Abstract
Background: Carnitine is synthesized mainly in the liver and plays an essential role in the transport of fatty acids in liver mitochondria for subsequent oxidation and energy production. Methods: The plasma concentrations of free carnitine, acylcarnitine, total ketone bodies, lactate, pyruvate, and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were measured during liver transplantation. Results: The plasma free carnitine and acylcarnitine concentrations and the lactate to pyruvate ratio in patients with compromised grafts (group A) were significantly higher than those in patients with well-functioning grafts (group B) after reperfusion. The acylcarnitine concentration in group B decreased after incision, but it remained at a high level in group A. Significant correlations were found between the concentrations of HGF and free and acylcarnitine after reperfusion. Conclusion. The accelerated flux of carnitine in the graft may be associated with deterioration of energy metabolism in the graft. An increased acylcarnitine concentration may reflect impaired liver regeneration.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
