10.6084/m9.figshare.7392776.v1 Samulak J.J. Samulak J.J. Sawicka A.K. Sawicka A.K. Hartmane D. Hartmane D. Grinberga S. Grinberga S. Pugovics O. Pugovics O. Lysiak-Szydlowska W. Lysiak-Szydlowska W. Olek R.A. Olek R.A. Supplementary Material for: L-Carnitine Supplementation Increases Trimethylamine-N-Oxide but not Markers of Atherosclerosis in Healthy Aged Women Karger Publishers 2018 Aging Cardiovascular health Inflammation 2018-11-28 14:39:50 Dataset https://karger.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Supplementary_Material_for_L-Carnitine_Supplementation_Increases_Trimethylamine-N-Oxide_but_not_Markers_of_Atherosclerosis_in_Healthy_Aged_Women/7392776 <b><i>Background:</i></b> L-carnitine can be metabolized to trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a molecule that promotes atherogenesis through its interaction with macrophages and lipid metabolism. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of the present study was to assess whether L-carnitine supplementation may promote changes in selected serum biomarkers of atherosclerosis. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Before the start, in the mid-point and after completing the 24-weeks supplementation protocol, fasting blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein. Plasma free L-carnitine and TMAO were determined by the UPLC/MS/MS method. Serum proteins were determined by the enzyme immunoassay method using commercially available kits. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides have been determined using standard automatic analyzer. <b><i>Results:</i></b> L-carnitine supplementation elevated fasting plasma carnitine in the mid-point of our study and it remained increased until the end of supplementation period. Moreover, it induced tenfold increase in plasma TMAO concentration but did not affect serum C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α, L-selectin, P-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 or lipid profile markers. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> We demonstrated that ­although oral L-carnitine supplementation significantly ­increased plasma TMAO concentration, no lipid profile changes or other markers of adverse cardiovascular events were detected in healthy aged women over the period of 24 weeks.