Prospective open-label study on the efficacy and tolerability of a combination of nutritional supplements in primary infertile patients with idiopathic astenoteratozoospermia.

Aim Of The Study: To evaluate with an open-label study the efficacy and safety of a complex of nutritional supplements with antioxidant activity (L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, fructose, citric acid, selenium, coenzyme Q10, zinc, ascorbic acid, cyanocobalamin, folic acid) in primary infertile patients with idiopathic astenoteratozoospermia.

Methods: The study was conducted in a population of 114 infertile men (96 completed the study) diagnosed with idiopathic astenoteratozoospermia since at least 18 months. Patients orally received a formulation (Proxeed - Sigma-Tau) containing L-carnitine 145 mg, acetyl-L-carnitine 64 mg, fructose 250 mg, citric acid 50 mg, selenium 50 mcg, coenzyme Q10 20 mg, zinc 10 mg, ascorbic acid 90 mg, cyanocobalamin 1.

L-carnitine enhances extracellular matrix synthesis in human primary chondrocytes.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common degenerative joint disease for which there is no cure. It is treated mainly with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to control the symptoms and some supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate in order to obtain structure-modifying effects. Aim of this study is to investigate the effects of L-carnitine, a molecule with a role in cellular energy metabolism, on extracellular matrix synthesis in human primary chondrocytes (HPCs).

Comparison of three lubricant eye drop solutions in dry eye patients.

Purpose: Lubricant eye drops that restore physiological osmolarity represent a promising strategy for dry eye syndrome as hyperosmolarity plays a central role in this disease. This preliminary study compared three lubricant eye drop solutions with different osmolarities and compositions in subjects with this condition.

Methods: Subjects with dry eye syndrome undergoing treatment with benzalkonium chloride-containing lubricant eye drops were randomized to Carnidrop (n = 9), Optive (n = 9), or Blu Sal (n = 9).

Antidepressant-like effect of artemin in mice: a mechanism for acetyl-L-carnitine activity on depression.

Rationale: Depression may be associated with altered plasticity of the nervous system. The importance of neurotrophic factor levels is strongly suggested, and the neuronal-related family is extensively studied with respect to glial-derived one.

Objectives: Aimed to contribute to the study of nervous plasticity modulation as therapeutical target in mood disorders, the role of the glial-derived factor artemin (ARTN) in depression and in the pharmacodynamics of the antidepressant and trophic compound acetyl-L: -carnitine (ALCAR) was evaluated.

L-carnitine and short chain ester in tears from patients with dry eye.

Purpose: The tear film is essential for the integrity of the ocular surface. In ocular diseases such as dry eye syndrome (DES), tear film osmolarity is increased relative to normal physiological conditions. DES can be caused by deficiency in lachrymation, hyperevaporation, or surface alterations.

Propionyl-L-carnitine in Leriche-Fontaine stage II peripheral arterial obstructive disease.

Peripheral arterial obstructive disease (PAOD) of the lower limbs affects 5% of the adult population. Uncontrolled arteriopathy is established due to a microcirculatory deficit, which may be present despite a good Winsor index and which leads to exhaustion of the functional microcirculatory reserve. The target of this study was to examine possible improvements in microvascular and tissue homeostasis by the administration of propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC).

Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue.

Fatigue is one of the conditions most frequently complained by the elderly. There are few effective treatment options for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. To determine the efficacy, tolerability and impact on the fatigue, as well as on cognitive and functional status of elderly subjects with acetyl L-carnitine (ALC), 96 aged subjects (>70 years, range 71-88) were investigated (50 females and 46 males; mean age 76.