Effect of Carnitine on Glutamate Levels in Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Breitkreutz R, Babylon A, Hack V, Schuster K, Tokus M, Böhles H, Hagmüller E, Edler L, Holm E, Dröge W
Primary Institution: Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum
Hypothesis
An impaired mitochondrial energy metabolism may compromise the Na+-dependent glutamate transport in cancer patients.
Conclusion
L-carnitine treatment decreased plasma glutamate levels in cancer patients but had only a moderate and statistically non-significant effect on glutamate uptake in the lower extremities.
Supporting Evidence
- L-carnitine treatment in mice improved the decrease in muscular glutamate and GSH levels caused by tumors.
- The randomized clinical study showed a significant decrease in plasma glutamate levels with L-carnitine treatment.
Takeaway
This study looked at how a substance called L-carnitine affects certain important chemicals in the muscles of cancer patients. It found that L-carnitine can lower some levels of these chemicals in the blood.
Methodology
A randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted to study the effects of L-carnitine on glutamate transport and plasma glutamate levels in cancer patients, along with complementary experiments in tumor-bearing mice.
Limitations
Further studies may be needed to fully understand the effects of L-carnitine on intramuscular GSH levels in cancer patients.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website