Acetyl-L-carnitine

Findings may explain why women are at higher risk NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Declining blood levels of two molecules that occur naturally in the body track closely with worsening Alzheimer's disease, particularly in women. Levels were found to drop gradually, from women with no signs of memory, disorientation, and slowed thinking to those with early signs of mild cognitive impairment. Decreases were more prominent in women with moderate or severe stages of the disease. Declines in men were evident in only one molecule, revealing a disease-specific difference between the sexes. Six million Americans, most over the age of 65 and predominantly women, are currently estimated to have some form of Alzheimer's disease. Led by neuroscientists at NYU Langone Health, in collaboration with other researchers in the U.S. and Brazil, the new study showed that blood levels of the protein acetyl-L-carnitine were lower in both women and men with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Blood levels of free carnitine, the main byproduct of acetyl-L-carnitine in reactions essential to brain function, steadily declined in women in amounts related to the severity of their cognitive decline. In men, significant declines were seen only in acetyl-L-carnitine, not free carnitine. Published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry online Jan. 7, the study results suggest that declines in these two brain chemicals could indicate the presence and degree of Alzheimer's disease, and that this difference might offer an explanation as to why women are at higher risk of the disease than men. Additional computer testing showed that blood levels of acetyl-L-carnitine and free carnitine aligned in direct proportion in study participants to increased amyloid beta and tangled tau protein levels, long considered markers of progressive severity in Alzheimer's disease. Indeed, the research team's accuracy in diagnosing the severity of Alzheimer's disease rose from more than 80% – when using either amyloid beta and tangled tau protein levels collected from cerebrospinal fluid or the two blood molecules – to 93% when using both. "Our findings offer the strongest evidence to date that decreased blood levels of acetyl-L-carnitine and free carnitine could act as blood biomarkers for identifying those who have Alzheimer's disease, and potentially those who are at greater risk of developing early dementia," said study lead investigator Betty Bigio, PhD. "The results also might explain the differences by sex in Alzheimer's disease, with more women than men having dementia," said Bigio, a research assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Bigio is also affiliated with the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research. "Because declines in acetyl-L-carnitine and free carnitine tracked closely with the severity of Alzheimer's disease, the molecular pathways involved in their production offer other possible therapeutic targets for getting at the root cause of the disease and potentially intervening before permanent brain damage occurs," said senior study investigator Carla Nasca, PhD. Nasca is an assistant professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Nasca is also affiliated with the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research. The study involved data on two separate groups of men and women in Brazil and California, in which the researchers measured blood levels of the two molecules. A total of 93 study volunteers diagnosed with varying degrees of cognitive impairment were involved, along with 32 cognitively healthy men and women of similar age, weight, and education. Results in the Californian group were used to confirm what was found in the Brazilian group. Moving forward, Nasca says more research is needed into the root sources of acetyl-L-carnitine and the molecular pathways that control its production and into tracking how the molecule affects brain chemistry as it is contained in brain vesicle stores released into the blood. The team's goal is to define other biomarkers in the brain that track closely with Alzheimer's disease progression. If further studies confirm their latest findings, Nasca says the team's research could be used to develop a blood test for dementia and for tracking the progression of Alzheimer's disease in an easier and noninvasive way. Currently, searching for biomarkers of disease progression can involve serial spinal taps that pose risks of pain and infection. A blood test might also be useful to support or add a more objective, quantitative measure of disease severity than existing questionnaires that test memory or thinking skills. A blood test, Nasca says, could also help predict the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of potential new drug treatments designed to delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Both acetyl-L-carnitine and free carnitine are essential for healthy brain function and regulating cell energy metabolism. Past research by Nasca's team showed that acetyl-L-carnitine also shuttles molecules from a cell's powerhouse mitochondria to a cell's controlling nucleus, allowing genes to open and become activated. This shuttling action is key in regulating genes that produce the neurotransmitter glutamate, another chemical involved in most brain activities, including nerve cell repair (plasticity). This matters in the hippocampus region of the brain, which helps regulate memory and where initial damage from Alzheimer's diseases is known to appear. Nasca says that excessive levels of glutamate have also been tied to mood disorders and severe cases of depression in humans, disorders closely tied to Alzheimer's disease. Her team has also linked deficiencies in acetyl-L-carnitine, but not free carnitine, to depression and childhood trauma. Future investigations are planned about how to prevent the progression of depression to Alzheimer's disease. Funding support for the study was provided by National Institutes of Health grants R24AG06517, P50AG16573, and P30AG066519. Additional funding support came from the Robertson Therapeutic Development Fund, D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rede D'Or Sao Luiz Hospital Network, International Society for Neurochemistry, Fundacao Carlos Chagas Filho de Ampara a Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Janeiro, Serrapilheira Institute, and Alzheimer's Association grant AARG-D-61541. Besides Bigio and Nasca, other NYU Langone researchers involved in the study are co-investigators Aryeh Korman and Drew Jones. Other study co-investigators are Ricardo Lima-Filho, Felipe Sudo, Claudia Drummond, Naima Assuncao, Bart Vanderborght, Sergio Ferreira, Paulo Mattos, Fernanda Tovar-Moll, Fernanda De Felice, and Mychael Lourenco, at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and the D'Or Institute for Research and Education, also in Brazil; Olivia Barnhill, at Rockefeller University in New York City; James Beasley and Sarah Young, at Duke University in Durham, N.C.; and David Sultzer and Elizabeth Head, at the University of California Irvine. About NYU Langone Health NYU Langone Health is a fully integrated health system that consistently achieves the best patient outcomes through a rigorous focus on quality that has resulted in some of the lowest mortality rates in the nation. Vizient, Inc., has ranked NYU Langone the No. 1 comprehensive academic medical center in the country for three years in a row, and U.S. News & World Report recently placed nine of its clinical specialties among the top five in the nation. NYU Langone offers a comprehensive range of medical services with one high standard of care across six inpatient locations, its Perlmutter Cancer Center, and more than 300 outpatient locations in the New York area and Florida. With $14.2 billion in revenue this year, the system also includes two tuition-free medical schools, in Manhattan and on Long Island, and a vast research enterprise with over $1 billion in active awards from the National Institutes of Health. Media Inquiries: David March 212-404-3528 [email protected] STUDY LINK SOURCE NYU Langone Health System WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

A Dietary Supplement That Helps Recharge Your Energy and Fight Visible Signs of Aging LOS ANGELES, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- February is National Senior Independence Month. It is dedicated to empowering our senior community with the tools and knowledge to achieve well-being and vitality. Dr. Steven Gundry, a cardiothoracic surgeon and renowned expert in health and nutrition, provides invaluable tips to help maintain independence and vitality at any age. Continue Reading Gundry MD Energy Renew is a dietary supplement crafted with the delightful flavors of passionfruit and hibiscus. This specially crafted supplement is designed to help bolster your body's cell vitality, enabling the generation of energy. Formulated with the finest ingredients, including an exclusive polyphenol blend, Gundry MD Energy Renew cannot only support healthy energy levels but also help promote sustained wakefulness and mental clarity, aiding in your daily recovery. Navigating the natural changes that come with aging, like pains and decreased energy, can be challenging. But, Dr. Gundry teaches that aging does not have to equate to this. His motto is to help people 'die young at a ripe old age.' Dr. Gundry emphasizes three key tips to support longevity and vitality: Exercise Snacking: Incorporating short bursts of physical activity throughout the day, or as he likes to call it, "exercise snacking" Exercise snacking is a powerful way to boost energy levels and enhance overall well-being. Simple, quick exercises can make a significant difference in maintaining mobility and vitality, such as doing squats while brushing your teeth, dancing in your living room to an entire song, or leg or calf raises while you're watching TV Gut-Buddy Friendly Diet: Dr. Gundry advocates for a diet that feeds your good gut bacteria and starves the bad bacteria. Eat foods with soluble fiber, like asparagus and pressure-cooked beans. Incorporate fermented foods, like sauerkraut and sugar-free coconut yogurt, daily. And avoid sugary, highly processed foods. Take Supplements: To further support your energy levels and vitality, Dr. Gundry recommends using Gundry MD Energy Renew. This unique supplement features a robust blend of superfruits and hibiscus, combined with D-Ribose and Acetyl L-Carnitine. These ingredients work synergistically to support your energy stores and combat the unpleasant discomfort that comes with aging.†* Energy Renew also boasts a distinctive blend of superfruit extracts, delivering a mega-boost of polyphenols. These compounds act as powerful antioxidants and help "rewind the clock" and offer support to tired, aging cells. By incorporating Gundry MD Energy Renew into your daily routine, you can take proactive steps towards maintaining independence and embracing the joys of aging with vitality.†* What is Gundry MD Energy Renew? Gundry MD Energy Renew is a passion fruit-flavored dietary supplement designed to unleash the benefits of its unique blend of ingredients, promoting youthful energy and vitality. This powerful formula includes superfruits and hibiscus, coupled with D-Ribose and Acetyl L-Carnitine, working harmoniously to help boost cellular energy without the risk of crashing. Within Gundry MD Energy Renew, superfruits flood your body with antioxidants, supporting the immune system and facilitating easier weight management. Meanwhile, the combination of D-Ribose and Acetyl L-Carnitine enhances alertness throughout the day, promoting a youthful feeling and contributing to healthy-looking skin. This well-balanced blend of potent energy boosters and superfruits serves as an ideal pick-me-up for those grappling with exhaustion, weakness, or premature visible aging. Gundry MD Energy Renew also features healthy compounds capable of virtually support aging cells. This unique aspect of the supplement can help foster independence and mobility as you age, making it a comprehensive solution for your overall well-being.†* Where to Purchase Gundry MD Energy Renew Gundry MD Energy Renew can be purchased on the Gundry MD website for the cost of $74.95 for a 30-day supply with a 90-day purchase price guarantee. Suggested Use of Gundry MD Energy Renew Gundry MD Energy Renew can be effortlessly prepared by mixing one scoop of the passionfruit-hibiscus flavored powder with 8 oz. of water. You can incorporate this supplement into your routine at any time of day. Simply mix, sip, and experience the revitalizing benefits of Gundry MD Energy Renew. About Gundry MD Founded in 2015, Gundry MD is dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions to its users by using science-backed ingredients that can offer a boost in metabolism, all-day energy, smooth, easy digestion, and a youthful-feeling mind and body. These amazing results all begin with feeding your body powerful health-boosting nutrients like polyphenols. Based on his many years of nutrition research, Dr. Gundry helps create every Gundry MD product. Best-selling Gundry MD products include Total Restore, Energy Renew, and Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil. All Gundry MD products come with a 90-day purchase price guarantee if you are not satisfied. For more information, visit or @gundrymd on Instagram and Facebook.† About Dr. Gundry Founder of Gundry MD, Dr. Steven Gundry was one of the world's top cardiothoracic surgeons and is currently the medical director at The International Heart and Lung Institute and The Centers for Restorative Medicine in Palm Springs, Beverly Hills, and Santa Barbara, California. He has spent the past 25 years helping people restore their health by optimizing nutrition and lifestyle choices. Steven Gundry, MD is also the host of the top-ranked health podcast, The Dr. Gundry Podcast, and author of four New York Times best-selling books including The Plant Paradox™ which details his famous lectin-free Plant Paradox Diet. His new book Gut Check provides the keys to unlocking our gut health, allowing our bodies, and their microbiome, to function at their highest potential. For more information, visit drgundry.com and the Dr. Gundry YouTube channel, and follow @drstevengundry on Instagram and TikTok. *All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary. Media Contact: Ashley Beenen [email protected] SOURCE Gundry MD