Biochemical profile of propionyl-L-carnitine.

This article briefly discusses biochemical reactions involved in the metabolism of propionate, propionyl-CoA, and propionyl-L-carnitine in the heart. The aim is to understand the way in which propionyl-L-carnitine can exert a protective effect on the ischemic/reperfused heart. The protection of the plasmalemma by propionyl-L-carnitine during acidosis of the heart is also discussed. One protective mechanism is based on the ability of propionate to replenish mitochondria with dicarboxylic acid intermediates of the citric acid cycle and to increase the cellular content of carnitine, both of which may stimulate the generation of energy in the postischemic reperfusion phase. Another mechanism presumes a stabilizing action of acylcarnitines upon biomembranes.