Propionyl-L-carnitine is a naturally occurring carnitine derivative formed by carnitine acetyltransferase during β-oxidation of uneven chain fatty acids. Propionyl-L-carnitine increases the basal release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2; ) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α in carrageenan-stimulated isolated rat peritoneal cells contaminated with neutrophils and increases the basal release of thromboxane B2 (TXB2; ) in non-contaminated cells. It reduces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreases the expression of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), NOX4, and ICAM-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). It also increases the rate of revascularization and the hind limb vascular area in a rabbit model of hind limb ischemia when administered at a dose of 10 mg per animal. Propionyl-L-carnitine reduces mitochondrial dysfunction induced by ischemia, preventing mitochondrial calcium overload, and depletion of ATP tissue stores in a rabbit model of ischemia.
