Adeleh Sahebnasagh, Razieh Avan, Mahila Monajati, Javad Hashemi, Solomon Habtemariam, Sina Negintaji and Fatemeh Saghafi* Pages 3300 - 3323 ( 24 )
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-regulating the 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 reviewed 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.
L-carnitine, sepsis, septic shock, critically ill, intensive care, antioxidant.
Clinical Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Department of Internal Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories and Herbal Analysis Services, School of Science, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham-Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, Student Research Committee, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd