L-ornithine-L-aspartate

L-ornithine-L-aspartate (LOLA) is a pharmaceutical compound that combines two amino acids: L-ornithine and L-aspartic acid. It's primarily used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, a condition characterized by brain dysfunction due to liver disease. ## Overview L-ornithine-L-aspartate works by reducing ammonia levels in the blood. When the liver is damaged, it cannot effectively process ammonia, a toxic byproduct of protein metabolism. LOLA provides substrates that enhance the liver's ability to convert ammonia into urea through the urea cycle, while also promoting ammonia detoxification in skeletal muscle[1][3]. ## Medical Uses LOLA is primarily used for: - Treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis[1][3] - Prevention of hepatic encephalopathy in at-risk patients[3] - Management of various liver diseases including: - Acute and chronic hepatitis - Alcoholic liver disease - Fatty liver - Liver cirrhosis - Jaundice[6][7] ## Administration and Dosage LOLA is available in multiple formulations: - Oral tablets and sachets - Intravenous solutions for hospital administration The duration of treatment varies based on the condition: - Intravenous administration: typically 3-35 days (average 8 days) - Oral administration: typically 7-180 days (average 30 days)[3][9] ## Mechanism of Action LOLA functions through several pathways: 1. **Ammonia Reduction**: Both ornithine and aspartic acid help reduce toxic ammonia levels in the blood[1][2] 2. **Urea Cycle Enhancement**: L-ornithine serves as an intermediary in the urea cycle in periportal hepatocytes and activates carbamoyl phosphate synthetase[2] 3. **Glutamine Synthesis**: Both amino acids lower ammonia levels by transamination to glutamate via glutamine synthetase in perivenous hepatocytes, skeletal muscle, and the brain[2] 4. **Liver Cell Regeneration**: LOLA promotes liver cell rejuvenation by increasing energy production in liver cells[6] ## Clinical Efficacy Recent research indicates that LOLA is particularly effective when combined with lactulose for treating hepatic encephalopathy. A 2025 meta-analysis showed that this combination is 31% more effective than lactulose alone and significantly reduces levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, TBIL) and ammonia (NH3)[5]. ## Side Effects Common side effects may include: - Headache - Fatigue - Diarrhea - Abdominal pain - Nausea[6] Most side effects are mild and resolve without medical intervention.

Other names

LOLA