Role of L-carnitine in female infertility

Abstract

BackgroundL-carnitine (LC), and its acetylated form, acetyl L-carnitine (ALC), have immense functional capabilities to regulate the oxidative and metabolic status of the female reproductive system. The vulnerability of this system to free radicals demand for advanced strategies to combat them. For this purpose, the ‘quasi vitamins’ LC and ALC can be used either individually, or in combination with each other or with other antioxidants.Main bodyThis review (a) summarizes the effects of carnitines on female fertility along with the findings from various in vivo and in vitro studies involving human, animal and assisted reproductive technology, and (b) proposes their mechanism of actions in improving female fertility through their integrated actions on reducing cellular stress, maintaining hormonal balance and enhancing energy production. They reportedly aid β-oxidation in oocytes, maintain its cell membrane stability by acetylation of phospholipids and amphiphilic actions, prevent free radical-induced DNA damage and also stabilize acetyl Co-A/Co-A ratio for adequate acetyl storage as energy supply to maintain the robustness of reproductive cells.ConclusionWhile both LC and ALC have their applications in improving female fertility, ALC is preferred for its better antioxidant properties and LC for amelioration of energy supply to the cells. These beneficial effects show great promise in its application as a treatment option for women facing infertility disorders.

Regulatory Functions of L-Carnitine, Acetyl, and Propionyl L-Carnitine in a PCOS Mouse Model: Focus on Antioxidant/Antiglycative Molecular Pathways in the Ovarian Microenvironment

“…LC has direct antioxidant properties, protects mitochondrial metabolism, and modulates the activities of ROS-producing enzymes [12,13]. For these reasons, it may contribute to the treatment of PCOS and its complications linked to redox imbalance [14]. Together with LC, the endogenous carnitine pool is formed by the short-chain carnitine esters acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) and propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC).…”

Cooperation between a doctor and a pharmacist in the field of optimalization of pharmacotherapy during oral infertility treatment in women. Status of clinical trials evaluating effectiveness of the components of dietary supplements used during infertility treatment

“…Interesujący i złożony mechanizm działania L-karnityny, polegający z jednej strony na wytwarzaniu energii w oocytach, oraz ograniczanie działania wolnych rodników w obrębie komórek rozrodczych, oraz pośrednio poprzez wpływ na oś podwzgórzowo-przysadkowo-gonadalną [8], jest przyczyną szerokiego zainteresowania badaczy zastosowaniem jej w leczeniu niepłodności u kobiet. Liczne badania na modelach zwierzęcych poprzedziły badania kliniczne, z których kilka zasługuje na uwagę, szczególnie, że część z nich zakończyła się w ciągu ostatniego roku.…”

Emergency contraception: A quick lesson

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) also investigated the use of progestogen tablets, that showed greater efficacy with reduced side effects (Ashok et al, 2002) and which is commonly being used by Indian female as EC manufactured by several pharmaceutical companies as well. Another best known long-term method of EC method is to use immediately after desired unprotected sex for continuous 5days, called as an Intrauterine device (IUD) (Copper bearing device is commonly known as copper-T(Cu-T)), effective with very less or sometimes negligible failure chance where copper acts as a spermicide (Agarwal et al, 2018).…”