Acylcarnitine C18:2-OH Unit Converter

Acylcarnitine C18:2-OH (3-hydroxylinoleoylcarnitine) is a hydroxylated long-chain acylcarnitine found in the blood. It forms when linoleic acid (an 18-carbon fatty acid with two double bonds) undergoes partial breakdown in mitochondria and the intermediate is conjugated to carnitine.

Under normal conditions, this intermediate is rapidly processed further down the fatty acid oxidation pathway. When specific enzymes in that pathway are impaired, C18:2-OH accumulates and can be detected in plasma or dried blood spots.

It is measured as part of an acylcarnitine profile, a panel used to screen for inherited disorders of fatty acid oxidation and organic acid metabolism.

C18:2-OH is produced in mitochondria throughout the body when linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid obtained from the diet) undergoes beta-oxidation. It forms as a 3-hydroxy intermediate and is conjugated to carnitine for transport out of the mitochondria when the pathway is blocked or overwhelmed.