[The benefits of L-carnitine therapy in essential arterial hypertension with diabetes mellitus type II].

Abstract

Carnitine is a natural substance essential for the mitochondrial oxidation of long-chain fatty acids and therefore regulates the energy metabolism of the cells. Tissue carnitine levels are altered under diabetes mellitus or hypertension. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of L-carnitine therapy in essential hypertension with diabetes mellitus type II. A clinical trial was performed in two homogeneous groups with essential hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II. L-carnitine was given orally, 2 g twice daily, for 45 weeks. In the group of patients treated with L-carnitine in comparison with control group cardiac arrhythmias, chiefly extrasystoles, some disorders of A-V conduction and some electrocardiographic signs of ischaemia stopped or diminished and symptoms, chiefly asthenia, significantly improved. No side effects were observed during the treatment. These results show that treatment with L-carnitine is useful and well tolerated in patients with essential hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II.

• Authors: V Digiesi, R Palchetti, F Cantini
• Journal: Minerva medica (Minerva Med) Vol. 80 Issue 3 Pg. 227-31 (Mar 1989) ISSN: 0026-4806 [Print] Italy
• Vernacular Title: Utilità della terapia con L-carnitina nell'ipertensione arteriosa essenziale con diabete mellito tipo II.
• PMID: 2654758 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Carnitine

Topics

• Aged
• Arrhythmias, Cardiac (etiology, prevention & control)
• Blood Pressure (drug effects)
• Carnitine (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 (complications, drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Drug Tolerance
• Female
• Humans
• Hypertension (complications, drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Random Allocation