A "conditionally essential" nutrient, L-carnitine, as a primary suspect in endometriosis

Fertil Steril. 2011 Jun 30;95(8):2759-60. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.04.091. Epub 2011 May 26.

Abstract

L-carnitine, when administered to young female mice, has been shown to induce a pathologic condition resembling human endometriosis accompanied by a marked degree of infertility. Thus, the use of this nutrient by young women may be a potential risk factor responsible for the onset of endometriosis at a later stage of their lives.

MeSH terms

  • Alprostadil / metabolism
  • Amino Acids, Essential / adverse effects*
  • Animals
  • Carnitine / adverse effects*
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Dietary Supplements / adverse effects*
  • Dinoprostone / metabolism
  • Endometriosis / etiology*
  • Endometriosis / metabolism
  • Endometriosis / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Fertility
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Amino Acids, Essential
  • Cytokines
  • Alprostadil
  • Dinoprostone
  • Carnitine