Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is an endogenous molecule that not only plays a role in energy metabolism, but also has antioxidant properties, protects from oxidative stress, modulates brain neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, serotonin and dopamine, and acts on neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors by means of epigenetic mechanisms. Importantly, it induces mGlu2 expression at nerve terminals, thus giving rise to analgesia and preventing spinal sensitisation. It has also been found to have even long-term neurotrophic and analgesic activity in experimental models of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The aim of this narrative review is to summarise the current evidence regarding the use of ALC in patients with chronic pain, and cognitive and mood disorders, and investigate the rationale underlying its use in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome, which is characterised by nociplastic changes that increase the sensitivity of the nervous system to pain.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105874 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Recent advances in osteoarthritis research: A review of treatment strategies, mechanistic insights, and acupuncture.
Medicine (Baltimore)
January 2025
The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by the gradual degeneration of joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and functional impairment. Although the pathogenesis of OA is not fully understood, the roles of inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and biomechanical stress are increasingly recognized. Current treatments, including pharmacotherapy, physical therapy, and surgical interventions, aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, yet they face limitations and challenges.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe effect of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization technique combined with Kinesio Taping on neuromuscular function and pain self-efficacy in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain: A randomized trial.
Medicine (Baltimore)
January 2025
Second Hospital of the Air Force Medical University, Xi 'an, China.
Background: This study investigates the therapeutic efficacy of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) technology paired with Kinesio Taping in patients with persistent nonspecific low back pain, as well as the effect on neuromuscular function and pain self-efficacy.
Methods: A randomized controlled clinical study was conducted to collect clinical data on DNS combined with KT for the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain from November 2023 to April 2024. The inclusion criteria were patients with chronic nonspecific lower back pain, aged between 18 and 30 years old, and without serious underlying medical conditions, such as cardiac disease, hypertension, and diabetes.
A systematic in vitro study of the effect of normoglycaemic and hyperglycaemic conditions on the biochemical and cellular interactions of clinically-available wound dressings with different physicochemical properties.
PLoS One
January 2025
Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom.
Diabetic foot, leg ulcers and decubitus ulcers affect millions of individuals worldwide leading to poor quality of life, pain and in several cases to limb amputations. Despite the global dimension of this clinical problem, limited progress has been made in developing more efficacious wound dressings, the design of which currently focusses on wound protection and control of its exudate volume. The present in vitro study systematically analysed seven types of clinically-available wound dressings made of different biomaterial composition and engineering.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAberrant Insertion of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament on the Lateral Meniscus: A Case Report.
JBJS Case Connect
January 2025
Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
Case: A 16-year-old woman presented with acute on chronic knee pain and instability following a twisting injury. The tibial insertion of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was nonvisualized on magnetic resonance imaging. A cord-like ACL, originating from the lateral intercondylar notch and inserting smoothly into the anterior horn of the intact lateral meniscus, was found on arthroscopy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhysical measures of physical functioning as prognostic factors in predicting outcomes for neck and thoracic pain: Protocol for a systematic review.
PLoS One
January 2025
School of Physical Therapy, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
Background: Spinal pain is prevalent and burdensome worldwide. A large proportion of patients with neck and thoracic pain experience chronic symptoms, which can significantly impact their physical functioning. Therefore, it is important to understand factors predicting outcome to inform effective examination and treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!