Abstract
Energy in humans and higher animals is generated through ß-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids, which are transported across the mitochondrial membrane by carnitine (3-hydroxy-4-methyl-ammoniobutanoate). The bulk of body carnitine is found in cardiac and skeletal tissue, and to a lesser extent in various organs such as the liver.1–3 Thus, generating adequate levels of carnitine is an important factor in maintaining normal metabolic processes. 4,5 Indeed, it has been shown that L-carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase deficiency is accompanied by hypoketoic hypoglycemia and cardiomyopathy,6 an observation which may indicate a role for carnitine in cardiac disease.7,9 Metabolic disorders of fatty acids have also been associated with carnitine deficiency. Syndromes and symptoms include liver dysfuction, disorders of the central nervous system, and skeletal muscle weakness.10 In addition to its classical role in energy metabolism, recent studies have provided evidence for an immunomodulatory role for carnitine, particularly in alleviating pathogenic symptoms induced by infectious agents, as discussed below.
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Kouttab, N.M., Gallo, L.L., Ford, D., Galanos, C., Chirigos, M. (1997). Carnitine and Derivatives in Experimental Infections. In: Carnitine Today. Molecular Biology Intelligence Unit. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-6005-0_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-6005-0_8
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
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