Prospects of application of acetyl-L-carnitine in neurology and psychiatry (the treatment of polyneuropathy and depressive states)

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Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALA) is a biologically active form of L-carnitine, which is a readily available substrate for triggering energy-dependent metabolic processes in the mitochondria. The mechanism of the protective effect of ALA on brain tissue is a significant reduction in the amount of oxygen consumed for energy supply of the needs of the nervous system. ALA also has antioxidant and antiapoptotic activity. In addition, ALK plays a neuromodulating effect on both synaptic morphology and synaptic transmission. The similarity in structure with acetylcholine allows to have a cholinomimetic effect, as well as to show neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties. ALK has an antidepressant and analgesic effect in painful neuropathies. Therefore, ALA is a promising drug for the treatment of polyneuropathy of various origins. Compared with antidepressants efficacy and a minimum of side effects open up wide possibilities of using ALA in the treatment of depression with a low risk of developing NLR.

Keywords:

polyneuropathy

depression

acetyl-L-carnitine

Authors:

Anikin G.S.

Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia

Makhova A.A.

Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia

Shikh E.V.

Kafedra klinicheskoĭ farmakologii i propedevtiki vnutrennikh bolezneĭ GBOU VPO "Pervyĭ Moskovskiĭ gosudarstvennyĭ meditsinskiĭ universitet im. I.M. Sechenova"

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