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Relationship between carnitine, fatty acids and insulin resistance
Alfred Lohninger1, U Radler, S Jinniate
1Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Währingerstrasse 10, Vienna, Austria. alfred.lohninger@meduniwien.ac.at
Gynakologisch-Geburtshilfliche Rundschau
|June 10, 2010
Summary
L-carnitine supplementation significantly reduced plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and triacylglycerols in pregnant women. This suggests L-carnitine may help prevent insulin resistance and gestational diabetes mellitus by improving fatty acid metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Metabolic Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Elevated plasma free fatty acids (FFA) are linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
- Insulin resistance during pregnancy can lead to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of L-carnitine supplementation on plasma lipids.
- To assess changes in enzymes regulating fatty acid and glucose oxidation in peripheral mononucleated cells (PMNC).
Main Methods:
- Pregnant women received L-carnitine supplementation (2 g/day).
- Plasma lipid levels were measured.
- mRNA expression of carnitine acyltransferases and the carnitine carrier OCTN2 in PMNC was analyzed.
Main Results:
- L-carnitine supplementation significantly decreased plasma FFA levels.
- A moderate reduction in plasma triacylglycerols was observed.
- Increased mRNA expression of carnitine acyltransferases (5- to 10-fold) and OCTN2 (12-fold) in PMNC was noted.
Conclusions:
- L-carnitine supplementation (2 g/day) in pregnancy helps mitigate the rise in plasma FFA.
- This intervention may play a role in preventing insulin resistance and gestational diabetes mellitus.
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