Taregting acylcarnitine content in vascular tissue to attenuate development of atherosclerosis

Objective: The increase in the tissue and plasma pools of acylcarnitines, esters of fatty acid and L-carnitine, have been linked to the disturbed energy metabolism and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methyl-γ-butyrobetaine (methyl-GBB) is a potent inhibitor of L-carnitine biosynthesis and transport, which lowers acylcarnitine content in heart tissues. In this study, the effects of methyl-GBB on the progression of atherosclerosis and the levels of acylcarnitines in vascular tissues were evaluated.