Serum and urinary carnitine in children with cystic fibrosis

Journal Title: Progress in Health Sciences - Year 2013, Vol 3, Issue 1

Abstract

Purpose: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is inherited, congenital disease of multi-organ expression. Carnitine play a role as a lipid acid transporter to mitochondrium for beta-oxydation. Acylation of carnitine is inevitable for detoxication processes in cells. Low lean body mass In CF patients can lead to decreased levels. The aim of the study was the evaluation of free carnitine, acylcarnitine and acylcarnitine/free carnitine ratio in serum and urine of children with cystic fibrosis. Material and methods: The study was conducted in a group of 15 CF children (4 F, 11 M), aged 12.6 ±5.4 years. The serum for a control group was collected from 32 healthy children. Urine samples for control group was collected from 62 health children. Free carnitine and total carnitine was assessed using spectrophotomeric method in which acyl group is transferred from acetyl-CoA to carnitine by carnitine acetyltransferase (CAT). Acyl carnitine concentration and acylcarnitine/free carnitine ratio was counted using Schmidt- Sommerfeld and Seccombe equation. Results: In 12 CF patients (80%) free carnitine and total carnitine was below lower limit of normal (p<0.001). In 9 patients (60%) free carnitine level was ≤ 20 µmol/L, which can be clinically diagnosed. Acylcarnitine levels were also statistically lower in CF group (p<0.01). Acylcarinitie/free carnitine ratio did not differ between the groups (p=0.05). Urine excretion of free carnitine, total carnitine and acylcarnitine was lower in CF group (p<0.001). Conclusions: In CF pediatric patients statistically significant lower levels of free carnitine, total carnitine and acylcarnitine were observed in comparison to controls. Low urine excretion of free carnitine, total carnitine and acylcarnitine was lower in CF group. No correlation between serum and urine levels of free carnitine, total carnitine and acylcarnitine were observed.

Authors and Affiliations

A. Kępka, Ł. Minarowski Ł. , Napoleon Waszkiewicz, S. Chojnowska, L. Trochimowicz, K. Zwierz, E. Chyczewska, Sł. D. Szajda

Keywords

Related Articles

From ‘Air India’ to ‘Hunger Free India’: turning the tide in the interest of ‘Millennium Development Goals’

Despite careful formulation of the health care policies, national programme plans and implementation mechanisms, in accordance with the international commitments made and local needs of India, the potential of raising ad...

Examination of nursing students’ attitudes towards environmental problems

Purpose: The study was directed towards examination of nursing students’ attitudes towards environmental problems. Materials and methods: This descriptive study was performed from June to August 2014 with 296 first-fourt...

Multi-criteria decision analysis of occupational stress among healthcare professionals in Nigeria

Introduction: Stress among healthcare professionals has become a major issue in healthcare organizations operating at the domestic, international and global fronts. This profession however, requires people to be physical...

Polish and Belaursian students’ attitudes toward other nations

Introduction: Approximately 7,000 different ethnic groups and nations inhabit the earth, and most of the tensions among people stem from prejudice and intolerance. Purpose: To assess a student perception of foreign nati...

Dietary patterns, overweight and obesity rates in children aged 9-12 in primary schools of Greek island Lemnos

Purpose: Children obesity consists a fundamental problem of public health in Greece. The understanding of the factors which is correlated to is a requirement for the implementation of intervening policy and treatment. Th...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP69540
  • DOI -
  • Views 132
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

A. Kępka, Ł. Minarowski Ł. , Napoleon Waszkiewicz, S. Chojnowska, L. Trochimowicz, K. Zwierz, E. Chyczewska, Sł. D. Szajda (2013). Serum and urinary carnitine in children with cystic fibrosis. Progress in Health Sciences, 3(1), 13-18. https://europub.co.uk./articles/-A-69540