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Actions :
Transport long – chain fatty acids
across the mitochondarial membrane to the matrix where
B-Oxidation occures and energy produced.
Transport toxic metabolites ( Acyle-CoA)
produced by lipid metabolism from the matrix of
mitochondaria back into the cytoplasm in form of L-carnitine
esters
The
mechanism of action of L-Carnitine
The main physiological
function of L-Carnitine is the transport of long-chain
fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane into
the mitochondrial matrix.
The fatty acids present
in the systole are activated by coenzyme A (CoA) and
then linked to L-Carnitine by the enzyme
Carnitine-palmitoyltransferase l (CAT l), which is
present on the outer surface of the inner mitochondrial
membrane. Another enzyme, acylcarnitine translocase,
transports the fatty acid-carnitine complex (acylcarnitine)
through that membrane. On the matrix side of the inner
mitochondrial membrane, the enzyme
carnitine-palmitoyltransferase ll (CAT ll) again cleaves
the acylcarnitine into L-Carnitine and the fatty acid,
which is then subjected to beta-oxidation for the
generation of energy.
The free L-Carnitine
inside the mitochondrial space is able to bind excess
acetate molecules that would otherwise be linked to
Coenzyme A.
In addition to being a
carrier of long-chain fatty acids, L-Carnitine acts as a
detoxicant in the mitochondrial matrix. It binds excess
acetate and other highly reactive cytotoxic molecules
that result from intermediary and oxidative metabolism.
Therefore an L-Carnitine
deficiency could result in impaired removal of cytotoxic
metabolites, and supplementation of L-Carnitine can have
a positive effect upon the physical capacities of
athletes. It has been clearly shown that L-Carnitine
supplementation (2 g/day during 28 days) can increase
the utilization of free-fatty acids in endurance-trained
athletes. In this particular experiment, blood glucose
levels were increased after a 45-minute ergometer
exercise.
The ability of L-Carnitine
to bind excess of acetate therefore increasing levels of
free CoA, connects L-Carnitne to carbohydrate
metabolism. Increased L-Carnitine intake leads to an
increased concentration of L-Carnitine in muscles. L-Carnitine
increases the amount of free CoA, thus lowering the
acetyl-CoA/CoA quotient. As a consequence, the enzyme
pyruvate dehydrogenase is stimulated, and more glucose
is utilized. Thus an increased L-Carnitine level can
stimulate glucose and glycogen oxidation, and increase
beta-oxidation.
Indications
1) Used to
improve immunity in children and adult
Increase phagocytosis of granulocytes ,
increase stimulation of the T – lympfocytes induced by
phytohemagglutinin and membrane activation of NK Cells (
Natural killer cells ) So , it has +ve influence on
certain parameters of the immune system .
2)
L-Carnitine has a significant increase effect in
peripheral blood supply and capacity dilatation as a
result, oxygen absorption rise especially during
exercise.
2)Used in cases of B – thalassemia
L-carnitine stabilizes red blood cells and
supplementation may decrease the need for blood
transfusions.
3) Improve lung functions
in chronic lung diseases
4) Used in
fat loss management , chronic fatigue syndrome and
athletic performance.
5) L- Carnitine
Supplementation In Athletes
6) Research
shows that people who supplement with L-carnitine while
engaging in an exercise regimen are less likely to
experience muscle soreness.5 However, the
belief that carnitine’s effect on energy release will
help build muscle .
7)
L-Carnitine and Fat Loss:
L-Carnitine is "the most important nutrient for
naturally supporting the weight loss process,"
8) Heart and
Circulation Benefits of L-Carnitine :
Supplemental L-Carnitine has been
associated with significantly higher concentrations of
pyruvate, ATP and creatine phosphate in portions of the
heart muscle during conditions of extreme stress.
Similarly, in tests upon peripheral circulation, L-Carnitine
was found to be quite useful for supporting normal blood
flow. |
