analyses. At birth, he was a eutrophic full-term new-born with a normal APGAR index (score for appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration). He had one older brother and no parental consanguinity was reported. A slight speech acquisition delay was observed a few months before his admission, but he had no schooling problems. MADD was suspected based on urinary organic acids and plasma acylcarnitine analyses and later confirmed by genetic analysis, which showed previously unreported ETFA gene variations, both heterozygous (c.354C > A (p.Asn118Lys) and c.652G > A (p.Val218Met) variations). Treatment was based on avoiding fasting and a slow carbohydrate-rich evening meal associated with L-carnitine supplementation (approximately 100 mg/kg/day) for several weeks. This treatment was maintained and associated with riboflavin supplementation (approximately 150 mg/day). During follow up, the patient exhibited normal development and normal scholastic performance, with no decompensation.

Conclusion

This case report describes new pathogenic variations of the ETFA gene. These compound heterozygous mutations induce the production of altered proteins, leading to a mild form of MADD.