| Theme | Dialysis Therapy and Carnitine | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Carnitine and muscle tissue | |
| Publish Date | 2000/02 | |
| Author | Toshikazu Takahashi | Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tokushima University |
| Author | Yasuki Hashimoto | Department of Nepfrology, Shizuoka City Hospital |
| Author | Toshio Doi | Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tokushima University |
| [ Summary ] | Carnitine is a molecule required for energy metabolism. It facilitates the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane for beta-oxidation and subsequent energy production in skeletal muscle. Patients on haemodialysis generally display decreased free carnitine levels both in plasma and skeletal muscle when compared to control values. On the other hand, various muscle symptoms (including cramps, fatigue, and weakness) are well recognized among patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Carnitine may be useful in treating some patients with these symptoms, related to HD. Moreover, carnitine has specific trophic effects on type 1 fibers, which are characterized by an oxidative metabolism, carnitine supplementation therapy muscle atrophy and exercise performance. We studied the effects of carnitine supplementation therapy on QOL of patients receiving hemodialysis, using a disease specific questionnaire. All categories significantly improved. The category of fatigue was the most improved. In conclusion, carnitine had a positive effect on some measures of perceived QOL inpatients who were receiving maintenance hemodialysis. |
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