| Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on anemia in patients undergoing hemodialysis |
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Ji Young Oh, Seung Jung Kim |
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고려대학교 의과대학 내과학교실 |
| 원저:혈액투석 환자에서 빈혈에 대한 L-carnitine 투여의 효과 |
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오지영, Seung Jung Kim |
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| Abstract |
Background : There are many causes of carnitine depletion in hemodialysis patients; carnitine
insufficiency may contribute to renal anemia. In the current study, we examined whether L-carnitine
supplementation could improve renal anemia. In addition, we examined whether proinflammatory
cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) contribute to
patient response to L-carnitine supplementation.
Methods
: We studied 40 hemodialysis patients; they showed decreased free carnitine levels and
were selected to receive L-carnitine intravenously after each hemodialysis session for six months.
Before and after treatment, we measured the level of hemoglobin, iron parameters, TNF-α, IFN-γ
and weekly doses of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO).
Results
: There was no difference in hemoglobin level, however the doses of weekly rHuEPO
were decreased significantly after L-carnitine treatment (3735.29±1728.76 U/week Vs 3000.02±
1858.64 U/week, p=0.02). The serum levels of transferrin, total iron binding capacity and ferritin were
significantly increased after L-carnitine treatment. Transferrin saturation, serum albumin, parathyroid
hormone and C-reactive protein were not changed. In addition, TNF-α and IFN-γ were not
changed either.
Conclusions
: A reduction in rHuEPO was achieved during L-carnitine treatment while
maintaining a constant hemoglobin level, which was not related to proinflammatory cytokines;
however, it may be attributed to increased serum transferrin levels.(Korean J Med 71:285-292, 2006)
Key Words : Carnitine, Anemia, Proinflammatory cytokine, Transferrin |
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