Carnitine Enigma: From Antioxidant Action to Vitagene Regulation. Part 1. Absorption, Metabolism, and Antioxidant

摘要: L-carnitine (LC) is a small water-soluble molecule playing an important role in fat metabolism and there growing interest the potential uses of LC as medicinal agent nutritional/dietary supplement. In addition to great from medical sciences, carnitine received substantial attention pig poultry industry. particular, diets are formulated mainly with plant feed ingredients which poor sources carnitine. Furthermore, internal synthesis depends on many factors some cases could be inadequate. Therefore, it seems likely that dietary supplementation highly productive and/or stressed animals/ birds importance. The molecular mechanisms accounting for positive effects farm animals not yet determined but protective reported literature have been related its antioxidant action. Based review concluded several action Firstly, shown directly scavenge free radicals. However, this activity most gut defences has limited relevance target tissues relatively low concentrations. Secondly, can chelate transition metals (Fe 2+ Cu + ), preventing their participation ROS formation via Fenton reaction. detailed process should further elucidated using modern techniques applied various biological systems. Again, very much gut. Thirdly, more importantly, found decrease radical by inhibiting specific enzymes (e.g. xanthine oxidase NADPH oxidase) responsible production. This high stress conditions. Fourthly, participate maintaining integrity mitochondria, including electron-transport chain Indeed, considered mitochondria-specific antioxidant, mitochondria maintenance regulation production signalling. Fifthly, affect vitamin E absorption improving total There additional AO activity, activation/inhibition transcription vitagene networks. Antioxidant activities physiologically relevant concentrations well demonstrated vitro systems cell cultures or isolated cells organelles. Protective effect derivatives body also models oxidative stress/toxicity caused variety toxicants neurotoxic agents. Several lines evidence animal experiments clinical studies indicate effective under pathological conditions (hypoxia, ischemia-reperfusion, ionizing radiation, hypertension, renal failure drug-induced nephrotoxicity, over-exercising ageing) patients diseases. were