Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
07:09
Myeloid Innate Signaling Pathway Regulation by MALT1 Paracaspase Activity
Published on: January 7, 2019
Modulation of cytokine production by carnitine
1Department of Pathology Roger Williams Medical Center and Brown University Providence Rhode Island USA.
Mediators of Inflammation
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Acetyl L-carnitine modulates immune responses by affecting cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Young individuals showed a stronger response to acetyl L-carnitine compared to older individuals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Carnitine congeners are involved in cellular metabolism.
- Cytokine production plays a crucial role in immune system regulation.
- Age-related differences in immune function are well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of acetyl L-carnitine on cytokine production.
- To compare the response in young versus elderly individuals.
- To determine the dose-dependent effects of L-carnitine on cytokine release.
Main Methods:
- Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from young and old donors were isolated.
- PBMC were incubated with varying concentrations of acetyl L-carnitine.
- Cytokine levels (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, GM-CSF, IFN-γ) in supernatants were quantified using ELISA.
Main Results:
- Acetyl L-carnitine (50 μg/ml) significantly induced TNF-α production, with a stronger response observed in younger donors.
- Higher doses of L-carnitine (200 and 400 μg/ml) in young donors also stimulated significant production of IL-1β and IL-6.
- A diminished response to acetyl L-carnitine was noted in older individuals.
Conclusions:
- Carnitine congeners, specifically acetyl L-carnitine, can modulate immune cell function by altering cytokine profiles.
- Age influences the immune response to carnitine, with younger individuals exhibiting greater modulation.
- These findings suggest a potential role for carnitine in immune system regulation and age-related immune changes.
Related Concept Videos
01:20The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as SH2...
01:45Regulation of Nuclear Protein Sorting
Nuclear protein sorting regulates nucleus composition and gene expression, crucial for determining the fate of a eukaryotic cell. Hence, the entry and exit of molecules across the nuclear envelope is a tightly controlled process. Nuclear protein sorting can be inhibited by one of the following ways: 1) masking cargo signal sequences, 2) modifying the nuclear receptor's affinity for cargo, 3) controlling the nuclear pore size, 4) retaining the cargo during its transit to the cytosol or the...
01:15Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
Multivesicular bodies (MVBs) are mature endosomes that sort ubiquitinated proteins and then fuse with lysosomes to degrade the sorted proteins. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) form a complex that can be internalized through endocytosis, sorted into an MVB, and later degraded.
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR activation may...
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR activation may...
02:26NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
The transcription factor NF-κB was discovered in 1986 in the lab of Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore, for its interaction with the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer in B-cells. After more than three decades of study, it is now evident that NF-κB regulates the expression of over 100 genes. Most of these genes play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as the inflammatory responses of animals.
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
01:28Inflammatory Response
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
01:25Lipid Catabolism
Triglycerides serve as crucial long-term energy storage molecules in microorganisms, providing a dense source of metabolic energy. Their breakdown is mediated by lipases, which hydrolyze triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. Each of these components follows distinct metabolic pathways, ultimately contributing to ATP synthesis and cellular energy homeostasis.Glycerol MetabolismGlycerol, released from triglyceride hydrolysis, is phosphorylated by glycerol kinase to form...