Effect of L-carnitine on ethanol and acetate plasma levels after oral administration of ethanol in humans.
In a randomized double-blind, cross-over experiment, 0.5 g/kg of ethanol in the form of white wine and 3 g of L-carnitine by intravenous infusion were administered to 15 healthy volunteers. Ethanol and acetate plasma levels and the urine concentrations of acetylcarnitine were determined. Administration of ethanol induced a significant increase of both plasma ethanol and acetate, lasting 6-8 hr. The concomitant administration of carnitine resulted in a significant decrease of plasma acetate, whereas plasma ethanol levels remained unmodified. Urinary acetylcarnitine content significantly increased following administration of ethanol plus carnitine, but not when L-carnitine alone was administered. The resulting conclusion is that administered L-carnitine might trap excess acetyls derived both from free acetate, formed by ethanol oxidation, and from acetyl coenzyme A, accumulated as a result of the ethanol-induced decrease in the Krebs cycle flux.
Adamo
S
S
Department of Medicine, Bussolengo Hospital, Verona, Italy.
Siliprandi
N
N
Dl Lisa
F
F
Carrara
M
M
Azzurro
M
M
Sartori
G
G
Vita
G
G
Ghidini
O
O
D000085:Acetates / Q000097:blood*; D000108:Acetylcarnitine / Q000652:urine; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000502:physiology*; D002331:Carnitine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male
D000085:Acetates; D000431:Ethanol; D000108:Acetylcarnitine; D002331:Carnitine