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Acylcarnitine metabolism during fasting and after refeeding
K Yamaguti1, H Kuratsune, Y Watanabe
1Osaka University Medical School, Japan.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|August 23, 1996
Summary
During starvation, mice showed increased acylcarnitine (ACR) levels. Refeeding quickly decreased serum ACR, indicating the liver conserves ACR when energy metabolism improves.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Metabolic pathways
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Carnitine is essential for fatty acid metabolism.
- Acylcarnitine (ACR) levels fluctuate with nutritional status.
- Understanding carnitine's role during metabolic stress is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate carnitine metabolism during starvation and refeeding.
- To determine how the liver handles acylcarnitine under changing energy states.
- To explore the liver's capacity for acylcarnitine salvage.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of serum and liver acylcarnitine (ACR) and total carnitine (TCR) concentrations in mice.
- Analysis of acid-soluble and acid-insoluble fractions.
- Positron emission tomography ([2-11C]acetyl-L-carnitine) in a rhesus monkey.
Main Results:
- Starvation significantly increased serum ACR and liver acid-soluble ACR.
- Refeeding rapidly decreased serum ACR and increased liver acid-soluble TCR.
- Increased hepatic uptake of [2-11C]acetyl-L-carnitine was observed post-glucose administration.
Conclusions:
- Mammalian liver actively salvages and conserves acylcarnitine (ACR) during improved energy metabolism.
- Carnitine metabolism is dynamically regulated in response to nutritional changes.
- The liver plays a key role in maintaining carnitine homeostasis.