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Marinova Z, Maercker A, Grünblatt E, Wojdacz TK, Walitza S. A pilot investigation on DNA methylation modifications associated with complex posttraumatic symptoms in elderly traumatized in childhood. BMC Res Notes 2017; 10:752. [PMID: 29258561 PMCID: PMC5738217 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-3082-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is a newly proposed diagnosis in the International Classification of Diseases-version 11, which is currently intensively investigated. Childhood trauma is regarded as main source of CPTSD symptoms, even in later life. Induction of DNA methylation changes by childhood trauma may contribute to its long-lasting adverse health consequences. The current study analyzed the correlation of genome-wide DNA methylation profiles with complex posttraumatic sequelae in buccal epithelial cells from 31 elderly former indentured child laborers (Verdingkinder) using the Infinium Illumina 450k Human DNA methylation chip. RESULTS DNA methylation modifications indicated experiment-wide significant associations with the following complex posttraumatic symptom domains: dissociation, tension reduction behavior and dysfunctional sexual behavior. Differentially methylated CpG sites were mapped to the genes huntington associated protein 1 (HAP1), RAN binding protein 2 (RANBP2) and proteasome subunit alpha 4 (PSMA4), respectively. In addition, the methylation of cg07225277 located in carnosine synthase 1 (CARNS1) correlated with trauma symptom complexity. Our pilot data suggest correlation of DNA methylation modifications with complex posttraumatic symptoms in elderly individuals subjected to prolonged and complex childhood trauma. More comprehensive and elaborated studies should be carried out to analyze epigenetic modifications associated with CPTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoya Marinova
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Maercker
- Department of Psychology, Division of Psychopathology and Clinical Intervention, University of Zurich, Binzmühlerstrasse 14/17, Raum BIN 3 E 14, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Edna Grünblatt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tomasz K Wojdacz
- Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Baye E, Menon K, de Courten MPJ, Earnest A, Cameron J, de Courten B. Does supplementation with carnosine improve cardiometabolic health and cognitive function in patients with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes? study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e017691. [PMID: 28864708 PMCID: PMC5588946 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Carnosine, an over-the-counter food supplement, has a promising potential for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM), cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases through its anti-inflammatory, antiglycation, antioxidative and chelating effects. We have previously shown that supplementation with carnosine preserves insulin sensitivity and secretion in non-diabetic overweight and obese individuals. The effect of carnosine on cardiometabolic risk and related cognitive outcomes in patients with pre-diabetes and T2DM has thus far not been studied. We therefore aim to investigate whether supplementation with carnosine improves cardiometabolic health and cognitive function in patients with pre-diabetes and T2DM. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will employ a parallel design randomised controlled trial. Fifty participants with pre-diabetes (impaired fasting glycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance) and T2DM (with HbA1c level < 8%) aged between 18 to 70 years will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. At baseline, participants will undergo a medical review and series of tests including anthropometric measurements (body mass index, a dual X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography scan), an oral glucose tolerance test, cardiovascular measurements (central blood pressure, endothelial function and arterial stiffness), cognitive function, physical activity measurement, heart rate variability and liver fibroscan as well as questionnaires to assess dietary habits, sleep quality, depression and quality of life. The intervention group will receive 2 g of carnosine daily in two divided doses while the control group will receive identical placebo capsules for 14 weeks. All baseline measurements will be repeated at the end of the intervention. The change in glycaemic, cardiovascular and cognitive parameters as well as other measures will be compared between the groups. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study is approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Monash Health and Monash University, Australia. The findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02917928; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estifanos Baye
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirthi Menon
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maximilian PJ de Courten
- Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arul Earnest
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - James Cameron
- Monash Cardiovascular Research Centre, Monash Heart, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Barbora de Courten
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Unit, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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53
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Hipkiss AR. On the Relationship between Energy Metabolism, Proteostasis, Aging and Parkinson's Disease: Possible Causative Role of Methylglyoxal and Alleviative Potential of Carnosine. Aging Dis 2017; 8:334-345. [PMID: 28580188 PMCID: PMC5440112 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2016.1030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research shows that energy metabolism can strongly influence proteostasis and thereby affect onset of aging and related disease such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Changes in glycolytic and proteolytic activities (influenced by diet and development) are suggested to synergistically create a self-reinforcing deleterious cycle via enhanced formation of triose phosphates (dihydroxyacetone-phosphate and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate) and their decomposition product methylglyoxal (MG). It is proposed that triose phosphates and/or MG contribute to the development of PD and its attendant pathophysiological symptoms. MG can induce many of the macromolecular modifications (e.g. protein glycation) which characterise the aged-phenotype. MG can also react with dopamine to generate a salsolinol-like product, 1-acetyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinaline (ADTIQ), which accumulates in the Parkinson's disease (PD) brain and whose effects on mitochondria, analogous to MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine), closely resemble changes associated with PD. MG can directly damage the intracellular proteolytic apparatus and modify proteins into non-degradable (cross-linked) forms. It is suggested that increased endogenous MG formation may result from either, or both, enhanced glycolytic activity and decreased proteolytic activity and contribute to the macromolecular changes associated with PD. Carnosine, a naturally-occurring dipeptide, may ameliorate MG-induced effects due, in part, to its carbonyl-scavenging activity. The possibility that ingestion of highly glycated proteins could also contribute to age-related brain dysfunction is briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R. Hipkiss
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing (ARCHA), School of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, United Kingdom
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54
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Nealon NJ, Yuan L, Yang X, Ryan EP. Rice Bran and Probiotics Alter the Porcine Large Intestine and Serum Metabolomes for Protection against Human Rotavirus Diarrhea. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:653. [PMID: 28484432 PMCID: PMC5399067 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Human rotavirus (HRV) is a leading cause of severe childhood diarrhea, and there is limited vaccine efficacy in the developing world. Neonatal gnotobiotic pigs consuming a prophylactic synbiotic combination of probiotics and rice bran (Pro+RB) did not exhibit HRV diarrhea after challenge. Multiple immune, gut barrier protective, and anti-diarrheal mechanisms contributed to the prophylactic efficacy of Pro+RB when compared to probiotics (Pro) alone. In order to understand the molecular signature associated with diarrheal protection by Pro+RB, a global non-targeted metabolomics approach was applied to investigate the large intestinal contents and serum of neonatal gnotobiotic pigs. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry platform revealed significantly different metabolites (293 in LIC and 84 in serum) in the pigs fed Pro+RB compared to Pro, and many of these metabolites were lipids and amino acid/peptides. Lipid metabolites included 2-oleoylglycerol (increased 293.40-fold in LIC of Pro+RB, p = 3.04E-10), which can modulate gastric emptying, andhyodeoxycholate (decreased 0.054-fold in the LIC of Pro+RB, p = 0.0040) that can increase colonic mucus production to improve intestinal barrier function. Amino acid metabolites included cysteine (decreased 0.40-fold in LIC, p = 0.033, and 0.62-fold in serum, p = 0.014 of Pro+RB), which has been found to reduce inflammation, lower oxidative stress and modulate mucosal immunity, and histamine (decreased 0.18-fold in LIC, p = 0.00030, of Pro+RB and 1.57-fold in serum, p = 0.043), which modulates local and systemic inflammatory responses as well as influences the enteric nervous system. Alterations to entire LIC and serum metabolic pathways further contributed to the anti-diarrheal and anti-viral activities of Pro+RB such as sphingolipid, mono/diacylglycerol, fatty acid, secondary bile acid, and polyamine metabolism. Sphingolipid and long chain fatty acid profiles influenced the ability of HRV to both infect and replicate within cells, suggesting that Pro+RB created a protective lipid profile that interferes with HRV activity. Polyamines act on enterocyte calcium-sensing receptors to modulate intracellular calcium levels, and may directly interfere with rotavirus replication. These results support that multiple host and probiotic metabolic networks, notably those involving lipid and amino acid/peptide metabolism, are important mechanisms through which Pro+RB protected against HRV diarrhea in neonatal gnotobiotic pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Jean Nealon
- Nutrition and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort CollinsCO, USA
| | - Lijuan Yuan
- Yuan Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, BlacksburgVA, USA
| | - Xingdong Yang
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, BethesdaMD, USA
| | - Elizabeth P Ryan
- Nutrition and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort CollinsCO, USA
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Hipkiss AR. Depression, Diabetes and Dementia: Formaldehyde May Be a Common Causal Agent; Could Carnosine, a Pluripotent Peptide, Be Protective? Aging Dis 2017; 8:128-130. [PMID: 28400979 PMCID: PMC5362172 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2017.0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Hipkiss
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing (ARCHA), Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, U.K
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56
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Davies SS, Zhang LS. Reactive Carbonyl Species Scavengers-Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Chronic Diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 3:51-67. [PMID: 28993795 DOI: 10.1007/s40495-017-0081-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW To summarize recent evidence supporting the use of reactive carbonyl species scavengers in the prevention and treatment of disease. RECENT FINDINGS The newly developed 2-aminomethylphenol class of scavengers shows great promise in preclinical trials for a number of diverse conditions including neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular disease. In addition, new studies with the thiol-based and imidazole-based scavengers have found new applications outside of adjunctive therapy for chemotherapeutics. SUMMARY Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by cells and tissues act as signaling molecules and as cytotoxic agents to defend against pathogens, but ROS also cause collateral damage to vital cellular components. The polyunsaturated fatty acyl chains of phospholipids in the cell membranes are particularly vulnerable to damaging peroxidation by ROS. Evidence suggests that the breakdown of these peroxidized lipids to reactive carbonyls species plays a critical role in many chronic diseases. Antioxidants that abrogate ROS-induced formation of reactive carbonyl species also abrogate normal ROS signaling and thus exert both beneficial and adverse functional effects. The use of scavengers of reactive dicarbonyl species represent an alternative therapeutic strategy to potentially mitigate the adverse effects of ROS without abrogating normal signaling by ROS. In this review, we focus on three classes of reactive carbonyl species scavengers: thiol-based scavengers (2-mercaptoethanesulfonate and amifostine), imidazole-based scavengers (carnosine and its analogs), and 2-aminomethylphenols-based scavengers (pyridoxamine, 2-hydroxybenzylamine, and 5'-O-pentyl-pyridoxamine) that are either undergoing pre-clinical studies, advancing to clinical trials, or are already in clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean S Davies
- Department of Pharmacology and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, 556 Robinson Research Building, 2220 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232-6602
| | - Linda S Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, 556 Robinson Research Building, 2220 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232-6602
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57
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Khan I, Samson SE, Grover AK. Antioxidant Supplements and Gastrointestinal Diseases: A Critical Appraisal. Med Princ Pract 2017; 26:201-217. [PMID: 28278495 PMCID: PMC5588418 DOI: 10.1159/000468988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract digests and absorbs dietary nutrients, protects the body against physical and chemical damage from contents in its lumen, provides immunity against external antigens, and keeps an optimum environment for the gut microbiota. These functions cannot be performed normally in several diseases of which the following are discussed here: irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Because these diseases are associated with oxidative stress, a host of antioxidant supplements are used for maintenance and recovery of the gut functions. However, the benefits of these supplements have not been established. The available 80 human trials were rated for levels of confidence and for benefits of the antioxidant supplements. For Crohn's disease, the supplements for which clear benefits occurred in at least 2 studies were allopurinol, Boswellia serrata (frankincense or shallaki), Artemesia species (wormwood), Tripterygium wilfordii (léi gōng téng), and omega-3 fatty acids. Similar beneficial supplements for ulcerative colitis were allopurinol, Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile), Curcuma longa (curcumin in turmeric), and omega-3 fatty acids. There was also a clear benefit for ulcerative colitis in 2 studies where a multiherbal Chinese medicine preparation and an Ayurvedic medicine preparation were used. For irritable bowel syndrome, there was only a marginal benefit of some of the antioxidant supplements. Thus, some antioxidant supplements may be beneficial at certain stages of specific diseases. This is consistent with the current concept that antioxidants act by inhibiting oxidative stress pathways in a tissue- and environment-specific manner and not by simply acting as scavengers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Sue E. Samson
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ashok Kumar Grover
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- *Dr. Ashok Kumar Grover, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 (Canada), E-Mail
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58
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Carnosine and the processes of ageing. Maturitas 2016; 93:28-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Baye E, Ukropcova B, Ukropec J, Hipkiss A, Aldini G, de Courten B. Physiological and therapeutic effects of carnosine on cardiometabolic risk and disease. Amino Acids 2016; 48:1131-49. [PMID: 26984320 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2208-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are the most common preventable causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. They represent major public health threat to our society. Increasing prevalence of obesity and T2DM contributes to escalating morbidity and mortality from CVD and stroke. Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a dipeptide with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-glycation, anti-ischaemic and chelating roles and is available as an over-the-counter food supplement. Animal evidence suggests that carnosine may offer many promising therapeutic benefits for multiple chronic diseases due to these properties. Carnosine, traditionally used in exercise physiology to increase exercise performance, has potential preventative and therapeutic benefits in obesity, insulin resistance, T2DM and diabetic microvascular and macrovascular complications (CVD and stroke) as well as number of neurological and mental health conditions. However, relatively little evidence is available in humans. Thus, future studies should focus on well-designed clinical trials to confirm or refute a potential role of carnosine in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases in humans, in addition to advancing knowledge from the basic science and animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estifanos Baye
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia.,Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Barbara Ukropcova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.,Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jozef Ukropec
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alan Hipkiss
- School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbora de Courten
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia. .,Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
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Chicken Essence for Cognitive Function Improvement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2016; 8:nu8010057. [PMID: 26805876 PMCID: PMC4728668 DOI: 10.3390/nu8010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chicken essence (CE) is a popular traditional remedy in Asia, which is believed to improve cognitive functions. CE company claimed that the health benefits were proven with research studies. A systematic review was conducted to determine the cognitive-enhancing effects of CE. We systematically searched a number of databases for randomized controlled trials with human subjects consuming CE and cognitive tests involved. Cochrane’s Risk of Bias (ROB) tool was used to assess the quality of trials and meta-analysis was performed. Seven trials were included, where six healthy subjects and one subject with poorer cognitive functions were recruited. One trial had unclear ROB while the rest had high ROB. For executive function tests, there was a significant difference favoring CE (pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) of −0.55 (−1.04, −0.06)) and another with no significant difference (pooled SMD of 0.70 (−0.001, 1.40)). For short-term memory tests, no significant difference was found (pooled SMD of 0.63 (−0.16, 1.42)). Currently, there is a lack of convincing evidence to show a cognitive enhancing effect of CE.
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Macedo LW, Cararo JH, Maravai SG, Gonçalves CL, Oliveira GMT, Kist LW, Guerra Martinez C, Kurtenbach E, Bogo MR, Hipkiss AR, Streck EL, Schuck PF, Ferreira GC. Acute Carnosine Administration Increases Respiratory Chain Complexes and Citric Acid Cycle Enzyme Activities in Cerebral Cortex of Young Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:5582-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9475-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Hipkiss AR. Possible Benefit of Dietary Carnosine towards Depressive Disorders. Aging Dis 2015; 6:300-3. [PMID: 26425385 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2014.1211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Many stress-related and depressive disorders have been shown to be associated with one or more of the following; shortened telomeres, raised cortisol levels and increased susceptibility to age-related dysfunction. It is suggested here that insufficient availability of the neurological peptide, carnosine, may provide a biochemical link between stress- and depression-associated phenomena: there is evidence that carnosine can enhance cortisol metabolism, suppress telomere shortening and exert anti-aging activity in model systems. Dietary supplementation with carnosine has been shown to suppress stress in animals, and improve behaviour, cognition and well-being in human subjects. It is therefore proposed that the therapeutic potential of carnosine dietary supplementation towards stress-related and depressive disorders should be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Hipkiss
- School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, U.K
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63
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Solis MY, Cooper S, Hobson RM, Artioli GG, Otaduy MC, Roschel H, Robertson J, Martin D, S Painelli V, Harris RC, Gualano B, Sale C. Effects of beta-alanine supplementation on brain homocarnosine/carnosine signal and cognitive function: an exploratory study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123857. [PMID: 25875297 PMCID: PMC4397072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Two independent studies were conducted to examine the effects of 28 d of beta-alanine supplementation at 6.4 g d-1 on brain homocarnosine/carnosine signal in omnivores and vegetarians (Study 1) and on cognitive function before and after exercise in trained cyclists (Study 2). Methods In Study 1, seven healthy vegetarians (3 women and 4 men) and seven age- and sex-matched omnivores undertook a brain 1H-MRS exam at baseline and after beta-alanine supplementation. In study 2, nineteen trained male cyclists completed four 20-Km cycling time trials (two pre supplementation and two post supplementation), with a battery of cognitive function tests (Stroop test, Sternberg paradigm, Rapid Visual Information Processing task) being performed before and after exercise on each occasion. Results In Study 1, there were no within-group effects of beta-alanine supplementation on brain homocarnosine/carnosine signal in either vegetarians (p = 0.99) or omnivores (p = 0.27); nor was there any effect when data from both groups were pooled (p = 0.19). Similarly, there was no group by time interaction for brain homocarnosine/carnosine signal (p = 0.27). In study 2, exercise improved cognitive function across all tests (P<0.05), although there was no effect (P>0.05) of beta-alanine supplementation on response times or accuracy for the Stroop test, Sternberg paradigm or RVIP task at rest or after exercise. Conclusion 28 d of beta-alanine supplementation at 6.4g d-1 appeared not to influence brain homocarnosine/carnosine signal in either omnivores or vegetarians; nor did it influence cognitive function before or after exercise in trained cyclists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Yazigi Solis
- School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-030, Brazil
| | - Simon Cooper
- Biomedical, Life and Health Sciences Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Ruth M Hobson
- Biomedical, Life and Health Sciences Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Guilherme G Artioli
- School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-030, Brazil
| | - Maria C Otaduy
- LIM44, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05403-900, Brazil
| | - Hamilton Roschel
- School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-030, Brazil
| | - Jacques Robertson
- Biomedical, Life and Health Sciences Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Daniel Martin
- Biomedical, Life and Health Sciences Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Vitor S Painelli
- School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-030, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Gualano
- School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-030, Brazil
| | - Craig Sale
- Biomedical, Life and Health Sciences Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
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Stvolinsky SL, Fedorova TN, Berezhnoy DS, Logvinenko AA, Muzychuk OA, Inozemtsev AA. Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) increases the efficacy of learning under conditions of oxidative stress related to the development of conditioned response with negative reinforcement. NEUROCHEM J+ 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712414040096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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65
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Golomb BA, Allison M, Koperski S, Koslik HJ, Devaraj S, Ritchie JB. Coenzyme Q10 benefits symptoms in Gulf War veterans: results of a randomized double-blind study. Neural Comput 2014; 26:2594-651. [PMID: 25149705 DOI: 10.1162/neco_a_00659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
We sought to assess whether coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) benefits the chronic multisymptom problems that affect one-quarter to one-third of 1990-1 Gulf War veterans, using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Participants were 46 veterans meeting Kansas and Centers for Disease Control criteria for Gulf War illness. Intervention was PharmaNord (Denmark) CoQ10 100 mg per day (Q100), 300 mg per day (Q300), or an identical-appearing placebo for 3.5 ± 0.5 months. General self-rated health (GSRH), the primary outcome, differed across randomization arms at baseline, and sex significantly predicted GSRH change, compelling adjustment for baseline GSRH and prompting sex-stratified analysis. GSRH showed no significant benefit in the combined-sex sample. Among males (85% of participants), Q100 significantly benefited GSRH versus placebo and versus Q300, providing emphasis on Q100. Physical function (summary performance score, SPS) improved on Q100 versus placebo. A rise in CoQ10 approached significance as a predictor of improvement in GSRH and significantly predicted SPS improvement. Among 20 symptoms each present in half or more of the enrolled veterans, direction-of-difference on Q100 versus placebo was favorable for all except sleep problems; sign test 19:1, p=0.00004) with several symptoms individually significant. Significance for these symptoms despite the small sample underscores large effect sizes, and an apparent relation of key outcomes to CoQ10 change increases prospects for causality. In conclusion, Q100 conferred benefit to physical function and symptoms in veterans with Gulf War illness. Examination in a larger sample is warranted, and findings from this study can inform the conduct of a larger trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice A Golomb
- Departments of Medicine and of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A.
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Lombardi C, Carubelli V, Lazzarini V, Vizzardi E, Bordonali T, Ciccarese C, Castrini AI, Dei Cas A, Nodari S, Metra M. Effects of oral administration of orodispersible levo-carnosine on quality of life and exercise performance in patients with chronic heart failure. Nutrition 2014; 31:72-8. [PMID: 25287762 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2014.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 03/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic heart failure (CHF) is characterized by several micronutrient deficits. Amino acid supplementation may have a positive effect on nutritional and metabolic status in patients with CHF. Levo-carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is expressed at a high concentration in myocardium and muscle. Preliminary studies with L-carnosine in healthy individuals have suggested a potential role in improving exercise performance. To our knowledge, no study has been conducted in patients with heart failure. The aim of this study was to test the oral supplementation of L-carnosine and its effects on quality of life and exercise performance in patients with stable CHF. METHODS Fifty patients with stable CHF and severe left-ventricular systolic dysfunction on optimal medical therapy were randomized 1:1 to receive oral orodispersible L-carnosine (500 mg OD) or standard treatment. Left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured by echocardiography. Cardiopulmonary stress test, 6-minute walking test (6 MWT) and quality-of-life (visual analog scale score and the EuroQOL five dimensions questionnaire [EQ-5D]) were performed at baseline and after 6 mo. RESULTS Patients receiving orodispersible L-carnosine had an improvement in 6 MWT distance (P = 0.014) and in quality-of-life (VAS score) (P = 0.039) between baseline and follow-up. Compared with controls, diet supplementation with orodispersible L-carnosine was associated with an improvement in peakVO2 (P < 0.0001), VO2 at anaerobic threshold, peak exercise workload, 6 MWT and quality-of-life assessed by the EQ-5D test and the VAS score. CONCLUSION This study suggests that L-carnosine, added to conventional therapy, has beneficial effects on exercise performance and quality of life in stable CHF. More data are necessary to evaluate its effects on left-ventricular ejection fraction and prognosis in CHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Lombardi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health University and Civil Hospital of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Valentina Carubelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health University and Civil Hospital of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Lazzarini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health University and Civil Hospital of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Enrico Vizzardi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health University and Civil Hospital of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Tania Bordonali
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health University and Civil Hospital of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Camilla Ciccarese
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health University and Civil Hospital of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Anna Isotta Castrini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health University and Civil Hospital of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dei Cas
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health University and Civil Hospital of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Savina Nodari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health University and Civil Hospital of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Metra
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health University and Civil Hospital of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Abstract
Carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine) was discovered in 1900 as an abundant non-protein nitrogen-containing compound of meat. The dipeptide is not only found in skeletal muscle, but also in other excitable tissues. Most animals, except humans, also possess a methylated variant of carnosine, either anserine or ophidine/balenine, collectively called the histidine-containing dipeptides. This review aims to decipher the physiological roles of carnosine, based on its biochemical properties. The latter include pH-buffering, metal-ion chelation, and antioxidant capacity as well as the capacity to protect against formation of advanced glycation and lipoxidation end-products. For these reasons, the therapeutic potential of carnosine supplementation has been tested in numerous diseases in which ischemic or oxidative stress are involved. For several pathologies, such as diabetes and its complications, ocular disease, aging, and neurological disorders, promising preclinical and clinical results have been obtained. Also the pathophysiological relevance of serum carnosinase, the enzyme actively degrading carnosine into l-histidine and β-alanine, is discussed. The carnosine system has evolved as a pluripotent solution to a number of homeostatic challenges. l-Histidine, and more specifically its imidazole moiety, appears to be the prime bioactive component, whereas β-alanine is mainly regulating the synthesis of the dipeptide. This paper summarizes a century of scientific exploration on the (patho)physiological role of carnosine and related compounds. However, far more experiments in the fields of physiology and related disciplines (biology, pharmacology, genetics, molecular biology, etc.) are required to gain a full understanding of the function and applications of this intriguing molecule.
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Hipkiss AR. Aging risk factors and Parkinson's disease: contrasting roles of common dietary constituents. Neurobiol Aging 2013; 35:1469-72. [PMID: 24388766 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2013.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/30/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a Parkinson's disease (PD) risk factor. It is suggested here that certain dietary components may either contribute to or ameliorate PD risk. There is evidence, which indicates that excessive carbohydrate (glucose or fructose) catabolism is a cause of mitochondrial dysfunction in PD, one consequence is increased production of methylglyoxal (MG). However, other dietary components (carnosine and certain plant extracts) not only scavenge MG but can also influence some of the biochemical events (signal transduction, stress protein synthesis, glycation, and toxin generation) associated with PD pathology. As double blind, placebo-controlled carnosine supplementation studies have revealed beneficial outcomes in humans, it is suggested that MG scavengers such as carnosine be further explored for their therapeutic potential toward PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Hipkiss
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing (ARCHA), School of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.
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Inhibition of tumour cell growth by carnosine: some possible mechanisms. Amino Acids 2013; 46:327-37. [PMID: 24292217 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-013-1627-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The naturally occurring dipeptide carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) has been shown to inhibit, selectively, growth of transformed cells mediated, at least in part, by depleting glycolytic ATP levels. The mechanism(s) responsible has/have yet to be determined. Here, we discuss a number of probable and/or possible processes which could, theoretically, suppress glycolytic activity which would decrease ATP supply and generation of metabolic intermediates required for continued cell reproduction. Possibilities include effects on (i) glycolytic enzymes, (ii) metabolic regulatory activities, (iii) redox biology, (iv) protein glycation, (v) glyoxalase activity, (vi) apoptosis, (vii) gene expression and (viii) metastasis. It is possible, by acting at various sites that this pluripotent dipeptide may be an example of an endogenous "smart drug".
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