Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplementation May Prevent Apoptosis in the Damaged Sciatic Nerve "Protective effect of acetyl-l-carnitine on the apoptotic pathway of peripheral neuropathy," Di Cesare Mannelli L, Ghelardini C, et al, (Address: Dep't of Preclinical and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy). Summary: In a study involving a rat model of peripheral neuropathy, acetyl-l-carnitine was found to prevent apoptosis associated with peripheral neuropathy. The authors of the study point out that pathophysiological mechanisms related to neuropathic disease are associated with mitochondrial dysfunctions that lead to the activation of the apoptotic cascade. In this rat model of peripheral neuropathy, obtained by a loose ligation of the sciatic nerve, a nerve apoptotic state was induced. Treatment with acetyl-l-carnitine was found to prevent this inducement of apoptosis, while treatment with either l-carnitine or Gabapentin was not found to have this preventive effect. The authors conclude that, "…Acetyl-l-carnitine is able to prevent regulated cell death in the damaged sciatic nerve." These results suggest that acetyl-l-carnitine shows potential as a beneficial supplement for patients with peripheral neuropathies. Additional research is warranted. Eur J Neurosci, 2007; 26(4): 820-827. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.