Description
Acetyl-L-carnitine is a derivative of carnitine that enables functions of CoA and plays a significant role in the maintenance of energy homeostasis. Acetyl-L-carnitine exhibits antidepressant, neuroprotective, analgesic, and antinociceptive activities. In vivo, acetyl-L-carnitine acetylates p65, inducing NF-κB-mediated upregulation of mGluR2 receptors. In neuron-like PC12 cells, acetyl-L-carnitine inhibits 3-NPA-produced cellular stress responses and neurotoxicity. Acetyl-L-carnitine normalizes brain levels of neurotrophic factors such as NGF, GDNF, and artemin in animal models of neuropathy. Additionally, acetyl-L-carnitine exhibits some degree of antinociceptive benefit through indirect modulation of M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs). In cellular models of Alzheimer’s disease, this compound also stimulates α-secretase activity and metabolism of amyloid precursor protein (APP).
References
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Onofrj M, Ciccocioppo F, Varanese S, et al. Acetyl-L-carnitine: from a biological curiosity to a drug for the peripheral nervous system and beyond. Expert Rev Neurother. 2013 Aug;13(8):925-36. PMID: 23965166.
Virmani A, Koverech A, Ali SF, et al. Acetyl-L-Carnitine Modulates TP53 and IL10 Gene Expression Induced by 3-NPA Evoked Toxicity in PC12 Cells. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2011 Mar;9(1):195-9. PMID: 21886589.
Vivoli E, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Salvicchi A, et al. Acetyl-L-carnitine increases artemin level and prevents neurotrophic factor alterations during neuropathy. Neuroscience. 2010 Jun 2;167(4):1168-74. PMID: 20302919.
Epis R, Marcello E, Gardoni F, et al. Modulatory effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on amyloid precursor protein metabolism in hippocampal neurons. Eur J Pharmacol. 2008 Nov 12;597(1-3):51-6. PMID: 18801359.
Ghelardini C, Galeotti N, Calvani M, et al. Acetyl-l-carnitine induces muscarinic antinocieption in mice and rats. Neuropharmacology. 2002 Dec;43(7):1180-7. PMID: 12504925.
