Plasma lipoproteins, liver function and glucose metabolism in haemodialysis patients: lack of effect of L-carnitine supplementation.
The effects of L-carnitine administration (2 g i.v. three times weekly for 6 weeks) were studied in a double blind trial comprising 2 X 14 patients on regular haemodialysis treatment. The initial plasma carnitine concentrations were normal in the male, but slightly lowered in the female participants and rose more than ten-fold in the patients receiving active treatment. The majority (15/28) of patients had moderate hypertriglyceridaemia, whereas plasma HDL cholesterol levels were normal. Activities of hepatic and lipoprotein lipase were decreased and fat tolerance impaired. The S-triiodothyronine and/or thyroxine levels were subnormal in 11 patients. Four patients had fasting hyperinsulinemia, and 6 demonstrated abnormal B-glucose patterns after a peroral glucose load. The galactose elimination rate demonstrated moderately impaired hepatocyte function in four patients. No effects of carnitine treatment on any of the variables could be detected.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002331:Carnitine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D006437:Hemodialysis, Home / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood*; D008099:Liver / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged
D008074:Lipoproteins; D005947:Glucose; D002331:Carnitine