Carnitine and/or Acetylcarnitine Deficiency as a Cause of Higher Levels of Ammonia

Biomed Res Int. 2016:2016:2920108. doi: 10.1155/2016/2920108. Epub 2016 Feb 21.

Abstract

Blood carnitine and/or acetylcarnitine deficiencies are postulated in the literature as possible causes of higher ammonia levels. The aim of this study was to investigate if the use of valproic acid, the age of the patients, or certain central nervous system pathologies can cause carnitine and/or acetylcarnitine deficiency leading to increased ammonia levels. Three groups of patients were studied: (A) epileptic under phenytoin monotherapy (n = 31); (B) with bipolar disorder under valproic acid treatment (n = 28); (C) elderly (n = 41). Plasma valproic acid and blood carnitine and acyl carnitine profiles were determined using a validated HPLC and LC-MS/MS method, respectively. Blood ammonia concentration was determined using an enzymatic automated assay. Higher ammonia levels were encountered in patients under valproic acid treatment and in the elderly. This may be due to the lower carnitine and/or acetylcarnitine found in these patients. Patients with controlled seizures had normal carnitine and acetylcarnitine levels. Further studies are necessary in order to conclude if the uncontrolled bipolar disorder could be the cause of higher carnitine and/or acetylcarnitine levels.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcarnitine* / blood
  • Acetylcarnitine* / deficiency
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Ammonia / blood*
  • Bipolar Disorder* / blood
  • Bipolar Disorder* / drug therapy
  • Carnitine* / blood
  • Carnitine* / deficiency
  • Epilepsy* / blood
  • Epilepsy* / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenytoin / administration & dosage*
  • Valproic Acid / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Valproic Acid
  • Phenytoin
  • Acetylcarnitine
  • Ammonia
  • Carnitine