Newer aspects of carnitine metabolism in uremia.
New knowledge on the physiologic role of L-carnitine and on the rationale of its use in patients on maintenance hemodialysis is provided. In particular, carnitine normalizes plasma and muscle carnitine levels and modifies both enzymatic pattern of muscle and morphology of single fibers, improving exercise tolerance. In addition, carnitine reduces erythropoietin requirements, the number of hypotensive episodes, improves ejection fraction, and decreases hospitalization.
Savica
Vincenzo
V
Nephrology, University of Messina, Nephrology and Dialysis Units, Papardo Hospital and Policlinic University of Messina, Scientific Department of Sigma-Tau, Rome, Italy. visavica@tin.it
Calvani
Menotti
M
Benatti
Paola
P
Santoro
Domenico
D
Monardo
Paolo
P
Mallamace
Agostino
A
Savica
Rodolfo
R
Bellinghieri
Guido
G
D002331:Carnitine / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D014511:Uremia / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*
D002331:Carnitine