L-carnitine consecutively administered to patients on hemodialysis improves beta-cell response.
Eight patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on chronic hemodialysis (CHD) treatment were supplemented with 1 g L-carnitine intravenously (i.v.) after each dialysis session for one month. A Tolbutamide test was done and blood sugar (BS), serum C-peptide (CP) were measured at 0, 20 and 60 minutes, as well as the plasma L-carnitine level before and after treatment. Delta CP and the area under CP curve were ascertained. After L-carnitine application delta CP was significantly increased (1.33 +/- 0.63 vs. 2.24 +/- 1.0 nmol/L; p<0.05) and also the area of the stimulated secretion under the CP curve (14.93 +/- 11.11 vs. 36.88 +/- 25.36 nmol/L x 60 min.; p<0.05). The fasting BS-level was significantly lower after the treatment--3.85 +/- 0.43 vs. 4.76 +/- 1.02 mmol/L; p<0.05 and plasma L-carnitine level significantly increased (72.8 +/- 43.2 vs. 35.2 +/- 18.3 mcmol/L; p<0.05) Improving the oxidative processes in peripheral tissues, L-carnitine increases the peripheral effectiveness of insulin and relieves the overstretched beta-cell apparatus.
Vazelov
E
E
Dialysis Unit of University Hospital Queen Giovanna, Sofia, Bulgaria. z.vazelova@mzgar.government.bg
Borissova
A M
AM
Kirilov
G
G
Assenova
B
B
Tchetirska
M
M
Krivoshiev
S
S
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects; D002096:C-Peptide / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects; D050260:Carbohydrate Metabolism; D002331:Carnitine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology*; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D014044:Tolbutamide / Q000494:pharmacology
D001786:Blood Glucose; D002096:C-Peptide; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D014044:Tolbutamide; D002331:Carnitine