levocarnitine

Levocarnitine (L-carnitine) is a naturally occurring small molecule and a derivative of the amino acid lysine, essential for energy metabolism. It acts as a carrier molecule that facilitates the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane into the mitochondrial matrix for beta-oxidation, while also assisting in the removal of toxic metabolic byproducts. In a Phase 2 clinical trial conducted by Ain Shams University, levocarnitine is being investigated for its cardioprotective potential in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The study evaluates its efficacy in reducing myocardial reperfusion injury by monitoring biomarkers such as nitrotyrosine (an oxidative stress marker) and Matrix metallopeptidase-2 (MMP-2, a marker of cardiac fibrosis).

Brand names

L-Carnitine 1 gm / 5 mL InjectionCarnitol

Other names

L-carnitinelevocarnitine