Search Results (46)

Objectives: To explore the metabolic changes in zebrafish larvae after infection with Mycobacterium marinum, this study adopted a widely targeted metabolomic approach to analyze the changes in the overall metabolic profiles of zebrafish larvae infected for 5 days. Methods: Data were collected by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Mass spectrometry data were processed using Analyst 1.6.3 and MultiQuant 3.0.3 software, and multivariate statistical analysis was carried out. The KEGG database, HMDB database, and CHEBI database were used to screen and identify differential metabolites, and metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was performed through KEGG pathways. Results: A total of 329 metabolites were detected, among which 61 differential metabolites were screened. Specifically, 41 metabolites, such as kynurenine, isoallolithocholic acid, 2′-deoxyguanosine, indole-3-carboxaldehyde, and L-lactic acid, were downregulated, while 20 metabolites, such as L-palmitoylcarnitine, myristoyl-L-carnitine, dodecanoylcarnitine, 2-isopropyl-malic acid, and 2-methylsuccinic acid, were upregulated. KEGG metabolic pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these differential metabolites were mainly involved in metabolic pathways such as pyrimidine metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, the pentose phosphate pathway, and purine metabolism. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that significant changes occurred in multiple metabolites and metabolic pathways in zebrafish larvae after infection with M. marinum. The research results have improved the understanding of zebrafish as a model organism in the field of Mycobacterium research and laid a solid foundation for subsequent metabolomic-related research using zebrafish. Full article

Objective: The present study investigated the relationship between protein and amino acid supplementation and various associated aspects among recreational gym goers at 2 gymnasiums in Oradea (Romania). Methods: A total of 165 gym goers (110 men and 55 women, most of them 18–30 years old) with high educational levels were included in the present study, which was conducted as face-to-face interviews. Results: Participants were divided into 4 groups: protein supplement users (PSUs, 42/165), creatine supplement users (CSUs, 38/165), L-carnitine supplement users (LcSUs, 37/165), and protein + creatine + L-carnitine supplement users (PCLcSUs, 48/165). Most consumers were young (18–30 years) and preferred the triple combination. Females consumed PS and CS (38.2% and 34.5%, respectively), while the most-used NSs by males were PCLcS (36.4%) and LcS (27.3%). Obese gym goers opted for LcS consumption (r = 0.999, p < 0.05). Creatine and L-carnitine were consumed for force training (65.79 and 62.16%), while PCLcS and PS were used in cardio + force and force training in equal measures (42.86 and 47.92%, respectively). Most PSUs were gym goers for 7–12 months and more than 1 year (r = 0.999 and r = 0.952, respectively, p < 0.05), while PCLcSUs had a training frequency of at least 5 times a week (r = 0.968, p < 0.05). Muscle mass growth was the primary training focus for all NS users (57.89%), followed by muscular tonus (40.54%, p < 0.05). Almost 30% of one-only NS users reported various side effects, whereas all PCLcSUs claimed side effects (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Age and gender were key factors in diet type, training type, frequency, duration, scope, NS type, and dose intake. The frequency of side effects substantially depended on the kind of NS and the dose consumed. The present study’s results highlight the need for health professionals’ advice and monitoring in personalized diets and protein and amino acid supplementation in recreational gym goers. Full article

Background: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease characterized by bile duct destruction, cholestasis, and fibrosis. Acylcarnitines are esters of carnitine responsible for the transport of long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for β-oxidation, playing a crucial role in energy metabolism and lipid homeostasis. This study aimed to assess acylcarnitine and free fatty acid (FFA) profiles in PBC patients and their associations with fibrosis severity and inflammation. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 46 PBC patients and 32 healthy controls. Acylcarnitines and FFAs were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and enzymatic assays, respectively. Liver stiffness was measured by point shear wave elastography (ElastPQ), and fibrosis was assessed using APRI and FIB-4 scores. Inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β) were also analyzed. Results: PBC patients had significantly higher levels of C18:1-acylcarnitine (median: 165.1 ng/mL) compared with the controls (152.4 ng/mL, p = 0.0036). Similarly, the FFA levels were markedly elevated in the PBC patients (median: 0.46 mM/L) compared with the controls (0.26 mM/L, p < 0.0001). Patients with higher liver stiffness (ElastPQ > 5.56 kPa) had significantly elevated C18:1-acylcarnitine (p = 0.0008) and FFA levels (p = 0.00098). Additionally, FFAs were significantly increased in patients with higher APRI and FIB-4 scores and were associated with elevated inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β) and liver injury markers. Multivariate regression analysis confirmed C18:1-acylcarnitine (OR = 1.031, 95% CI: 1.007–1.057, p = 0.013) and FFAs (OR = 2.25 per 0.1 mM/L increase, 95% CI: 1.20–4.22, p = 0.012) as independent predictors of fibrosis severity in PBC. Conclusions: C18:1-acylcarnitine and FFAs are significantly elevated in PBC and are strongly associated with fibrosis severity and inflammation. These findings suggest a link between lipid metabolism disturbances and PBC. Both metabolites may potentially serve as non-invasive biomarkers of fibrosis progression in PBC, warranting further investigation. Full article

The literature on the postprandial metabolic changes in individuals with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) remains limited, despite the fact that postprandial states represent the most common physiological condition in Western societies. Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the plasma metabolomics profile in both fasting and postprandial states following a high-fat challenge in individuals with MetS who consumed diets with varying quantities and qualities of dietary fat over 12 weeks. Methods: Seventy-five patients with MetS (28 males and 47 females) from the Spanish LIPGENE cohort were included in the study. MetS patients were randomly stratified to follow one of four dietary interventions (isoenergetic diets) for a 12-week long-term study. The four diets were high in saturated fatty acids and high in monounsaturated fatty acids (HSFA and HMUFA), low-fat high-complex carbohydrates (LFHCC), and LFHCC supplemented with n-3. The metabolomics analysis of plasma samples was carried out using Liquid Chromatography Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-TOF/MS). Results: We observed a decrease in inflammation biomarkers, including acetylcarnitine and L-carnitine during the fasting state and hexanoyl-L-carnitine and isobutyryl-L-carnitine during the postprandial period, mediated by the replacement of HSFA with HMUFA. Additionally, antioxidant compounds such as 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and L-valine were expressed at higher levels after consumption of the HMUFA diet compared to the HSFA diet. HSFA also presented altered levels of phosphatidylcholine, a metabolite previously linked with insulin resistance. Conclusions: These findings suggest that replacing HSFA with HMUFA may reduce inflammation and improve antioxidant profiles, supporting the potential for tailored dietary interventions in individuals with MetS. Full article

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by hyperandrogenism (HA), polycystic ovaries, and dysfunctional ovulation, and it is associated with metabolic problems such as insulin resistance (IR) and obesity. After having investigated the morphological and antioxidant/antiglycative alterations on mouse ovaries and uteri, we here focus on PCOS oviducts, a tract of the reproductive system essential for the nourishment and transport of gametes and embryos. The modulating effects of L-carnitine (LC) and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) were also assessed. CD1 mice were administered or not with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, 6 mg/100 g body weight) for 20 days, alone or with 0.40 mg of L-carnitine (LC) and 0.20 mg of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC). Oviducts were then subjected to histology and immunohistochemistry to evaluate their morphology and collagen deposition, and steroidogenesis. Oxidative, mitochondrial, and methylglyoxal (MG)-dependent damage was also investigated. Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect ultrastructural alterations. The PCOS oviducts were affected by hyperfibrosis, hyperplasia, hypertrophy, and altered steroidogenesis, with oxidative alterations associated with MethylGlyoxal-Advanced Glycation End product (MG-AGE) accumulation. A reduced ciliary coverage and numerous dilated intercellular spaces were found in the epithelium. LC-ALC administration mitigated PCOS oviductal alterations. These results provide evidence for the detrimental action of oxidative and glycative stress in PCOS oviducts, confirming a protective role of carnitines on the PCOS phenotype. Full article

Background Soccer is linked to an acute inflammatory response and the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Antioxidant supplements have shown promising effects in reducing muscle damage and oxidative stress and enhancing the recovery process after eccentric exercise. This critical review highlights the influence of antioxidant supplements on performance and recovery following soccer-related activity, training, or competition. Methods: English-language publications from the main databases that examine how antioxidant-based nutrition and supplements affect the recovery process before, during, and after soccer practice or competition were used. Results: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), astaxanthin (Asx), red orange juice (ROJS), L-carnitine (LC), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), beetroot (BET), turmeric root, and tangeretin reduce muscle damage (creatine kinase, myoglobin, cortisol, lactate dehudrogenase, muscle soreness). Tangeretin, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), turmeric root, and aronia melanocarpa restrict inflammation (leukocytes, prostalagdin E2, C-reactive protein, IL-6 and 10). Q10, DHA, Asx, tangeretin, lippia citriodora, quercetin, allopurinol, turmeric root, ROJS, aronia melanocarpa, vitamins C-E, green tea (GTE), and sour tea (STE) reduce oxidative stress (malondialdehude, glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutases, protein carbonyls, ascorbate, glutathione peroxidase, and paraoxonase 1). BET and NAC reinforce performance (endurance, jump, speed, strength). Conclusions: Further research is needed to determine the main mechanism and the acute and long-term impacts of antioxidant supplements in soccer. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cattle-feeding systems may have health implications for consumers of beef products. Organic grass-fed (GRA) and conventional (CON) cattle-feeding systems may result in beef products with differing metabolite profiles and therefore could impact the postprandial metabolomic response of consumers. This study aims to measure whole beef metabolomics and postprandial metabolomic response of consumers between GRA and CON beef to elucidate potential health implications. Methods: This study followed a randomized double-blind crossover design with healthy male and female subjects (n = 10). Plasma samples were taken at fasting (0) and postprandially for four hours after consumption of a steak from each condition. Untargeted metabolomic analysis of whole beef and human plasma samples used LC/MS. Multivariate and pathway enrichment analysis in MetaboAnalyst was used to investigate metabolite and biochemical pathways that distinguished CON and GRA. Results: Cattle-feeding systems impacted both postprandial and whole beef steak metabolomic profiles. Metabolites that contributed to this variation included carnitine species (Proionylcarnitine), fatty acids, amino acids (L-valine), and Calamendiol. These metabolites have been associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular health. Functional pathway enrichment analysis revealed numerous amino acid degradation pathways, especially branched-chain amino acids, and fatty acid degradation that changed throughout the postprandial time course. Conclusions: These findings suggest that CON and GRA cattle-feeding systems differentially impact whole beef metabolomics, as well as consumer postprandial metabolic responses and the associated health implications. Full article

The current study was designed to assess the impact of L-carnitine (LC) supplementation in the drinking water of growing Alexandria-line rabbits on performance and physiological parameters. Two hundred eighty-eight 35-day-old rabbits were divided into four groups of twenty-four replicates each (seventy-two rabbits/treatment). The treatment groups were a control group without LC and three groups receiving 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g/L LC in the drinking water intermittently. The results showed that the group receiving 0.5 g LC/L exhibited significant improvements in final body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and performance index compared to the other groups. The feed intake remained unaffected except for the 1.5 g LC/L group, which had significantly decreased intake. Hematological parameters improved in all supplemented groups. Compared with those in the control group, the 0.5 g LC/L group showed significant increases in serum total protein and high-density lipoprotein, along with decreased cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. Compared to other supplemented groups, this group also demonstrated superior carcass traits (carcass, dressing, giblets, and percentage of nonedible parts). In conclusion, intermittent supplementation of LC in the drinking water, particularly at 0.5 g/L twice a week, positively influenced the productivity, hematology, serum lipid profile, and carcass traits of Alexandria-line growing rabbits at 84 days of age. Full article

The meat of local livestock breeds often has unique qualities and flavors. In this study, three Shanghai native pig breeds (MSZ, SWT, and SHB) exhibited better meat quality traits than globalized commercial pig breeds (DLY). Subsequently, metabolomic and lipidomic differences in the longissimus dorsi (L) and gluteus (T) muscles of the Shanghai native pig breeds and DLY pig breed were compared using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The results demonstrated that the metabolites mainly consisted of (28.16%) lipids and lipid-like molecules, and (25.87%) organic acids and their derivatives were the two most dominant groups. Hundreds of differential expression metabolites were identified in every compared group, respectively. One-way ANOVA was applied to test the significance between multiple groups. Among the 20 most abundant differential metabolites, L-carnitine was significantly different in the muscles of the four pig breeds (p-value = 7.322 × 10⁻¹¹). It was significantly higher in the L and T muscles of the two indigenous black pig breeds (MSZ and SWT) than in the DLY pigs (p-value < 0.001). Similarly, lipidomic analysis revealed the PA (18:0/18:2) was significantly more abundant in the muscle of these two black breeds than that in the DLY breed (p-value < 0.001). These specific metabolites and lipids might influence the meat quality and taste properties and lead to customer preferences. Therefore, this study provided insights into the characterization of meat metabolites and lipids in Shanghai native pig breeds. Full article

L-carnitine (LC) through diet is highly beneficial for critical patients. Studies have found that acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) can reduce cerebral edema and neurological complications in TBI patients. It significantly improves their neurobehavioral and neurocognitive functions. ALC has also been shown to have a neuroprotective effect in cases of global and focal cerebral ischemia. Moreover, it is an effective agent in reducing nephrotoxicity by suppressing downstream mitochondrial fragmentation. LC can reduce the severity of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, renal cast formation, tubular necrosis, iron accumulation in the tubular epithelium, CK activity, urea levels, Cr levels, and MDA levels and restore the function of enzymes such as SOD, catalase, and GPx. LC can also be administered to patients with hyperammonemia (HA), as it can suppress ammonia levels. It is important to note, however, that LC levels are dysregulated in various conditions such as aging, cirrhosis, cardiomyopathy, malnutrition, sepsis, endocrine disorders, diabetes, trauma, starvation, obesity, and medication interactions. There is limited research on the effects of LC supplementation in critical illnesses such as TBI, AKI, and HA. This scarcity of studies highlights the need for further research in this area. Full article

Treatment strategies for steatohepatitis are of special interest given the high prevalence of obesity and fatty liver disease worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic mechanism of L-carnitine (LC) and Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GB) supplementation in ameliorating the adverse effects of hyperlipidemia and hepatosteatosis induced by a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) in an animal model. The study involved 50 rats divided into five groups, including a control group, a group receiving only an HCD, and three groups receiving an HCD along with either LC (300 mg LC/kg bw), GB (100 mg GB/kg bw), or both. After eight weeks, various parameters related to lipid and glucose metabolism, antioxidant capacity, histopathology, immune reactivity, and liver ultrastructure were measured. LC + GB supplementation reduced serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase levels and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared with those in the HCD group. Additionally, treatment with both supplements improved antioxidant ability and reduced lipid peroxidation. The histological examination confirmed that the combination therapy reduced liver steatosis and fibrosis while also improving the appearance of cell organelles in the ultrastructural hepatocytes. Finally, the immunohistochemical analysis indicated that cotreatment with LC + GB upregulated the immune expression of GLP-1 and β-Cat in liver sections that were similar to those of the control animals. Mono-treatment with LC or GB alone substantially but not completely protected the liver tissue, while the combined use of LC and GB may be more effective in treating liver damage caused by high cholesterol than either supplement alone by regulating hepatic oxidative stress and the protein expression of GLP-1 and β-Cat. Full article

Objective: L-carnitine (LC), a vital nutritional supplement, plays a crucial role in myocardial health and exhibits significant cardioprotective effects. LC, being the principal constituent of clinical-grade supplements, finds extensive application in the recovery and treatment of diverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders. However, controversies persist regarding the utilization of LC in nervous system diseases, with varying effects observed across numerous mental and neurological disorders. This article primarily aims to gather and analyze database information to comprehensively summarize the therapeutic potential of LC in patients suffering from nervous system diseases while providing valuable references for further research. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web Of Science, Embase, Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library and Clinicaltrials.gov databases. The literature pertaining to the impact of LC supplementation on neurological or psychiatric disorders in patients was reviewed up until November 2023. No language or temporal restrictions were imposed on the search. Results: A total of 1479 articles were retrieved, and after the removal of duplicates through both automated and manual exclusion processes, 962 articles remained. Subsequently, a meticulous re-screening led to the identification of 60 relevant articles. Among these, there were 12 publications focusing on hepatic encephalopathy (HE), while neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and peripheral nervous system diseases (PNSDs) were represented by 9 and 6 articles, respectively. Additionally, stroke was addressed in five publications, whereas Raynaud’s syndrome (RS) and cognitive disorder (CD) each had three dedicated studies. Furthermore, migraine, depression, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) each accounted for two publications. Lastly, one article was found for other symptoms under investigation. Conclusion: In summary, LC has demonstrated favorable therapeutic effects in the management of HE, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), CD, migraine, neurofibromatosis (NF), PNSDs, RS, and stroke. However, its efficacy appears to be relatively limited in conditions such as ALS, ataxia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Down syndrome (DS), and sciatica. Full article

Objective: We investigated the effect of L-carnitine (LC) on cuprizone (Cup) demyelinating rat model and its possible underlying mechanisms. Methods: Thirty male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly allocated to three groups: the normal control group; the Cup group, in which Cup was administrated at a dose of 450 mg/kg per day orally via gastric gavage for 5 weeks; and the Cup + LC group, which received the same dose of Cup as the Cup group, except that the rats were treated additionally with LC 100 mg/kg/day orally for 5 weeks. The nerve conduction (NCV) in isolated sciatic nerves was measured; then, the sciatic nerves were isolated for H&E staining and electron microscope examination. The expression of myelin basic protein (MBP), IL-1β, p53, iNOS, and NF-KB by immunohistochemistry was detected in the isolated nerves. A PCR assay was also performed to detect the expression of antioxidant genes Nrf2 and HO-1. In addition, the level of IL-17 was measured by ELISA. Results: There was a significant reduction in NCV in the Cup group compared to normal rats (p < 0.001), which was significantly improved in the LC group (p < 0.001). EM and histopathological examination revealed significant demyelination and deterioration of the sciatic nerve fibers, with significant improvement in the LC group. The level of IL-17 as well as the expression of IL-1β, p53, iNOS, and NF-KB were significantly increased, with significant reduction expression of MBP in the sciatic nerves (p < 0.01), and LC treatment significantly improved the studied parameters (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The current study demonstrates a neuroprotective effect of LC in a Cup-induced demyelinating rat model. This effect might be due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Full article

Addressing obesity is a critical health concern of the century, necessitating urgent attention. L-carnitine (LC), an essential water-soluble compound, plays a pivotal role in lipid breakdown via β-oxidation and facilitates the transport of long-chain fatty acids across mitochondrial membranes. However, LC’s high hydrophilicity poses challenges to its diffusion through bilayers, resulting in limited bioavailability, a short half-life, and a lack of storage within the body, mandating frequent dosing. In our research, we developed LC-loaded nanoparticle lipid carriers (LC-NLCs) using economically viable and tissue-localized nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to address these limitations. Employing the central composite design model, we optimized the formulation, employing the high-pressure homogenization (HPH) method and incorporating Poloxamer^® 407 (surfactant), Compritol^® 888 ATO (solid lipid), and oleic acid (liquid oil). A comprehensive assessment of nanoparticle physical attributes was performed, and an open-field test (OFT) was conducted on rats. We employed immunofluorescence assays targeting CRP and PPAR-γ, along with an in vivo rat study utilizing an isolated fat cell line to assess adipogenesis. The optimal formulation, with an average size of 76.4 ± 3.4 nm, was selected due to its significant efficacy in activating the PPAR-γ pathway. Our findings from the OFT revealed noteworthy impacts of LC-NLC formulations (0.1 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL) on adipocyte cells, surpassing regular L-carnitine formulations’ effects (0.1 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL) by 169.26% and 156.63%, respectively (p < 0.05). Full article

Carnitines play a key physiological role in oocyte metabolism and redox homeostasis. In clinical and animal studies, carnitine administration alleviated metabolic and reproductive dysfunction associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Oxidative stress (OS) at systemic, intraovarian, and intrafollicular levels is one of the main factors involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS. We investigated the ability of different acyl-carnitines to act at the oocyte level by counteracting the effects of OS on carnitine shuttle system and mitochondrial activity in mouse oocytes. Germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes were exposed to hydrogen peroxide and propionyl-l-carnitine (PLC) alone or in association with l-carnitine (LC) and acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC) under different conditions. Expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (Cpt1) was monitored by RT-PCR. In in vitro matured oocytes, metaphase II (MII) apparatus was assessed by immunofluorescence. Oocyte mitochondrial respiration was evaluated by Seahorse Cell Mito Stress Test. We found that Cpt1a and Cpt1c isoforms increased under prooxidant conditions. PLC alone significantly improved meiosis completion and oocyte quality with a synergistic effect when combined with LC + ALC. Acyl-carnitines prevented Cpt1c increased expression, modifications of oocyte respiration, and ATP production observed upon OS. Specific effects of PLC on spare respiratory capacity were observed. Therefore, carnitine supplementation modulated the intramitochondrial transfer of fatty acids with positive effects on mitochondrial activity under OS. This knowledge contributes to defining molecular mechanism underlying carnitine efficacy on PCOS. Full article