Yaghubi E
Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Title: L-carnitine supplementation in pemphigus vulgaris: A randomized controlled trial
Biography
Biography: Yaghubi E
Abstract
Background: Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering disease of skin and mucus membranes. The first-line treatment for PV involves corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, which can cause various side-effects.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of oral L-carnitine supplementation on oxidative stress index (OSI) and antioxidant capacity in patients suffering from PV. Methods: In this clinical study, 52 PV patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either 2g L-carnitine (n=26) or placebo (n=26) for 8 weeks. The serum levels of carnitine, OSI, total oxidative capacity (TOC) and total ant-oxidative capacity (TAC) were measured before and after intervention. Data were analyzed by student t-test, paired t-test and analysis of covariance. Results: only 47 participants [LC group (n=24) and placebo group (n=23)] completed the trial. LC intake significantly decreased serum OSI (p<0.05). There were considerable increases in serum levels of TAC and carnitine. However, no significant difference was demonstrated in TOC serum between the LC and placebo groups. Additionally, within-group comparisons indicated a remarkable increase in serum carnitine (p<0.001) and a significant decrease in OSI (p=0.003) and TOC (p=0.01) in the supplemented group. No harmful effects were observed during the study. Conclusion: This is the novel study to examine the beneficial impacts of LC supplementation on inflammatory mediators in patients with PV. To confirm these results, further trials are warranted.