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Potential Role of L-Carnitine in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Alina Kępka1, Agnieszka Ochocińska1, Sylwia Chojnowska2

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Radioimmunology and Experimental Medicine, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|April 3, 2021
PubMed

Insights

L-carnitine is crucial for brain function and fatty acid metabolism. Supplementing L-carnitine may help improve behavioral and cognitive symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry
  • Metabolic disorders

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with documented alterations in carnitine and fatty acid metabolism.
  • L-carnitine is vital for central nervous system function, particularly in mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism.
  • ASD heterogeneity necessitates understanding underlying metabolic pathways for effective classification and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of L-carnitine in the context of autism spectrum disorder.
  • To investigate the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of L-carnitine and acylcarnitine profiling in ASD.
  • To examine the link between L-carnitine metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ASD symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of L-carnitine levels in serum/plasma.
  • Assessment of acylcarnitine profiles in dried blood spots.
  • Review of existing literature on carnitine metabolism and ASD.

Main Results:

  • Altered carnitine metabolism and abnormal fatty acid metabolism are observed in patients with ASD.
  • Acylcarnitine profiles may indicate mitochondrial dysfunction and aberrant fatty acid metabolism in children with ASD.
  • L-carnitine deficiency or dysregulation in ASD is associated with disruptions in other metabolic pathways, suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • Determination of L-carnitine and acylcarnitines may aid in ASD diagnosis and treatment.
  • L-carnitine supplementation shows potential for alleviating behavioral and cognitive symptoms in ASD.
  • Metabolic disturbances, particularly involving L-carnitine and mitochondria, are implicated in ASD pathogenesis.

Keywords:
L-carnitineautism spectrum disorder (ASD)biomarkersmitochondria

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