Abstract
Eight patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on chronic hemodialysis (CHD) treatment were supplemented with 1 g L-carnitine intravenously (i.v.) after each dialysis session for one month. A Tolbutamide test was done and blood sugar (BS), serum C-peptide (CP) were measured at 0, 20 and 60 minutes, as well as the plasma L-carnitine level before and after treatment. Delta CP and the area under CP curve were ascertained. After L-carnitine application delta CP was significantly increased (1.33 ± 0.63 vs. 2.24 ± 1.0 nmol/L; p <0.05) and also the area of the stimulated secretion under the CP curve (14.93 ± 11.11 vs. 36.88 ± 25.36 nmol/L × 60 min.; p <0.05). The fasting BS-level was significantly lower after the treatment - 3.85 ± 0.43 vs. 4.76 ± 1.02 mmol/L; p <0.05 and plasma L-carnitine level significantly increased (72.8 ± 43.2 vs. 35.2 ± 18.3 mcmol/L; p <0.05) Improving the oxidative processes in peripheral tissues, L-carnitine increases the peripheral effectiveness of insulin and relieves the overstretched beta-cell apparatus.
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