Author/Authors :
Suchitra, M. M. Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) - Department of Biochemistry, India , Ashalatha, V. L. Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) - Department of Biochemistry, India , Sailaja, E. Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) - Department of Biochemistry, India , Rao, A. Madhusudhana Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) - Department of Biochemistry, India , Reddy, V. Sheshadri Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) - Department of Biochemistry, India , Bitla, Aparna R. Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) - Department of Biochemistry, India , Sivakumar, V. Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) - Department of Nephrology, India , Rao, P. V. L. N. Srinivasa Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) - Department of Biochemistry, India
Abstract :
Protein energy malnutrition and inflammation are common and usually concurrent in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Carnitine,a small molecule involved in fatty acid metabolism,is significantly decreased in long-term HD patients. L-Carnitine supplementation may have potential benefits in improving dialysis-related disorders. However,there are conflicting reports with regard to the beneficial effects of L-Carnitine supplementation. Hence,the present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of L-Carnitine supplementation on lipid parameters,apoproteins and inflammatory and nutritional markers in HD patients. A total of 35 patients with end-stage renal disease,on MHD for a period of 2 to 5 years were recruited into the study. The study group consisted of 20 patients who received Carnitine supplementation intravenously three times a week after each HD session,at 1 g/dose,while the control group consisted of 15 patients without supplementation with L-Carnitine. Highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP),total protein,albumin,lipid profile and apoprotein AI and B were determined at baseline and at the end of the study. A significant decrease in the hsCRP levels was observed in the Carnitine-supplemented group (P 0.05). However,no significant change was observed in the lipid parameters and nutritional markers in the Carnitine-supplemented group. In conclusion,the present study demonstrates the significant benefit of L-Carnitine supplementation on inflammatory status in MHD patients as noted by marked decrease in hsCRP levels in comparison with the control group.
