Assessment of serum free carnitine levels in hypertriglyceridemic men in comparison with normolipidemic men

Considering the importance of hyperlipidemia as one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease and the essential role of carnitine in lipid metabolism, the present study was conducted to determine the serum free carnitine level in hypertriglyceridemic comparing to normolipidemic men. In this descriptive-analytical study, the serum free carnitine and lipid levels, and the mean intakes of carnitine, animal protein and micronutrients participating in carnitine biosynthesis, were assessed in 31 hypertriglyceridemic, comparing to 31 normolipidemic men.

Assessment of serum free carnitine was made by using enzymatic kit and uv/vis spectrophotometer, and dietary intake was evaluated by -hour-recall and record methods.

The mean serum free carnitine level in hypertriglyceridemic group was significantly higher than the normolipidemic one, 73/36 ± 2/65 & 44/30 ± 3/67 micro mole/ litre respectively (p < 0.001). No significant differences were seen in the mean intakes of carnitine and the nutrients participated in its biosynthesis between the two groups.

On the basis of the results, it could be supposed that the significant elevation in serum free carnitine levels in the hypertriglyceridemic men, was not due to the difference in the carnitine or its precursors intake, but it might be the result of body adaptation via increased carnitine biosynthesis, its increased release from tissue stores or its decreased renal excretion, in response to elevated serum lipids. Further studies is suggested to elucidate the mechanism of carnitine elevation in hypertriglyceridemic patients, and the effects of carnitine supplementation in these patients.