Carnitine homeostasis, mitochondrial function and cardiovascular disease

Carnitines are involved in mitochondrial transport of fatty acids and are of critical importance for maintaining normal mitochondrial function. This review summarizes recent experimental and clinical studies showing that mitochondrial dysfunction secondary to a disruption of carnitine homeostasis may play a role in decreased NO signaling and the development of endothelial dysfunction. Future challenges include development of agents that can positively modulate l-carnitine homeostasis which may have high therapeutic potential.

Section editors:Michael N. Sack and Paul M. Hwang – National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA