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: http://dx.doi.org/10.1517/13543784.17.6.827

Publication date: 2008-06-01

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