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The
Carnitine System.
Biochemical and Pharmacological Relevance.
F. Di Lisa
Abstract
Carnitine is required for the transport of activated acyls,
namely acyl-CoAs, across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
In addition, by interacting with Coenzyme A (CoA),
carnitine exerts a role in any CoA-dependent process. An
increase in CoASH availability or a decrease in acyl CoA
levels expands the roles of carnitine to substrate choice,
removal of inhibitory metabolites and modulation of key
enzymatic steps. In addition, some carnitine esters appear
to specifically modify cell metabolism and function.
Finally, recent reports indicate antiapoptotic effects of
carnitine which do not appear related to its metabolic
role.
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