Abstract Title:

Effects of L-Carnitine supplement on plasma coagulation and anticoagulation factors in hemodialysis patients.

Abstract Source:

Ren Fail. 2010;32(9):1109-14. PMID: 20863217

Abstract Author(s):

Fariba Hakeshzadeh, Hadi Tabibi, Minoo Ahmadinejad, Tahereh Malakoutian, Mehdi Hedayati

Article Affiliation:

Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Hypercoagulability is an important risk factor for thrombosis and its complications in hemodialysis patients. This study was designed to investigate the effects of l-carnitine supplement on plasma coagulation and anticoagulation factors in hemodialysis patients.

METHODS: Thirty-six hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to either a carnitine or a placebo group. Patients in the carnitine group received 1000 mg/day oral l-carnitine for 12 weeks, whereas patients in the placebo group received a corresponding placebo. At baseline and the end of week 12, 5 mL blood was collected after a 12- to 14-hour fast and plasma fibrinogen concentration, activity of plasma protein C, coagulation factors V, VII, IX, and serum concentrations of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), free carnitine, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured.

RESULTS: In the carnitine group, mean serum free carnitine concentration increased significantly to 150% of baseline (p<0.001), whereas plasma fibrinogen and serum CRP had 98 mg/dL (p<0.01) and 41% (p<0.01) significant decreases, respectively, at the end of week 12 compared with baseline. The reductions were significant compared with the placebo group (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups with regard to mean changes of the activity of plasma protein C, coagulation factors V, VII, IX, and serum PAI-1 to tPA ratio.

CONCLUSION: l-Carnitine supplement reduces serum CRP, a marker of systemic inflammation, and plasma fibrinogen, an inflammation-related coagulation factor, in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, l-carnitine may play an effective role in preventing cardiovascular diseases in these patients.

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