ACETYL-L-CARNITINE

Although the exact mechanism of action of ALC (Acetyl-L-Carnitine) is currently unknown, studies indicate that it may be related to its activity on cholinergic neural transmission and ability to enhance neuronal metabolism in the mitochondria. Some researchers attribute the cholinergic effects of ALC to the blocking of post-synaptic inhibition potentials, whereas others suggest a direct synaptic stimulation. Based on the enhanced cellular energetics in the mitochondria, human studies show that ALC has the property to stabilize the cell membrane fluidity through the regulation of sphingomyelin levels, and to provide a substrate reservoir for cellular energy production, thereby preventing excessive neuronal degeneration. ALC has also been shown to increase the hippocampal binding of glucocorticoids and nerve growth factor, to reduce the oxidative stress, and to inhibit the excitotoxicity in brain tissue and CSF, thus preventing cell death and ischemia-induced neuronal damage. Regarding the effects on the peripheral nervous system, the benefits of ALC supplementation in patients with peripheral neuropathies may be attributed to its role in nerve regeneration and protection, as well as to its antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and analgesic activity.

PUBLISHED ARTICLES :

** Nutrients. 2020 May 12;12(5):1389.doi: 10.3390/nu12051389.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine in Dementia and Other Cognitive Disorders: A Critical Update

** Dement Neurocogn Disord. 2017 Mar;16(1):26-31.doi: 10.12779/dnd.2017.16.1.26. Epub 2017 Mar 31.

Cerebral Perfusion Changes after Acetyl-L-Carnitine Treatment in Early Alzheimer's Disease Using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

** Free Radic Biol Med. 2007 Feb 1;42(3):371-84.doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2006.11.006.

Involvement of PI3K/PKG/ERK1/2 signaling pathways in cortical neurons to trigger protection by cotreatment of acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid against HNE-mediated oxidative stress and neurotoxicity: implications for Alzheimer's disease

** Neurochem Res. 2017 Jun;42(6):1661-1675.doi: 10.1007/s11064-017-2288-7. Epub 2017 May 16. 

L-Carnitine and Acetyl-L-carnitine Roles and Neuroprotection in Developing Brain

** PLoS One. 2016 May 19;11(5):e0155694.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0155694.eCollection 2016.

Serum Levels of Acyl-Carnitines along the Continuum from Normal to Alzheimer's Dementia