Acetyl-L-carnitine and α-lipoic acid: possible neurotherapeutic agents for mood disorders?
Authors: Soczynska, Joanna K; Kennedy, Sidney H; Chow, Cindy SM; Woldeyohannes, Hanna O; Konarski, Jakub Z; McIntyre, Roger S
Source: Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, Volume 17, Number 6, June 2008 , pp. 827-843(17)
Publisher: Informa Healthcare
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Abstract:
Background: Mood disorders are associated with decrements in cognitive function, which are insufficiently treated with contemporary pharmacotherapies. Objectives: To evaluate the putative neurotherapeutic effects of the mitochondrial cofactors, L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, and α-lipoic acid; and to provide a rationale for investigating their efficacy in the treatment of neurocognitive deficits associated with mood disorders. Methods: A PubMed search of English-language articles published between January 1966 and March 2007 was conducted using the search terms carnitine and lipoic acid. Results: L-carnitine and α-lipoic acid may offer neurotherapeutic effects (e.g., neurocognitive enhancement) via disparate mechanisms including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulation. Preliminary controlled trials in depressed geriatric populations also suggest an antidepressant effect with acetyl-L-carnitine. Conclusions: L-carnitine and α-lipoic acid are pleiotropic agents capable of offering neuroprotective and possibly cognitive-enhancing effects for neuropsychiatric disorders in which cognitive deficits are an integral feature.Keywords: bipolar disorder; cognition; depression; lipoic acid; L-carnitine; memory; neuroprotection
Document Type: Research article
DOI: 10.1517/13543784.17.6.827
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