Urology
Volume 63, Issue 4 , Pages 641-646, April 2004

Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue associated with male aging☆

  • G. Cavallini

      Affiliations

    • Andrological Operative Unit, Headquarters of Società Italiana di Studi di Medicina della Riproduzione, Bologna, Italy
    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint requests: Giorgio Cavallini, M.D., via Mascheraio 46, Ferrara 44100, Italy
    • ,
  • S. Caracciolo

      Affiliations

    • Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
    • ,
  • G. Vitali

      Affiliations

    • Andrological Operative Unit, Headquarters of Società Italiana di Studi di Medicina della Riproduzione, Bologna, Italy
    • ,
  • F. Modenini

      Affiliations

    • Andrological Operative Unit, Headquarters of Società Italiana di Studi di Medicina della Riproduzione, Bologna, Italy
    • ,
  • G. Biagiotti

      Affiliations

    • Andrological Operative Unit, Satellite Center of Società Italiana di Studi di Medicina della Riproduzione, Fermo (Ascoli Piceno), Italy

Received 11 July 2003; accepted 3 November 2003.

Abstract 

Objectives

To compare testosterone undecanoate versus propionyl-l-carnitine plus acetyl-l-carnitine and placebo in the treatment of male aging symptoms.

Methods

A total of 120 patients were randomized into three groups. The mean patient age was 66 years (range 60 to 74). Group 1 was given testosterone undecanoate 160 mg/day, the second group was given propionyl-l-carnitine 2 g/day plus acetyl-l-carnitine 2 g/day. The third group was given a placebo (starch). Drugs and placebo were given for 6 months. The assessed variables were total prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, resistive index of cavernosal penile arteries, nocturnal penile tumescence, total and free testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, International Index of Erectile Function score, Depression Melancholia Scale score, fatigue scale score, and incidence of side effects. The assessment was performed at intervals before, during, and after therapy.

Results

Testosterone and carnitines significantly improved the peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, resistive index, nocturnal penile tumescence, International Index of Erectile Function score, Depression Melancholia Scale score, and fatigue scale score. Carnitines proved significantly more active than testosterone in improving nocturnal penile tumescence and International Index of Erectile Function score. Testosterone significantly increased the prostate volume and free and total testosterone levels and significantly lowered serum luteinizing hormone; carnitines did not. No drug significantly modified prostate-specific antigen or prolactin. Carnitines and testosterone proved effective for as long as they were administered, with suspension provoking a reversal to baseline values. Only the group 1 prostate volume proved significantly greater than baseline 6 months after testosterone suspension. Placebo administration proved ineffective. Negligible side effects emerged.

Conclusions

Testosterone and, especially, carnitines proved to be active drugs for the therapy of symptoms associated with male aging.

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☆ G. Cavallini and G. Biagiotti are patent inventors for the association of Acetyl-l-Carnitine/Propionyl-l-Carnitine for the therapy of symptoms associated with partial androgen deficiency of the aging male.

PII: S0090-4295(03)01301-3

doi:10.1016/j.urology.2003.11.009

Urology
Volume 63, Issue 4 , Pages 641-646, April 2004

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