Effect of Acetyl-L-carnitine on Chronic Pancreatitis

An open label pilot study will determine the effect of the amino acid nutritional supplement acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) on pain, quality of life, well-being, and serum pro-inflammatory mediator and oxidative stress levels in volunteers with chronic pancreatitis. The ALC is given to all participants for 3 months, and assessments will occur at intake and after 3 months.

This is an open label pilot study to determine the effect of the amino acid nutritional supplement acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) on chronic pancreatitis. ALC is an acetylated form of naturally occurring amino acid L-carnitine ((R)-3-Acetyloxy-4-trimethylammonio-butanoate) found in red meat and is readily commercially available. Supplementation with ALC may decrease pain and improve overall health based on our preclinical treatment studies in rats with high fat and alcohol induced pancreatitis. In rats, ALC reduces pain measures, improves glucose tolerance, decreases lipid peroxidation, and Ki67 cellular injury biomarker, and improves pancreatic histopathology. The measurable outcomes of this clinical study are patients' questionnaire scores for: pain, quality of life, well-being, and serum pro-inflammatory mediator and oxidative stress levels in volunteers with chronic pancreatitis. The questionnaires are given at intake and at experiment end (3 months). Participants will receive ALC for 3 months. These findings will indirectly determine the effect of ALC on the function and inflammatory state of the pancreas. Currently, there is no specific therapy for chronic pancreatitis, and its pathophysiology is still poorly understood. It is known that chronic pancreatitis is caused by ongoing inflammation in the pancreas, yet, no pharmacological intervention exists that optimally addresses this. The broad actions of ALC as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent as well as its ability to reduce side-effects of alcohol cessation make it a perfect compound to pursue for the treatment of pancreatitis.

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5-<10 Mild Depression; 10-<15 Moderate Depression; 15-<20 Moderately Severe Depression; >20 Severe Depression

Inclusion Criteria: Only patients with chronic pancreatitis are included. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with pancreatic pseudocysts, abscesses, pseudoaneurysms, pancreatitic fistulas, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, Females that are pregnant or lactating Children are excluded. Patients suffering from seizure or thyroid disorders are also excluded due to possible exaggeration of their symptoms from taking ALC according to manufacturer.

One young participant (>35) successfully completed the trial and provided a personal statement and data indicating the acetyl-L-carnatine had improved his pancreatitis. Two older individuals (>60) withdrew from the study within two months citing inability to tolerate the acidity of the product. Difficulties recruiting in this very ill population was also a consideration in termination. For additional information contact sabrina.mcilwrath@uky.edu