title: [Role of L-carnitine in metabolism, nutrition and therapy].
abstract: The review article presents the biosynthesis, metabolism, sources, levels, and general functions of L-carnitine, a naturally occurring compound widely distributed in the body. It is synthesized in the liver, kidney, and brain and carriers long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for beta-oxidation and energy production. L-carnitine plays an important role in the translocation of acetyl moieties from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm for acetylcholine synthesis in neurones. Other roles--include removal of excess acyl groups, peroxisomal fatty-acid oxidation, and antioxidant activity.
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Zakład Biochemii, Akademii Medycznej w Warszawie. hanna.czeczot @wp.pl
authors.forename: Hanna
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Czeczot
authors.forename: Dorota
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Scibior
mesh_terms: D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D002331:Carnitine / Q000378:metabolism*; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D005227:Fatty Acids; D000109:Acetylcholine; D002331:Carnitine