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Age-dependent decrease of carnitine content in muscle of mice and humans
M Costell1, J E O'Connor, S Grisolía
1Instituto de Investigaciones Citológicas, de la Caja de Ahorros de Valencia, Spain.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|June 30, 1989
Summary
Aging significantly reduces carnitine levels in muscles and heart, impacting energy production. This study reveals a decline in carnitine and its derivatives with age in both mice and humans.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Carnitine deficiency is linked to muscle dysfunction in younger populations.
- Previous research has not extensively studied carnitine levels in healthy aging individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in carnitine levels in healthy aging humans and mice.
- To determine the correlation between carnitine levels and the aging process.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of carnitine and its derivatives in muscle and heart tissues of young and aged mice.
- Biochemical analysis of muscle samples from healthy humans across different age groups.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in muscle carnitine and its derivatives was observed in 6-month-old mice compared to 6-week-old mice.
- A marked decrease in long-chain acyl carnitine was found in the hearts of older mice.
- Healthy older human subjects exhibited drastically reduced levels of carnitine and acetyl carnitine in muscle tissue.
- A strong inverse correlation was found between age and carnitine levels in humans.
Conclusions:
- Carnitine levels significantly decline with age in both mice and humans.
- This age-related reduction in carnitine may contribute to physiological changes associated with aging, particularly in muscle and heart function.