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Gharighnia S, Omidi A, Ragerdi Kashani I, Sepand MR, Pour Beiranvand S. Ameliorative effects of acetyl-L-carnitine on corpus callosum and functional recovery in demyelinated mouse model. Int J Neurosci 2024; 134:409-419. [PMID: 35912879 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2022.2107515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Oxidative stress via distinct pathobiological pathways plays a pivotal role in the formation and persistence of MS lesions. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) facilitates the uptake of acetyl coenzyme-A into the mitochondria by a fatty acid oxidation process. ALC could be a therapeutic antioxidant in the myelin repair process. This study explored the potential neuroprotective effects of ALC in cuprizone (CPZ) intoxicated mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty male C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups. The control animals received a normal diet. The CPZ and CPZ + ALC groups were fed with a 0.2% cuprizone diet for 12 weeks. In the CPZ + ALC group, animals received ALC (300 mg/kg/day) from the 10th -12th weeks. Animals were evaluated functionally by beam walking test (BWT) weekly. Eventually, the corpus callosum (CC) was extracted for histological, biochemical, and molecular studies. RESULTS BWT data showed ALC significantly improves balance and gait in the demyelinating mouse model. Histological staining represented ALC effectively increased remyelination in the CC. Biochemical evaluations demonstrated ALC decreased the malondialdehyde level with a parallel increase in the reduced glutathione and catalase activity levels in the CC. Molecular analysis revealed that ALC significantly increased the expression of oligodendrocyte transcription-2 (Olig-2) and Poly lipoproteins (Plp) genes in the CC. CONCLUSIONS ALC improved balance and motor coordination in the demyelinated mouse model. It may be by reducing the levels of free radicals and increasing the expression of Olig-2 and Plp as myelin-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Gharighnia
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ameneh Omidi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iraj Ragerdi Kashani
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Sepand
- Toxicology and Poisoning Research Centre, Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Pour Beiranvand
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Ahn H, Cho EY, Yum K. Efficacy of γ-linolenic acid, Vitis vinifera extract, and acetyl-L-carnitine combination therapy for improving arterial stiffness in Korean adults: Real-world evidence. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2023; 25:880-888. [PMID: 37608640 PMCID: PMC10497026 DOI: 10.1111/jch.14708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is associated with various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Measurement of arterial stiffness using pulse wave velocity (PWV) enables assessment of atherosclerosis progression in individuals. The authors screened patients with asymptomatic atherosclerosis, based on the PWV findings, to evaluate appropriate early interventions and assess the efficacy of γ-linolenic acid, Vitis vinifera extract, and acetyl-L-carnitine triple combination therapy in atherosclerosis prevention. This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of adult patients between March 2007 and April 2019, with presenting complaints of fatigue and lethargy. Among patients with vascular stiffness beyond their biological age on brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) testing, those with ≥80% compliance for three drugs were allocated to the experimental group. Those with compliance of <80% for any one drug were allocated to the control group to assess changes in arterial stiffness, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipid level, and blood pressure (BP). After 1 year of triple-combination therapy, there were significant decreases in right and left baPWV (1537.16 ± 274.84 and 1519.00 ± 289.32 cm/s, respectively) as compared to baseline (1633.15 ± 271. 20 and 1598.64 ± 267.95 cm/s, respectively; p < .001). There was no difference in baPWV between sexes. Moreover, neither group showed significant changes in FPG and lipid levels. When triple-combination therapy combining γ-linolenic acid, V. vinifera extract, and acetyl-L-carnitine was administered to patients with high arterial stiffness relative to their age, as assessed by baPWV, the experimental group showed a decrease in arterial stiffness in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo‐Suk Ahn
- Department of CardiologyUijeongbu St. Mary's HospitalCollege of MedicineThe Catholic University of KoreaSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Eun Young Cho
- Department of Family MedicineUijeongbu St. Mary's HospitalCollege of MedicineThe Catholic University of KoreaSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Keun‐Sang Yum
- Department of Family MedicineUijeongbu St. Mary's HospitalCollege of MedicineThe Catholic University of KoreaSeoulSouth Korea
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Bigio B, Sagi Y, Barnhill O, Dobbin J, El Shahawy O, de Angelis P, Nasca C. Epigenetic embedding of childhood adversity: mitochondrial metabolism and neurobiology of stress-related CNS diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1183184. [PMID: 37564785 PMCID: PMC10411541 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1183184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This invited article ad memoriam of Bruce McEwen discusses emerging epigenetic mechanisms underlying the long and winding road from adverse childhood experiences to adult physiology and brain functions. The conceptual framework that we pursue suggest multidimensional biological pathways for the rapid regulation of neuroplasticity that utilize rapid non-genomic mechanisms of epigenetic programming of gene expression and modulation of metabolic function via mitochondrial metabolism. The current article also highlights how applying computational tools can foster the translation of basic neuroscience discoveries for the development of novel treatment models for mental illnesses, such as depression to slow the clinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease. Citing an expression that many of us heard from Bruce, while "It is not possible to roll back the clock," deeper understanding of the biological pathways and mechanisms through which stress produces a lifelong vulnerability to altered mitochondrial metabolism can provide a path for compensatory neuroplasticity. The newest findings emerging from this mechanistic framework are among the latest topics we had the good fortune to discuss with Bruce the day before his sudden illness when walking to a restaurant in a surprisingly warm evening that preluded the snowstorm on December 18th, 2019. With this article, we wish to celebrate Bruce's untouched love for Neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Bigio
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yotam Sagi
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
| | - Olivia Barnhill
- Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Josh Dobbin
- Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Omar El Shahawy
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Paolo de Angelis
- Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Carla Nasca
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Alhusaini AM, Alsoghayer R, Alhushan L, Alanazi AM, Hasan IH. Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Liposomal Co-Enzyme Q 10 Attenuate Hepatic Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Fibrosis Induced by Propionic Acid. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11519. [PMID: 37511276 PMCID: PMC10380200 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Propionic acid (PRA) is a metabolic end-product of enteric bacteria in the gut, and it is commonly used as a food preservative. Despite the necessity of PRA for immunity in the body, excessive exposure to this product may result in disruptive effects. The purpose of this study is to examine the hepatoprotective effects of acetyl-L-carnitine (A-CAR) and liposomal-coenzyme Q10 (L-CoQ10) against PRA-induced injury. Liver injury in rats was induced by oral administration of PRA, and A-CAR and L-CoQ10 were administered concurrently with PRA for 5 days. Oxidative stress, inflammatory, apoptotic, and fibrotic biomarkers were analyzed; the histology of liver tissue was assessed as well to further explore any pathological alterations. PRA caused significant increases in the levels of serum liver enzymes and hepatic oxidative stress, inflammatory, and apoptotic biomarker levels, along with histopathological alterations. Concurrent treatment with A-CAR and/or L-CoQ10 with PRA prevented tissue injury and decreased the levels of oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic markers. Additionally, A-CAR and/or L-CoQ10 modulated the expression of high-mobility group box-1, cytokeratin-18, transforming growth factor-beta1, and SMAD3 in liver tissue. In conclusion, A-CAR and/or L-CoQ10 showed hepatoprotective efficacy by reducing oxidative stress, the inflammatory response, apoptosis, and fibrosis in liver tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahlam M Alhusaini
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh 11459, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rahaf Alsoghayer
- Pharm D Program, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh 11459, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lina Alhushan
- Pharm D Program, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh 11459, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer M Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh 11459, Saudi Arabia
| | - Iman H Hasan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh 11459, Saudi Arabia
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Wang J, Song J, Song G, Feng Y, Pan J, Yang X, Xin Z, Hu P, Sun T, Liu K, Xu W, Wang T, Wang S, Liu J, Ruan Y. Acetyl-L-carnitine improves erectile function in bilateral cavernous nerve injury rats via promoting cavernous nerve regeneration. Andrology 2022; 10:984-996. [PMID: 35420721 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurogenic erectile dysfunction (NED) caused by cavernous nerve (CN) injury is a typical complication after pelvic surgery, which lacks efficient treatments. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) has been proven to promote nerve repair. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect and potential mechanism of ALCAR in the treatment of NED. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) group, BCNI + lower-dose ALCAR (50 mg/kg/day) group, BCNI + higher-dose (100 mg/kg/day) group and sham-operated group. Erectile function was assessed 14 days after daily intraperitoneal injection of ALCAR or placebo. The penile tissues were gathered for subsequent histological and molecular biological analysis. Rat Schwann cell (SC) line S16 was used to verify the mechanism of ALCAR in vitro. RESULTS We found that the erectile function of the rats in BCNI group was severely impaired, which was improved considerably in both BCNI+ALCAR-LD and BCNI+ALCAR-HD groups. Also, we observed decreased smooth muscle and increased collagen content in corpus cavernosum in BCNI group. The expressions of fibrosis markers TGF-β, CTGF, and Smad 2/3 were significantly up-regulated in the BCNI group. The above changes were alleviated after the administration of lower and higher-dose ALCAR. Meanwhile, the NO/cGMP pathway was promoted and the RhoA/ROCK pathway was inhibited in the corpus cavernosum of BCNI rats after ALCAR treatment, accompanied by increased nNOS and down-regulated Tyrosine Hydroxylase. In vitro, ALCAR promoted the migration and proliferation of SC, and increased the expression of Pmp22 and NGF. Further, rats treated with ALCAR had high expression of ATF3 and S100 in the distal nerve tissues of the CN extrusion site. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION ALCAR could promote nerve repair and regeneration, inhibit penile fibrosis and improve penile erection by promoting the proliferation and migration of SC and the secretion of NGF. Our study confirms that ALCAR may be a potential treatment strategy for NED. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingyu Song
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guoda Song
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuhong Feng
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiancheng Pan
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoqing Yang
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongcheng Xin
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Andrology Center, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,China-Korea Joint Research Center for Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Institute of Urology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Hu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Taotao Sun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenchao Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajun Ruan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Bayrak S, Aktaş S, Altun Z, Çakir Y, Tütüncü M, Kum Özşengezer S, Yilmaz O, Olgun N. Antioxidant effect of acetyl-l-carnitine against cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity. J Int Med Res 2021; 48:300060520951393. [PMID: 32865065 PMCID: PMC7469739 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520951393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Cisplatin (CDDP) toxicity is a dose-limiting clinical problem in clinical practice, mainly because of nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity. However, the mechanism of CDDP-induced cardiotoxicity is poorly understood. Acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR) is an antioxidant agent with protective effects against the side effects of various chemotherapeutics. CDDP-induced cardiotoxicity and the protective role of ALCAR were evaluated in this study. Methods Morphological changes were evaluated in hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections, and immunohistochemistry for caspase-3, superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD-2), inducible nitrite oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2, and Bcl-2 was performed using the hearts of athymic nude mice carrying xenograft neuroblastoma tumors. Mice were randomized (six/group) to the control, CDDP (16 mg/kg), and ALCAR (200 mg/kg)+CDDP (16 mg/kg) groups. Results were analyzed using nonparametric tests. Results No difference was observed in the rates of cardiac necrosis, dilated/congested blood vessels, hemorrhage, polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration, edema, and pyknotic nuclei among the groups. SOD-2 expression was increased in the CDDP group but not in the ALCAR+CDDP group. iNOS, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 levels were not significantly different among the groups. Conclusions ALCAR might be a candidate protective agent for CDDP-induced cardiotoxicity. SOD-2, as a member of the oxidant system, should be evaluated in further studies as a biomarker of cardiotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Bayrak
- Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Oncology, Department of Clinical Oncology, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Safiye Aktaş
- Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Oncology, Department of Basic Oncology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Zekiye Altun
- Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Oncology, Department of Basic Oncology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Çakir
- Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Oncology, Department of Basic Oncology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Merve Tütüncü
- Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Oncology, Department of Basic Oncology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Selen Kum Özşengezer
- Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Oncology, Department of Basic Oncology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Osman Yilmaz
- Dokuz Eylul University, Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nur Olgun
- Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Izmir, Turkey
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Freo U, Brugnatelli V, Turco F, Zanette G. Analgesic and Antidepressant Effects of the Clinical Glutamate Modulators Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Ketamine. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:584649. [PMID: 34045938 PMCID: PMC8144463 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.584649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain and depression are leading causes of disability and of profound social and economic burden. Their impact is aggravated by their chronicity and comorbidity and the insufficient efficacy of current treatments. Morphological and functional metabolism studies link chronic pain and depressive disorders to dysfunctional neuroplastic changes in fronto-limbic brain regions that control emotional responses to painful injuries and stressful events. Glutamate modulators are emerging new therapies targeting dysfunctional brain areas implicated in the generation and maintenance of chronic pain and depression. Here, we report the effects of two clinically approved glutamate modulators: acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) and S, R(±)ketamine (KET). ALCAR is a natural neurotrophic compound currently marketed for the treatment of neuropathies. KET is the prototypical non-competitive antagonist at N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptors and a clinically approved anesthetic. Although they differ in pharmacological profiles, ALCAR and KET both modulate aminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmissions and pain and mood. We assessed in rats the effects of ALCAR and KET on cerebral metabolic rates for glucose (rCMRglc) and assessed clinically the effects of ALCAR in chronic pain and of KET in post-operative pain. ALCAR and KET increased rCMRglc at similar degrees in prefrontal, somatosensory, and cingulate cortices, and KET increased rCMRglc at a different, much larger, degree in limbic and dopaminergic areas. While rCMRglc increases in prefrontal cortical areas have been associated with analgesic and antidepressant effects of ALCAR and KET, the marked metabolic increases KET induces in limbic and dopaminergic areas have been related to its psychotomimetic and abuse properties. In patients with chronic neuropathic pain, ALCAR (1,000 mg/day) yielded to a fast (2 weeks) improvement of mood and then of pain and quality of life. In day-surgery patients, KET improved dischargeability and satisfaction. In obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery, a single, low dose of KET (0.5 mg/kg) at induction of anesthesia determined a very fast (hours) amelioration of post-operative depression and pain and an opioid-sparing effect. These findings indicate that ALCAR and KET, two non-selective glutamate modulators, still offer viable therapeutic options in comorbid pain and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulderico Freo
- Section of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Viola Brugnatelli
- Section of Dentistry, Department of Neurosciences-DNS, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Fabio Turco
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Neurogastroenterology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gastone Zanette
- Section of Dentistry, Department of Neurosciences-DNS, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Truong TT, Gardner DK. Antioxidants increase blastocyst cryosurvival and viability post-vitrification. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:12-23. [PMID: 31916568 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the effect of antioxidants acetyl-L-carnitine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and α-lipoic acid (A3) in vitrification and warming solutions on mouse blastocyst development and viability? SUMMARY ANSWER The combination of three antioxidants in vitrification solutions resulted in mouse blastocysts with higher developmental potential in vitro and increased viability as assessed by both an outgrowth model in vitro and fetal development following uterine transfer. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The antioxidant combination of acetyl-L-carnitine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and α-lipoic acid present in IVF handling and embryo culture media has significant beneficial effects on mouse embryo and fetal development, especially under oxidative stress. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study was a laboratory-based analysis of an animal model. Rapid cooling through vitrification was conducted on F1 mouse blastocysts, with antioxidants (A3) supplemented in vitrification and/or warming solutions, followed by culture and embryo transfer. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Pronucleate oocytes were collected and cultured in groups to Day 4 blastocysts. Expanded blastocysts were vitrified and warmed in solutions with and without the A3 antioxidants and cultured for a further 24 h. Blastocyst cell number and allocation, apoptosis and histone acetylation levels were all quantified, and viability through outgrowths and transfers assessed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Mouse blastocysts vitrified with no antioxidants had significantly lower cell numbers (P < 0.001) and higher apoptotic cells (P < 0.05) compared to non-vitrified embryos. Addition of combined A3 antioxidants to the vitrification and warming solutions resulted in a significant increase in inner cell mass cell (ICM) number (P < 0.001) and total cell number (P < 0.01), and an increase in outgrowth area (P < 0.05), which correlated with the increased fetal weight (P < 0.05), crown rump length (P < 0.05) and limb development (P < 0.05) determined following transfer compared to embryos with no antioxidants. Furthermore, while blastocyst vitrification significantly reduced acetylation levels (P < 0.05) compared to non-vitrified embryos, the inclusion of A3 antioxidants helped to ameliorate this. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Embryo development was only examined in the mouse. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Results in this study demonstrate that vitrification and warming of blastocysts have significant detrimental effects on embryo histone acetylation and subsequent viability. The presence of antioxidants in the vitrification solutions helps to alleviate the negative effects of cryopreservation. Our data indicate that antioxidants need to be present in the medium at the time of exposure to increased oxidative stress associated with vitrification and that prior exposure (i.e. during culture or IVF alone) is insufficient to protect cells against cryo-induced injury. Hence, A3 antioxidants may assist in maintaining the viability of vitrified human embryos in ART through the reduction of oxidative stress. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by a research grant from Vitrolife AB (Sweden). The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi T Truong
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Pennisi M, Lanza G, Cantone M, D'Amico E, Fisicaro F, Puglisi V, Vinciguerra L, Bella R, Vicari E, Malaguarnera G. Acetyl-L-Carnitine in Dementia and Other Cognitive Disorders: A Critical Update. Nutrients 2020; 12:E1389. [PMID: 32408706 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies explored the effects of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) in dementia, suggesting a role in slowing down cognitive decline. Nevertheless, in 2003 a systematic review concluded there was insufficient evidence to recommend a clinical use, although a meta-analysis in the same year showed a significant advantage for ALC for clinical scales and psychometric tests. Since then, other studies have been published; however, a critical review is still lacking. We provide an update of the studies on ALC in primary and secondary dementia, highlighting the current limitations and translational implications. Overall, the role of ALC in dementia is still under debate. The underlying mechanisms may include restoring of cell membranes and synaptic functioning, enhancing cholinergic activity, promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism, protecting against toxins, and exerting neurotrophic effects. The effects of ALC on the gut-liver-brain axis seem to identify the category of patients in which the new insights contribute most to the mechanisms of action of ALC, likely being the liver metabolism and the improvement of hepatic detoxifying mechanisms the primary targets. In this framework, our research group has dealt with this topic, focusing on the ALC-related cross-talk mechanisms. Further studies with homogeneous sample and longitudinal assessment are needed before a systematic clinical application.
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Pennisi M, Lanza G, Cantone M, D’Amico E, Fisicaro F, Puglisi V, Vinciguerra L, Bella R, Vicari E, Malaguarnera G. Acetyl-L-Carnitine in Dementia and Other Cognitive Disorders: A Critical Update. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12051389. [PMID: 32408706 PMCID: PMC7284336 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies explored the effects of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) in dementia, suggesting a role in slowing down cognitive decline. Nevertheless, in 2003 a systematic review concluded there was insufficient evidence to recommend a clinical use, although a meta-analysis in the same year showed a significant advantage for ALC for clinical scales and psychometric tests. Since then, other studies have been published; however, a critical review is still lacking. We provide an update of the studies on ALC in primary and secondary dementia, highlighting the current limitations and translational implications. Overall, the role of ALC in dementia is still under debate. The underlying mechanisms may include restoring of cell membranes and synaptic functioning, enhancing cholinergic activity, promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism, protecting against toxins, and exerting neurotrophic effects. The effects of ALC on the gut-liver-brain axis seem to identify the category of patients in which the new insights contribute most to the mechanisms of action of ALC, likely being the liver metabolism and the improvement of hepatic detoxifying mechanisms the primary targets. In this framework, our research group has dealt with this topic, focusing on the ALC-related cross-talk mechanisms. Further studies with homogeneous sample and longitudinal assessment are needed before a systematic clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Pennisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.P.); (F.F.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Department of Neurology IC, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-3782448
| | - Mariagiovanna Cantone
- Department of Neurology, Sant’Elia Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale (ASP) Caltanissetta, Via Luigi Russo 6, 93100 Caltanissetta, Italy;
| | - Emanuele D’Amico
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.D.); (R.B.)
| | - Francesco Fisicaro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.P.); (F.F.); (G.M.)
| | - Valentina Puglisi
- Department of Neurology, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Cremona, Viale Concordia 1, 26100 Cremona, Italy; (V.P.); (L.V.)
| | - Luisa Vinciguerra
- Department of Neurology, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Cremona, Viale Concordia 1, 26100 Cremona, Italy; (V.P.); (L.V.)
| | - Rita Bella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.D.); (R.B.)
| | - Enzo Vicari
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Giulia Malaguarnera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.P.); (F.F.); (G.M.)
- Research Center “The Great Senescence”, University of Catania, Via Androne 83, 95124 Catania, Italy
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Cherix A, Larrieu T, Grosse J, Rodrigues J, McEwen B, Nasca C, Gruetter R, Sandi C. Metabolic signature in nucleus accumbens for anti-depressant-like effects of acetyl-L-carnitine. eLife 2020; 9:50631. [PMID: 31922486 PMCID: PMC6970538 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that hierarchical status provides vulnerability to develop stress-induced depression. Energy metabolic changes in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) were recently related to hierarchical status and vulnerability to develop depression-like behavior. Acetyl-L-carnitine (LAC), a mitochondria-boosting supplement, has shown promising antidepressant-like effects opening therapeutic opportunities for restoring energy balance in depressed patients. We investigated the metabolic impact in the NAc of antidepressant LAC treatment in chronically-stressed mice using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). High rank, but not low rank, mice, as assessed with the tube test, showed behavioral vulnerability to stress, supporting a higher susceptibility of high social rank mice to develop depressive-like behaviors. High rank mice also showed reduced levels of several energy-related metabolites in the NAc that were counteracted by LAC treatment. Therefore, we reveal a metabolic signature in the NAc for antidepressant-like effects of LAC in vulnerable mice characterized by restoration of stress-induced neuroenergetics alterations and lipid function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Cherix
- Laboratory for Functional and Metabolic Imaging (LIFMET), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Larrieu
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain and Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jocelyn Grosse
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain and Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - João Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain and Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bruce McEwen
- Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
| | - Carla Nasca
- Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
| | - Rolf Gruetter
- Laboratory for Functional and Metabolic Imaging (LIFMET), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Sandi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain and Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Anikin GS, Makhova AA, Shikh EV. [Prospects of application of acetyl-L-carnitine in neurology and psychiatry (the treatment of polyneuropathy and depressive states)]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2019; 119:130-135. [PMID: 31626181 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2019119081130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALA) is a biologically active form of L-carnitine, which is a readily available substrate for triggering energy-dependent metabolic processes in the mitochondria. The mechanism of the protective effect of ALA on brain tissue is a significant reduction in the amount of oxygen consumed for energy supply of the needs of the nervous system. ALA also has antioxidant and antiapoptotic activity. In addition, ALK plays a neuromodulating effect on both synaptic morphology and synaptic transmission. The similarity in structure with acetylcholine allows to have a cholinomimetic effect, as well as to show neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties. ALK has an antidepressant and analgesic effect in painful neuropathies. Therefore, ALA is a promising drug for the treatment of polyneuropathy of various origins. Compared with antidepressants efficacy and a minimum of side effects open up wide possibilities of using ALA in the treatment of depression with a low risk of developing NLR.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Anikin
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - A A Makhova
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - E V Shikh
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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Truong T, Gardner DK. Antioxidants improve IVF outcome and subsequent embryo development in the mouse. Hum Reprod 2018; 32:2404-2413. [PMID: 29136144 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the effect of a combination of three antioxidants (Acetyl-L-Carnitine, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine and α-Lipoic Acid), present in IVF medium during mouse oocyte and sperm collection, on fertilization and subsequent IVF embryo development? SUMMARY ANSWER A combination of antioxidants resulted in faster developmental times from the 2-cell stage through to expanded blastocyst stage, accompanied by a significant increase in blastocyst cell number and a reduction of intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The antioxidant combination Acetyl-L-Carnitine, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine and α-Lipoic Acid, when present in embryo culture media, has a significant beneficial effect on in vitro fertilized mouse pronucleate oocyte development, especially under oxidative stress. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION IVF was conducted with combined antioxidants supplemented in IVF medium that was used for mouse oocyte collection and fertilization (oocyte IVF medium, 4 h exposure) and sperm collection and preparation (sperm IVF medium, 1 h exposure). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS IVF was conducted under 20% oxygen, in the presence or absence of a combination of antioxidants (10 μM Acetyl-L-Carnitine, 10 μM N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, 5 μM α-Lipoic Acid) and resultant embryos cultured with and without antioxidants under 20% oxygen. Subsequently, the effects of antioxidants on either oocytes or sperm was evaluated. Embryo development was analysed through time-lapse microscopy followed by differential nuclear staining to determine cell allocation in the blastocyst. Intracellular levels of H2O2 were assessed using an aryl boronate probe after 4 h of incubation with antioxidants. Controls were gametes and embryos that had no antioxidants in the medium. In a separate series of experiments, pronucleate oocytes were collected in handling medium with and without antioxidants for 20 min and subsequent cell numbers analysed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Antioxidant treatment during both IVF and culture resulted in significantly faster development times to two cell cleavage (P < 0.01), which continued through to the expanded blastocyst stage (P < 0.05). Resultant blastocysts had a significant increase in both trophectoderm (TE) cell numbers, inner cell mass (ICM) and total cell numbers (P < 0.001). The addition of antioxidants to IVF medium or embryo culture media exclusively also resulted in a significant increase in both blastocyst TE and ICM numbers leading to an increase in total cell numbers (P < 0.001). Antioxidant supplementation of either oocyte IVF medium alone, or in both oocyte and sperm IVF medium, lead to significantly faster times to two cell cleavage, which continued through to the expanded blastocyst stage. Blastocyst cell number in both these groups had significantly higher TE cell numbers resulting in an increase in total cell numbers. In contrast, there were no differences in embryo developmental rates and blastocyst cell number when antioxidants were present only in the sperm IVF medium. Levels of H2O2 were significantly reduced in pronucleate oocytes that were cultured in the presence of antioxidants (P < 0.001) compared to control, untreated embryos. Similarly, pronucleate oocytes treated with the combined antioxidants during pronucleate oocyte collection resulted in significantly increased blastocyst ICM numbers compared with controls (P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Embryo development was only examined in the mouse. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings suggest that supplementation of antioxidants to the IVF medium, as well as to embryo culture media, may further assist in maintaining the viability of human embryos in ART, conceivably through the reduction of oxidative stress. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by a research grant from Vitrolife AB (Sweden). The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Truong
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - D K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Wang SM, Han C, Lee SJ, Patkar AA, Masand PS, Pae CU. Five potential therapeutic agents as antidepressants: a brief review and future directions. Expert Rev Neurother 2018; 15:1015-29. [PMID: 26312645 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2015.1071192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite the availability of numerous antidepressants, many patients with depression do not show adequate response. The therapeutic lag between drug administration and onset of clinical improvement observed with conventional antidepressants has led to a need for antidepressants with a novel mechanism of action. Recently, five such agents, including acetyl-L-carnitine, scopolamine, ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, ketamine, and selective 5-HT7 serotonin receptor antagonists, have gained interest as potential antidepressants with enhanced symptom control, improved tolerability, and faster onset of action compared to conventional antidepressants. This review provides an update and critical examination of these five novel therapeutic agents as potential antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Min Wang
- a 1 Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Zou YJ, Yang J, Chang S, Xu WM, Yin TL, Long W. Acetyl-L-carnitine: An effective antioxidant against cryo-damage on human spermatozoa with asthenospermia. Curr Med Sci 2017; 37:915-921. [PMID: 29270753 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-017-1827-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A variety of natural and artificial cryoprotectant extenders have been explored to enhance sperm recovery following cryopreservation-thawing process. The current investigation is aimed at evaluating the effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on human spermatozoa and reactive species oxygen (ROS) level after freezing-thawing process. The spermatozoa were collected from 35 male patients diagnosed as having asthenospermia. The cryopreservation of human spermatozoa treated with acetyl-L-carnitine at different concentrations (group B: 2.5 mmol/L, group C: 7.5 mmol/L, group D: 15 mmol/L) was compared with control (group A: no acetyl-L-carnitine given). For the frozen-thawed spermatozoa, the viability, motility and DNA integrity were measured by comet assay, acrosome integrity by FITC-PNA staining and ROS level was determined in each group. The results showed that there were no significant differences in motility and viability between group A and group B, while the motility and viability of spermatozoa in group C and group D were significantly increased as compared with those in group A. As compared with group A, the values for DNA integrity parameters including comet rate (CR), tail DNA percentage (TD), tail length (TL) and Oliver tail moment (OTM) were significantly reduced in group C and group D. Group C and group D also displayed a higher proportion of intact acrosome than group A. No significant difference in ROS level was found between group A and group B, while with the increase in acetyl-L-carnitine concentration, the ROS level in groups C and D was significantly reduced as compared with that in group A. In conclusion, acetyl-L-carnitine at a concentration of 7.5 mmol/L is an effective antioxidant against cryo-damage on post-thawed human spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jie Zou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Shuo Chang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Wang-Ming Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Tai-Lang Yin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Wen Long
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
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Abstract
An analysis of literature data on the acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in gerontological practice is performed. This review describes the range of biochemical activity and mechanism of action of the drug. The profile and specificity of acetyl-L-carnitine action and the possibility of combining nicergoline with other drugs is discussed. The results of preclinical and clinical studies on the application of acetyl-L-carnitine in the world medical practice are analyzed. The analysis of the studies demonstrates the high efficacy and a broad spectrum of acetyl-L-carnitine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- E V Ponomareva
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution 'Mental Health Research Center', Moscow, Russia
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Jeong HS, Park JS, Yang Y, Na SH, Chung YA, Song IU. Cerebral Perfusion Changes after Acetyl-L-Carnitine Treatment in Early Alzheimer's Disease Using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography. Dement Neurocogn Disord 2017; 16:26-31. [PMID: 30906367 DOI: 10.12779/dnd.2017.16.1.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Although acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) treatment may have beneficial effects on Alzheimer's disease (AD), its underlying neural correlates remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate cerebral perfusion changes after ALC treatment in AD patients using technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Methods A total of 18 patients with early AD were prospectively recruited and treated with ALC at 1.5 g/day for 1.4±0.3 years. At baseline and follow-up, brain SPECT, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) were used to assess participants. After ALC administration, changes in brain perfusion, severity of dementia, cognitive performance, and neuropsychiatric disturbances were examined. Results After ALC administration, changes in scores of MMSE, CDR, GDS, and NPI were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Voxel-wise whole-brain image analysis revealed that perfusion was significantly (p<0.001) increased in the right precuneus whereas perfusion was reduced in the left inferior temporal gyrus (p<0.001), the right middle frontal gyrus (p<0.001), and the right insular cortex (p=0.001) at follow-up. Conclusions Although previous studies have suggested that AD patients generally demonstrate progressive deterioration in brain perfusion and clinical symptoms, this study reveals that the perfusion of the precuneus is increased in AD patients after ALC administration and their cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms are not aggravated. Further studies are warranted to determine the potential association between perfusion increase in the precuneus and clinical symptoms after ALC treatment in AD patients.
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Sun Y, Shu Y, Liu B, Liu P, Wu C, Zheng R, Zhang X, Zhuang Z, Deng Y, Zheng L, Xu Q, Jiang B, Ouyang X, Gao J, Xu N, Li X, Jiang S, Liang C, Yao Y. A prospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral acetyl-L-carnitine for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Exp Ther Med 2016; 12:4017-4024. [PMID: 28105133 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The study was carried out as a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and paralleled clinical study. A total of 239 patients with CIPN were selected as the study subjects. Of the 239 subjects, 118 subjects received 3 g/day ALC orally for 8 weeks and 121 received a placebo. The primary endpoint was improvement of peripheral neuropathy by at least one grade. Patient status was assessed at week 4, 8 and 12 after enrollment into the study. In both the full analysis set (FAS) and the per-protocol set (PPS), peripheral sensory neuropathy was significantly ameliorated in the ALC group with 50.5 and 51.6% patients meeting the primary endpoint at week 8, compared with 24.1 and 23.1% of patients in the placebo group (P<0.001 in both sets). Secondary endpoints, such as the nerve electrophysiological examination and the Karnofsky physical score were also significantly improved in patients receiving ALC treatment, as compared with the placebo group (FAS, P=0.0463 and P=0.022; PPS, P=0.0076 and P=0.0064, respectively). Cancer-associated fatigue was significantly alleviated following ALC treatment in the PPS (P=0.0135). In the safety analysis set, the difference in adverse events incidence between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.3903). There were only two severe adverse events in the ALC group, which were not associated with the effect of ALC. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that in Chinese patients with cancer, oral administration of ALC is effective at ameliorating peripheral sensory neuropathy induced by chemotherapy, as well as reducing of cancer-associated fatigue and improving physical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjue Sun
- Oncology Department, The 6th People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Yongqian Shu
- Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Baorui Liu
- Oncology Department, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Ping Liu
- Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Changping Wu
- Oncology Department, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, P.R. China
| | - Rongsheng Zheng
- Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of BengBu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Surgical Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Zhixiang Zhuang
- Oncology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, P.R. China
| | - Yongchuan Deng
- Surgical Oncology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Leizhen Zheng
- Oncology Department, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Qing Xu
- Oncology Department, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Oncology Department, Third People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, P.R. China
| | - Xuenong Ouyang
- Oncology Department, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command of Chinese PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, P.R. China
| | - Jianfei Gao
- Cancer Hematology Department, Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command of Chinese PLA, Wuhan, Hubei 510000, P.R. China
| | - Nong Xu
- Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyi Li
- Lee's Pharmaceutical (Hong Kong) Ltd., Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Su Jiang
- Zhaoke Pharmaceutical (Heifei) Co. Ltd., Hefei, Anhui 230088, P.R. China
| | - Chaofan Liang
- Lee's Pharmaceutical (Hong Kong) Ltd., Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yao
- Oncology Department, The 6th People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
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Truong TT, Soh YM, Gardner DK. Antioxidants improve mouse preimplantation embryo development and viability. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:1445-54. [PMID: 27165621 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the effect of three antioxidants (acetyl-L-carnitine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and α-lipoic acid), when used individually and in combination, on mouse embryo development in culture, and subsequent fetal development post-transfer? SUMMARY ANSWER A combination of antioxidants resulted in significant increases in blastocyst cell number, maintained intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels, supported earlier cleavage times from 5-cell stage to expanded blastocyst, and improved fetal developmental irrespective of incubator oxygen concentration. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Acetyl-L-carnitine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and α-lipoic acid have been shown to have beneficial effects individually in several tissues, and most recently on developing embryos, in the presence of oxidative stress. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Morphokinetics of mouse embryos were quantitated using time-lapse imaging. GSH levels in pronucleate oocytes were measured. Blastocysts underwent differential nuclear staining for inner cell mass and trophectoderm cells or were transferred to recipient females to assess implantation and fetal development. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Pronucleate oocytes from F1 mice were cultured in 5 or 20% oxygen either individually or in groups of 10, in media G1/G2, in the presence or absence of 10 µM acetyl-L-carnitine /10 µM N-acetyl-L-cysteine /5 µM α-lipoic acid, either individually or in combination. Controls were embryos cultured without antioxidants. Intracellular levels of reduced glutathione were quantitated in pronucleate oocytes. Embryo development and viability were analysed through time-lapse microscopy and embryo transfers. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Antioxidants significantly increased mouse blastocyst cell numbers compared with control when used individually (P< 0.05) and to a greater effect when all three were used in combination (P< 0.01) in 20% oxygen. The combination of antioxidants resulted in faster development rates to 5-cell cleavage stage, which continued until the expanded blastocyst stage when cultured in 20% oxygen. The beneficial effects of combining the antioxidants were greater for embryos cultured individually as opposed to in groups of 10 and for those embryos cultured in 20% compared to 5% oxygen. Levels of GSH were significantly decreased in control embryos that were incubated in the absence of antioxidants in 20% oxygen (P< 0.01), compared with in vivo flushed embryos. However, when embryos were cultured with antioxidants the level of GSH was not different to that of in vivo developed embryos. Embryos cultured in the presence of antioxidants in 20% oxygen and transferred resulted in significantly longer crown-rump length (11.6 ± 0.1 mm versus 11.3 ± 0.1 mm; P< 0.01), heavier fetuses (209.8 ± 11.8 mg versus 183.9 ± 5.9 mg; P< 0.05) and heavier placentas (103.5 ± 3.1 mg versus 93.6 ± 2.7 mg; P< 0.01) compared with controls (all data are mean ± SEM). Further, a post-implantation benefit of the antioxidant combination was also evident after culture in 5% oxygen. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Embryo development and implantation was only examined in the mouse. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings show that a combination of antioxidants in the culture media has a highly beneficial effect on mouse preimplantation embryo development in vitro and on subsequent fetal development post-transfer. These data indicate a potential role for the inclusion of specific antioxidant combinations in human embryo culture media irrespective of oxygen concentration. However, before application to human embryos, a proper evaluation of this approach in prospective, preferably randomized, trials will be required. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was funded by a research grant from Vitrolife AB (Sweden). The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi T Truong
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yu May Soh
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Mingorance C, Rodríguez-Rodríguez R, Justo ML, Alvarez de Sotomayor M, Herrera MD. Critical update for the clinical use of L-carnitine analogs in cardiometabolic disorders. Vasc Health Risk Manag 2011; 7:169-76. [PMID: 21490942 PMCID: PMC3072740 DOI: 10.2147/vhrm.s14356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) and propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC) are two naturally occurring carnitine derivates formed by carnitine acetyltransferase. The beneficial cardiovascular effects of ALC and PLC have been extensively evaluated in animals and humans during the last 20 years. For instance, many clinical trials have suggested ALC and PLC as potential strategies in the management of peripheral arterial disease, heart and cerebral ischemia, and congestive heart failure. As a result, several experts have already aimed to revise the clinical evidence supporting the therapeutic use of ALC and PLC. On the basis of their conclusions, our aim was a critical review of the effectiveness of ALC and PLC in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. Therefore we also describe recent studies that have addressed the emerging use of ALC and PLC amelioration of the insulin resistant state and its related morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Mingorance
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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