Neurodegeneration, inflammation and

Enzymes/antioxidants.


1: Am Fam Physician. 2005 Sep 15;72(6):1065-70. Related Articles, Links
Click here to read
Coenzyme Q10.

Bonakdar RA, Guarneri E.

Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, La Jolla, California 92037, USA. Bonakdar.Robert@scrippshealth.org

Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance used in the treatment of a variety of disorders primarily related to suboptimal cellular energy metabolism and oxidative injury. Studies supporting the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 appear most promising for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and certain encephalomyopathies for which coenzyme Q10 has gained orphan drug status. Results in other areas of research, induding treatment of congestive heart failure and diabetes, appear to be contradictory or need further clarification before proceeding with recommendations. Coenzyme Q10 appears to be a safe supplement with minimal side effects and low drug interaction potential.

Publication Types:

* Review


PMID: 16190504

1: Rev Med Liege. 2005 Jan;60(1):45-51. Related Articles, Links

Malchair P, Van Overmeire L, Boland A, Salmon E, Pierard L, Seutin V.

Service de Pharmacologie et CNCM, Universite de Liege.

After a brief reminding of the synthesis and function of coenzyme Q10, this article tries to summarise the current state of knowledge about the consequences of its deficiency and about the potential benefits of an increased intake of this coenzyme. We then describe the arguments in favour of such an increase in cardiac diseases and in Parkinson's disease.

Publication Types:

* Review


PMID: 15771317

I wanna read about it.

You continue to come through with GREAT info. Many, many thanks

make a huge difference in your quality of life or in others close to you,

L-Carnitine.... also a potential blessing, and note that some of these (many) work with traditional meds, and in certain cases, will help protect you from their Mr. Hyde side....

1: Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2004;104(5):42-5. Related Articles, Links

Polevaia EV, Ivanova-Smolenskaia IA, Illarioshkin SN, Sukhorukov VS, Markova ED.

Using cytochemical computerized morphometric method, activity of the key enzymes of energetic metabolism (succinate dehydrogenase, alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase) was studied in blood lymphocytes of 75 patients with Parkinson's disease and 15 healthy controls. The signs of systemic mitochondrial insufficiency, which correlated with the disease duration and severity, were found in all the patients, including those with juvenile parkinsonism. These data may provide a basis for introducing cytochemical monitoring as well as for administration of modern "mitochondrial" drugs (yantavit, coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, etc).

If I'm not mistaken, L-Caritine is pretty good, but Acetyl-l-Caritine may be much better...


1: Ann Neurol. 2003;53 Suppl 3:S39-47; discussion S47-8. Related Articles, Links
Click here to read
Bioenergetic approaches for neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease.

Beal MF.

Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA. fbeal@mail.med.cornell.edu

There is considerable evidence suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage may play a role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). This possibility has been strengthened by recent studies in animal models, which have shown that a selective inhibitor of complex I of the electron transport gene can produce an animal model that closely mimics both the biochemical and histopathological findings of PD. Several agents are available that can modulate cellular energy metabolism and that may exert antioxidative effects. There is substantial evidence that mitochondria are a major source of free radicals within the cell. These appear to be produced at both the iron-sulfur clusters of complex I as well as the ubiquinone site. Agents that have shown to be beneficial in animal models of PD include creatine, coenzyme Q(10), Ginkgo biloba, nicotinamide, and acetyl-L-carnitine. Creatine has been shown to be effective in several animal models of neurodegenerative diseases and currently is being evaluated in early stage trials in PD. Similarly, coenzyme Q(10) is also effective in animal models and has shown promising effects both in clinical trials of PD as well as in clinical trials in Huntington's disease and Friedreich's ataxia. Many other agents show good human tolerability. These agents therefore are promising candidates for further study as neuroprotective agents in PD.

Publication Types:

* Review


PMID: 12666097

ON EDIT to add this:

1: Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1990;10(1-2):139-43. Related Articles, Links

Clinical pharmacodynamics of acetyl-L-carnitine in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Puca FM, Genco S, Specchio LM, Brancasi B, D'Ursi R, Prudenzano A, Miccoli A, Scarcia R, Martino R, Savarese M.

Neurological Clinic II, University of Bari, Italy.

Two groups of 10 patients with Parkinson's disease received doses of either 1g acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) per day for seven days or 2g. The effects of this drug on intermittent luminous stimulation and on nocturnal sleep patterns were studied. In both cases with either dose of ALC the effect was an improvement of the H response, sleep stages and spindling activity. However a further study of the complexity of action of acetyl-L-carnitine is necessary.

PMID: 2387661

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I've heard it is a must if you are taking statin drugs - protects against
muscle wasting which is a side effect of statins, I believe.

I have a question about Carnitine.
I take "Acetyl L Carnitine' along with alpha lipoic acid as
an anti oxident.
What's the diff between Carnitine, L- Carnitine, and
Acetyl-L- Carnitine?
Guess I always assumed it was the same stuff.

http://www.raysahelian.com/acetylcarnitine.html

Acetyl-l-Carnitine Information by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Aceryl l Carnitine and Alpha lipoic Acid for sale
Plus: Mind Power Rx with Acetyl-l-carnitine
Formulated by Ray Sahelian, M.D.


Acetylcarnitine (also spelled acetyl l carnitine) and carnitine play several important roles in the human body. These nutrients shuttle acetyl groups and fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production. Without carnitine, fatty acids cannot easily enter into mitochondria. The acetyl group of acetyl l carnitine is used to form acetyl-CoA, the most important intermediary in the generation of energy from amino acids, fats, and carbohydrates. Therefore, acetyl l carnitine serves as an energy reservoir of acetyl groups and both acetylcarnitine and carnitine help improve energy production. The acetyl group of acetyl l carnitine is also used to make the important brain chemical acetylcholine. Some studies suggest that perhaps acetyl l carnitine can even act as a neurotransmitter itself.


http://www.raysahelian.com/carnitine.html
Carnitine

What you will find on this page

Carnitine information by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Carnitine supplement for sale
Mind Power Rx with Carnitine - potent brain booster


Carnitine, or L-carnitine, is a naturally occurring substance found in most cells of the body, particularly the brain and neural tissues, muscles, and heart. Carnitine, whose structure is similar to choline, is widely available in animal foods (meat, poultry, fish and dairy products), whereas plants have very small amounts. Most non-vegetarians consume about 100 to 300 mg of carnitine a day, and the body is able to synthesize this nutrient if dietary intake is inadequate. When ingested as a pill, carnitine is not able to cross the blood-brain barrier as well as its activated form Acetyl-L-Carnitine. Acetyl-l-carnitine has a significantly more noticeable effect on the mind than carnitine. Acetyl-l-carnitine usually enhances mental clarity and focus, along with slight mood elevation. The effects of carnitine are more physicial than mental, in the sense that carnitine may provide physical energy whereas acetyl-l-carnitine provides more mental energy.
Both acetyl-l-carnitine and carnitine are wonderful antioxidants, although the former may be more powerful. For more information, see acetylcarnitine.

as they deplete the body's CoQ10 levels. As we age, CoQ10 levels also decline.