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Kumar A, Suryakumar G, Singh SN, Rathor R. A comprehensive review on physiological and biological activities of carnosine: turning from preclinical facts to potential clinical applications. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03427-7. [PMID: 39302423 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03427-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Carnosine, a compound with plethora of benefits, was originally discovered in 1900 and is formed by the amide linkage of β-alanine and L-histidine. Carnosine production is limited by β-alanine whereas the imidazole ring of histidine moiety makes it a suitable buffer in physiological pH range. It is reported to be found in the skeletal muscle, brain, heart, and gastrointestinal tissues of humans. This review focuses on the biological properties of carnosine including pH buffering ability, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-aging effect, enhancement of cognitive function, and immunomodulation. The relevance of carnosine in muscle function attributing to enhancement of physical performance has also been highlighted. Studies spanning several years have proved the preclinical effectiveness of carnosine in treating diverse pathological diseases. A complete summary of all key activities of carnosine from in vivo investigations and clinical trials has been compiled. Considering its numerous advantages, carnosine may be a promising option for the development of a nutraceutical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshita Kumar
- Soldier Performance Division, Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Geetha Suryakumar
- Soldier Performance Division, Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Som Nath Singh
- Soldier Performance Division, Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Richa Rathor
- Soldier Performance Division, Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India.
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Ali-Sisto T, Tolmunen T, Kraav SL, Mäntyselkä P, Valkonen-Korhonen M, Honkalampi K, Ruusunen A, Velagapudi V, Lehto SM. Serum levels of carnosine may be associated with the duration of MDD episodes. J Affect Disord 2023; 320:647-655. [PMID: 36208690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a recurrent disorder that incurs a high societal burden. However, the etiology of MDD remains unclear. The functioning of several systems associated with the etiopathogenesis of MDD, such as inflammatory and stress systems, is partially modulated by the dipeptide carnosine. METHODS The study comprised 99 MDD patients and 253 non-depressed controls aged 20-71 years. Fasting serum samples were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to determine the serum levels of carnosine and its constituent, histidine. We compared these metabolites in three different settings: 1) MDD patients vs. non-depressed controls and 2) remitted vs. non-remitted MDD patients, as well as 3) changes in the metabolite levels during the follow-up period within a) the remitted group and b) the non-remitted group. In addition, we assessed the possible effect of medications on the measured metabolites. RESULTS We observed higher serum levels of carnosine in the MDD group compared to the control group at baseline (OR = 1.895, 95%CI = 1.223-2.937, p = 0.004). Elevated serum levels of carnosine were also associated with a longer duration of the depressive episode (Z = 0.406, p = 0.001). However, the use of any antipsychotic medication (n = 36) was associated with lowered carnosine levels (p = 0.010 for use vs. non-use). At the follow-up, remitted and non-remitted participants displayed no significant differences in their carnosine levels (Z = -0.14, p = 0.891) or histidine (Z = -1.39 p = 0.164). CONCLUSIONS An increase in circulating carnosine may characterize depressive episodes and may represent a protective homeostatic reaction against MDD-related oxidative stress and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Ali-Sisto
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Tommi Tolmunen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, KYS, P.O. Box 100, 70029, Finland
| | - Siiri-Liisi Kraav
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Social Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pekka Mäntyselkä
- Primary Health Care Unit, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Minna Valkonen-Korhonen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, KYS, P.O. Box 100, 70029, Finland
| | - Kirsi Honkalampi
- Department of Education and Psychology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Anu Ruusunen
- Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, KYS, P.O. Box 100, 70029, Finland; Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Deakin University, iMPACT Institute, School of Medicine, P.O. Box 281, Geelong 3220, Australia
| | - Vidya Velagapudi
- Metabolomics Unit, Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 20, 00014, Finland
| | - Soili M Lehto
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; R&D department, Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Kakihana Y, Kasamatsu S, Uchida K, Ihara H. Distribution and quantitative analysis of homoanserine and its 2-oxo derivative in mouse tissues. Free Radic Res 2021; 55:688-697. [PMID: 34160331 DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2021.1888945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Imidazole-containing dipeptides (IDPs), such as carnosine and anserine, are endogenously produced and have been shown to function as antioxidants. Recently, we have characterized the endogenous production of 2-oxo-imidazole-containing dipeptides (2-oxo-IDPs), such as 2-oxo-carnosine, 2-oxo-anserine, and 2-oxo-homocarnosine in mouse tissues, including brain, and demonstrated that 2-oxo-IDPs exhibit higher antioxidant activities than the corresponding IDPs. In this study, we established a highly sensitive, specific, and quantitative method for the detection of the IDP homoanserine and its oxidized derivative 2-oxo-homoanserine via high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry coupled with a stable-isotope dilution method, and quantitatively analyzed its tissue distribution and age-related intra-brain distribution in C57BL/6J mice. The quantitative analysis revealed that homoanserine exists abundantly not only in the mouse brain but also in other tissues, such as the muscle and lungs. Further, we successfully detected the endogenous production of 2-oxo-homoanserine in the mouse brain. The mass spectrometric analysis revealed that homoanserine predominantly exists in the cerebrum and cerebellum and the concentrations in 10-week-old mice were approximately 50-fold higher than those in 1-week-old mice. Accordingly, this is the first study that reports the spatial and temporal expression patterns of homoanserine and its 2-oxo derivative in C57BL/6J mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kakihana
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shingo Kasamatsu
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koji Uchida
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideshi Ihara
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan
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Wang-Eckhardt L, Bastian A, Bruegmann T, Sasse P, Eckhardt M. Carnosine synthase deficiency is compatible with normal skeletal muscle and olfactory function but causes reduced olfactory sensitivity in aging mice. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:17100-17113. [PMID: 33040025 PMCID: PMC7863879 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine) and anserine (β-alanyl-3-methyl-l-histidine) are abundant peptides in the nervous system and skeletal muscle of many vertebrates. Many in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that exogenously added carnosine can improve muscle contraction, has antioxidant activity, and can quench various reactive aldehydes. Some of these functions likely contribute to the proposed anti-aging activity of carnosine. However, the physiological role of carnosine and related histidine-containing dipeptides (HCDs) is not clear. In this study, we generated a mouse line deficient in carnosine synthase (Carns1). HCDs were undetectable in the primary olfactory system and skeletal muscle of Carns1-deficient mice. Skeletal muscle contraction in these mice, however, was unaltered, and there was no evidence for reduced pH-buffering capacity in the skeletal muscle. Olfactory tests did not reveal any deterioration in 8-month-old mice lacking carnosine. In contrast, aging (18-24-month-old) Carns1-deficient mice exhibited olfactory sensitivity impairments that correlated with an age-dependent reduction in the number of olfactory receptor neurons. Whereas we found no evidence for elevated levels of lipoxidation and glycation end products in the primary olfactory system, protein carbonylation was increased in the olfactory bulb of aged Carns1-deficient mice. Taken together, these results suggest that carnosine in the olfactory system is not essential for information processing in the olfactory signaling pathway but does have a role in the long-term protection of olfactory receptor neurons, possibly through its antioxidant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Wang-Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Asisa Bastian
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tobias Bruegmann
- Institute of Physiology I, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp Sasse
- Institute of Physiology I, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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Banerjee S, Poddar MK. Carnosine research in relation to aging brain and neurodegeneration: A blessing for geriatrics and their neuronal disorders. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2020; 91:104239. [PMID: 32866926 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2020.104239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Carnosine, an endogenous dipeptide (β-Ala-l-His), is enriched in prefrontal cortex and olfactory bulb of the brain, blood and also in muscle. It has mainly antioxidant and antiglycating properties which makes this molecule unique. Its content reduces during aging and aging-induced neurodegenerative diseases. Aging is a progressive biological process that leads to develop the risk factors of diseases and death. During aging the morphological, biochemical, cellular and molecular changes occur in brain and blood including other tissues. The objective of this review is to combine the updated information from the existing literature about the aging-induced neurodegeneration and carnosine research to meet the lacuna of mechanism of carnosine. The grey matter and white matter loses its normal ratio in aging, and hence the brain volume and weight. Different aging related neurodegenerative disorders arise due to loss of neurons, and synapses as a result of proteinopathies in some cases. Carnosine, being an endogenous biomolecule and having antioxidant, antiglycating properties has shown its potency to counteract erroneous protein biosynthesis, stress, activated microglial and astrocyte activity, and different neurodegenerative disorders. It (carnosine) can also inhibit the metal ion-induced degeneration by acting as a metal chelator. In this review the trends in carnosine research in relation to aging brain and neurodegeneration have been discussed with a view to its (carnosine) eligibility (including its mechanism of action) to be used as a promising neurotherapeutic for the betterment of elderly populations of our society at the national and international levels in near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumyabrata Banerjee
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta, 35, B.C. Road, Kolkata, 700019, India
| | - Mrinal K Poddar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta, 35, B.C. Road, Kolkata, 700019, India.
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Conditional Knockout of GLT-1 in Neurons Leads to Alterations in Aspartate Homeostasis and Synaptic Mitochondrial Metabolism in Striatum and Hippocampus. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:1420-1437. [PMID: 32144526 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03000-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Expression of the glutamate transporter GLT-1 in neurons has been shown to be important for synaptic mitochondrial function in the cerebral cortex. Here we determined whether neuronal GLT-1 plays a similar role in the hippocampus and striatum, using conditional GLT-1 knockout mice in which GLT-1 was inactivated in neurons by expression of synapsin-Cre (synGLT-1 KO). Ex vivo 13C-labelling using [1,2-13C]acetate, representing astrocytic metabolism, yielded increased [4,5-13C]glutamate levels, suggesting increased astrocyte-neuron glutamine transfer, in the striatum but not in the hippocampus of the synGLT-1 KO. Moreover, aspartate concentrations were reduced - 38% compared to controls in the hippocampus and the striatum of the synGLT-1 KO. Mitochondria isolated from the hippocampus of synGLT-1 KO mice exhibited a lower oxygen consumption rate in the presence of oligomycin A, indicative of a decreased proton leak across the mitochondrial membrane, whereas the ATP production rate was unchanged. Electron microscopy revealed reduced mitochondrial inter-cristae distance within excitatory synaptic terminals in the hippocampus and striatum of the synGLT-1 KO. Finally, dilution of 13C-labelling originating from [U-13C]glucose, caused by metabolism of unlabelled glutamate, was reduced in hippocampal synGLT-1 KO synaptosomes, suggesting that neuronal GLT-1 provides glutamate for synaptic tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism. Collectively, these data demonstrate an important role of neuronal expression of GLT-1 in synaptic mitochondrial metabolism in the forebrain.
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Baslow MH, Cain CK, Sears R, Wilson DA, Bachman A, Gerum S, Guilfoyle DN. Stimulation-induced transient changes in neuronal activity, blood flow and N-acetylaspartate content in rat prefrontal cortex: a chemogenetic fMRS-BOLD study. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2016; 29:1678-1687. [PMID: 27696530 PMCID: PMC5123928 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.3629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Brain activation studies in humans have shown the dynamic nature of neuronal N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) based on changes in their MRS signals in response to stimulation. These studies demonstrated that upon visual stimulation there was a focal increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and a decrease in NAA or in the total of NAA and NAAG signals in the visual cortex, and that these changes were reversed upon cessation of stimulation. In the present study we have developed an animal model in order to explore the relationships between brain stimulation, neuronal activity, CBF and NAA. We use "designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs" (DREADDs) technology for site-specific neural activation, a local field potential electrophysiological method for measurement of changes in the rate of neuronal activity, functional MRS for measurement of changes in NAA and a blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) MR technique for evaluating changes in CBF. We show that stimulation of the rat prefrontal cortex using DREADDs results in the following: (i) an increase in level of neuronal activity; (ii) an increase in BOLD and (iii) a decrease in the NAA signal. These findings show for the first time the tightly coupled relationships between stimulation, neuron activity, CBF and NAA dynamics in brain, and also provide the first demonstration of the novel inverse stimulation-NAA phenomenon in an animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morris H. Baslow
- Center for Biomedical Imaging and Neuromodulation, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
| | - Christopher K. Cain
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone School of Medicine, 560 1 Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Robert Sears
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone School of Medicine, 560 1 Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, New York University Langone School of Medicine, 560 1 Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Donald A. Wilson
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone School of Medicine, 560 1 Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, New York University Langone School of Medicine, 560 1 Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Alvin Bachman
- Center for Biomedical Imaging and Neuromodulation, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
| | - Scott Gerum
- Center for Biomedical Imaging and Neuromodulation, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
| | - David N. Guilfoyle
- Center for Biomedical Imaging and Neuromodulation, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
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Ende G. Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: Relevance of Glutamate and GABA to Neuropsychology. Neuropsychol Rev 2015; 25:315-25. [PMID: 26264407 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-015-9295-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) has been widely used to study the healthy and diseased brain in vivo. The availability of whole body MR scanners with a field strength of 3 Tesla and above permit the quantification of many metabolites including the neurotransmitters glutamate (Glu) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The potential link between neurometabolites identified by MRS and cognition and behavior has been explored in numerous studies both in healthy subjects and in patient populations. Preliminary findings suggest direct or opposite associations between GABA or Glu with impulsivity, anxiety, and dexterity. This chapter is intended to provide an overview of basic principles of MRS and the literature reporting correlations between GABA or Glu and results of neuropsychological assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Ende
- Department of Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim / Heidelberg University, J5, D-68159, Mannheim, Germany,
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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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Aoki Y, Inokuchi R, Suwa H. Reduced N-acetylaspartate in the hippocampus in patients with fibromyalgia: a meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2013; 213:242-8. [PMID: 23835064 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2013.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2012] [Revised: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a stress-associated syndrome with chronic, widespread pain. Patients with FM also present disturbances of cognition and memory. As the hippocampus is vulnerable to stress exposure and involved in cognition, memory and pain perception, we hypothesize that the abnormal function of the hippocampus is implicated in the pathophysiology of FM. N-acetylaspartate (NAA), a metabolite that can be measured using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS), is recognized as a marker of neuronal structure and function. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 1H MRS studies investigating NAA levels in patients with FM. A comprehensive literature search through MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science yielded nine studies; among these nine, four studies met our criteria for inclusion. A random effect model with 51 patients with FM and 38 controls revealed a significant NAA reduction in the hippocampus. The current meta-analysis suggested a neuronal abnormality in the hippocampus in patients with FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Aoki
- Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Treatment Corporation, Ebara Hospital, Ota, Tokyo 145-0065, Japan.
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Age-related change of neurochemical abnormality in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:1692-701. [PMID: 23735885 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Prevalence and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) change with advancing age. However, neurochemical background of such age-related change is yet to be elucidated. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis of 16 proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies comprising 270 individuals with ADHD and 235 controls. Standardized mean differences were calculated and used as an effect size. Sensitivity analyses and meta-regression to explore the effect of age on neurochemical abnormality were performed. A random effects model identified a significantly higher-than-normal N-acetylaspartate (NAA) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), but no significant differences of other metabolites in that area. No significant difference in metabolite levels was demonstrated in any other region. Sensitivity analysis of children with ADHD revealed significantly higher-than-normal NAA, whereas no significant difference was found in adults with ADHD. Meta-regression revealed significant correlation between advanced age and normal levels of NAA in the mPFC, suggesting that age-dependent abnormality of NAA level in the mPFC is a potential neural basis of age-related change of symptoms of ADHD.
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Baslow M, Guilfoyle D. Canavan disease, a rare early-onset human spongiform leukodystrophy: Insights into its genesis and possible clinical interventions. Biochimie 2013; 95:946-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2012.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 10/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Carnosine treatment largely prevents alterations of renal carnosine metabolism in diabetic mice. Amino Acids 2011; 42:2411-6. [PMID: 21833769 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-011-1046-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Accepted: 07/15/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we identified an allelic variant of human carnosinase 1 (CN1) that results in increased enzyme activity and is associated with susceptibility for diabetic nephropathy in humans. Investigations in diabetic (db/db) mice showed that carnosine ameliorates glucose metabolism effectively. We now investigated the renal carnosinase metabolism in db/db mice. Kidney CN1 activity increased with age and was significantly higher in diabetic mice compared to controls. Increased CN1 activity did not affect renal carnosine levels, but anserine concentrations were tenfold lower in db/db mice compared to controls (0.24±0.2 vs. 2.28±0.3 nmol/mg protein in controls; p<0.001). Homocarnosine concentrations in kidney tissue were low in both control and db/db mice (below 0.1 nmol/mg protein, p=n.s.). Carnosine treatment for 4 weeks substantially decreased renal CN1 activity in diabetic mice (0.32±0.3 in non-treated db/db vs. 0.05±0.05 μmol/mg/h in treated db/db mice; p<0.01) close to normal activities. Renal anserine concentrations increased significantly (0.24±0.2 in non-treated db/db vs. 5.7±1.2 μmol/mg/h in treated db/db mice; p<0.01), while carnosine concentrations remained unaltered (53±6.4 in non-treated vs. 61±15 nmol/mg protein in treated db/db mice; p=n.s.). Further, carnosine treatment halved proteinuria and reduced vascular permeability to one-fifth in db/db mice. In renal tissue of diabetic mice carnosinase activity is significantly increased and anserine concentrations are significantly reduced compared to controls. Carnosine treatment largely prevents the alterations of renal carnosine metabolism.
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Baslow MH. The Vertebrate Brain, Evidence of Its Modular Organization and Operating System: Insights into the Brain's Basic Units of Structure, Function, and Operation and How They Influence Neuronal Signaling and Behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2011; 5:5. [PMID: 21720525 PMCID: PMC3118634 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2011.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2010] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human brain is a complex organ made up of neurons and several other cell types, and whose role is processing information for use in eliciting behaviors. However, the composition of its repeating cellular units for both structure and function are unresolved. Based on recent descriptions of the brain's physiological "operating system", a function of the tri-cellular metabolism of N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) for supply of energy, and on the nature of "neuronal words and languages" for intercellular communication, insights into the brain's modular structural and functional units have been gained. In this article, it is proposed that the basic structural unit in brain is defined by its physiological operating system, and that it consists of a single neuron, and one or more astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and vascular system endothelial cells. It is also proposed that the basic functional unit in the brain is defined by how neurons communicate, and consists of two neurons and their interconnecting dendritic-synaptic-dendritic field. Since a functional unit is composed of two neurons, it requires two structural units to form a functional unit. Thus, the brain can be envisioned as being made up of the three-dimensional stacking and intertwining of myriad structural units which results not only in its gross structure, but also in producing a uniform distribution of binary functional units. Since the physiological NAA-NAAG operating system for supply of energy is repeated in every structural unit, it is positioned to control global brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morris H Baslow
- Center for Neurochemistry, Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research Orangeburg, NY, USA
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Fong MY, McDunn J, Kakar SS. Identification of metabolites in the normal ovary and their transformation in primary and metastatic ovarian cancer. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19963. [PMID: 21625518 PMCID: PMC3098284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2011] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we characterized the metabolome of the human ovary and identified metabolic alternations that coincide with primary epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and metastatic tumors resulting from primary ovarian cancer (MOC) using three analytical platforms: gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) using buffer systems and instrument settings to catalog positive or negative ions. The human ovarian metabolome was found to contain 364 biochemicals and upon transformation of the ovary caused changes in energy utilization, altering metabolites associated with glycolysis and β-oxidation of fatty acids--such as carnitine (1.79 fold in EOC, p<0.001; 1.88 fold in MOC, p<0.001), acetylcarnitine (1.75 fold in EOC, p<0.001; 2.39 fold in MOC, p<0.001), and butyrylcarnitine (3.62 fold, p<0.0094 in EOC; 7.88 fold, p<0.001 in MOC). There were also significant changes in phenylalanine catabolism marked by increases in phenylpyruvate (4.21 fold; p = 0.0098) and phenyllactate (195.45 fold; p<0.0023) in EOC. Ovarian cancer also displayed an enhanced oxidative stress response as indicated by increases in 2-aminobutyrate in EOC (1.46 fold, p = 0.0316) and in MOC (2.25 fold, p<0.001) and several isoforms of tocopherols. We have also identified novel metabolites in the ovary, specifically N-acetylasparate and N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate, whose role in ovarian physiology has yet to be determined. These data enhance our understanding of the diverse biochemistry of the human ovary and demonstrate metabolic alterations upon transformation. Furthermore, metabolites with significant changes between groups provide insight into biochemical consequences of transformation and are candidate biomarkers of ovarian oncogenesis. Validation studies are warranted to determine whether these compounds have clinical utility in the diagnosis or clinical management of ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Y. Fong
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Jonathan McDunn
- Metabolon, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sham S. Kakar
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
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Lodder-Gadaczek J, Becker I, Gieselmann V, Wang-Eckhardt L, Eckhardt M. N-acetylaspartylglutamate synthetase II synthesizes N-acetylaspartylglutamylglutamate. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:16693-706. [PMID: 21454531 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.230136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
N-Acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is found at high concentrations in the vertebrate nervous system. NAAG is an agonist at group II metabotropic glutamate receptors. In addition to its role as a neuropeptide, a number of functions have been proposed for NAAG, including a role as a non-excitotoxic transport form of glutamate and a molecular water pump. We recently identified a NAAG synthetase (now renamed NAAG synthetase I, NAAGS-I), encoded by the ribosomal modification protein rimK-like family member B (Rimklb) gene, as a member of the ATP-grasp protein family. We show here that a structurally related protein, encoded by the ribosomal modification protein rimK-like family member A (Rimkla) gene, is another NAAG synthetase (NAAGS-II), which in addition, synthesizes the N-acetylated tripeptide N-acetylaspartylglutamylglutamate (NAAG(2)). In contrast, NAAG(2) synthetase activity was undetectable in cells expressing NAAGS-I. Furthermore, we demonstrate by mass spectrometry the presence of NAAG(2) in murine brain tissue and sciatic nerves. The highest concentrations of both, NAAG(2) and NAAG, were found in sciatic nerves, spinal cord, and the brain stem, in accordance with the expression level of NAAGS-II. To our knowledge the presence of NAAG(2) in the vertebrate nervous system has not been described before. The physiological role of NAAG(2), e.g. whether it acts as a neurotransmitter, remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lodder-Gadaczek
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bonn, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
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Baslow MH. Evidence that the tri-cellular metabolism of N-acetylaspartate functions as the brain's "operating system": how NAA metabolism supports meaningful intercellular frequency-encoded communications. Amino Acids 2010; 39:1139-45. [PMID: 20563610 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-010-0656-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2010] [Accepted: 06/07/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
N-acetylaspartate (NAA), an acetylated derivative of L-aspartate (Asp), and N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG), a derivative of NAA and L-glutamate (Glu), are synthesized by neurons in brain. However, neurons cannot catabolize either of these substances, and so their metabolism requires the participation of two other cell types. Neurons release both NAA and NAAG to extra-cellular fluid (ECF) upon stimulation, where astrocytes, the target cells for NAAG, hydrolyze it releasing NAA back into ECF, and oligodendrocytes, the target cells for NAA, hydrolyze it releasing Asp to ECF for recycling to neurons. This sequence is unique as it is the only known amino acid metabolic cycle in brain that requires three cell types for its completion. The results of this cycling are two-fold. First, neuronal metabolic water is transported to ECF for its removal from brain. Second, the rate of neuronal activity is coupled with focal hyperemia, providing stimulated neurons with the energy required for transmission of meaningful frequency-encoded messages. In this paper, it is proposed that the tri-cellular metabolism of NAA functions as the "operating system" of the brain, and is essential for normal cognitive and motor activities. Evidence in support of this hypothesis is provided by the outcomes of two human inborn errors in NAA metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morris H Baslow
- Center for Neurochemistry, Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA.
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Peters V, Kebbewar M, Jansen EW, Jakobs C, Riedl E, Koeppel H, Frey D, Adelmann K, Klingbeil K, Mack M, Hoffmann GF, Janssen B, Zschocke J, Yard BA. Relevance of allosteric conformations and homocarnosine concentration on carnosinase activity. Amino Acids 2009; 38:1607-15. [PMID: 19915793 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-009-0367-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2009] [Accepted: 10/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Activity of carnosinase (CN1), the only dipeptidase with substrate specificity for carnosine or homocarnosine, varies greatly between individuals but increases clearly and significantly with age. Surprisingly, the lower CN1 activity in children is not reflected by differences in CN1 protein concentrations. CN1 is present in different allosteric conformations in children and adults since all sera obtained from children but not from adults were positive in ELISA and addition of DTT to the latter sera increased OD450 values. There was no quantitative difference in the amount of monomeric CN1 between children and adults. Further, CN1 activity was dose dependently inhibited by homocarnosine. Addition of 80 microM homocarnosine lowered V (max) for carnosine from 440 to 356 pmol/min/microg and increased K (m) from 175 to 210 microM. The estimated K (i) for homocarnosine was higher (240 microM). Homocarnosine inhibits carnosine degradation and high homocarnosine concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may explain the lower carnosine degradation in CSF compared to serum. Because CN1 is implicated in the susceptibility for diabetic nephropathy (DN), our findings may have clinical implications for the treatment of diabetic patients with a high risk to develop DN. Homocarnosine treatment can be expected to reduce CN1 activity toward carnosine, resulting in higher carnosine levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Peters
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
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The Languages of Neurons: An Analysis of Coding Mechanisms by Which Neurons Communicate, Learn and Store Information. ENTROPY 2009. [DOI: 10.3390/e11040782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Baslow MH, Guilfoyle DN. Are Astrocytes the Missing Link Between Lack of Brain Aspartoacylase Activity and the Spongiform Leukodystrophy in Canavan Disease? Neurochem Res 2009; 34:1523-34. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-009-9958-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2008] [Accepted: 03/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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