Inhibition of tumour cell growth by carnosine: some possible mechanisms

Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate disrupts cellular metabolism within human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells

Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) is a widely used, additive flame retardant that migrates from end-use products, leading to ubiquitous exposure of humans around the world. However, little is known about whether TDCIPP disrupts the physiology of human embryonic cells. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether TDCIPP alters cell viability, cellular metabolism, cytosine methylation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels within human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. Relative to vehicle controls, TDCIPP (0.015-0.1225 µM) resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in cell viability, a finding that was driven by an increase in relative ATP abundance. Interestingly, TDCIPP (0.061-0.98 µM) increased the rate of glycolysis - an adaptive mechanism consistent with the Warburg effect exhibited by tumorigenic cells. Moreover, relative to vehicle-treated cells, TDCIPP (0.245-15.63 µM) exposure for 48 h (but not 24 h) resulted in a significant, concentration-dependent decrease in ROS in situ, and TDCIPP (0.245 µM) exposure significantly increased carnosine within the histidine metabolism pathway. However, TDCIPP did not affect global 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) methylation (0.015-15.63 µM), cell membrane integrity (0.061-0.98 µM), nor the abundance of mitochondria (0.061-1.95 µM). Overall, our findings with TDCIPP point to a novel mechanism of action that may be relevant to human embryonic stem cells.

Anticancer actions of carnosine in cellular models of prostate cancer

Treatments for organ-confined prostate cancer include external beam radiation therapy, radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy/brachytherapy, cryoablation and high-intensity focused ultrasound. None of these are cancer-specific and are commonly accompanied by side effects, including urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Moreover, subsequent surgical treatments following biochemical recurrence after these interventions are either limited or affected by the scarring present in the surrounding tissue. Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a histidine-containing naturally occurring dipeptide which has been shown to have an anti-tumorigenic role without any detrimental effect on healthy cells; however, its effect on prostate cancer cells has never been investigated. In this study, we investigated the effect of carnosine on cell proliferation and metabolism in both a primary cultured androgen-resistant human prostate cancer cell line, PC346Flu1 and murine TRAMP-C1 cells. Our results show that carnosine has a significant dose-dependent inhibitory effect in vitro on the proliferation of both human (PC346Flu1) and murine (TRAMP-C1) prostate cancer cells, which was confirmed in 3D-models of the same cells. Carnosine was also shown to decrease adenosine triphosphate content and reactive species which might have been caused in part by the increase in SIRT3 also shown after carnosine treatment. These encouraging results support the need for further human in vivo work to determine the potential use of carnosine, either alone or, most likely, as an adjunct therapy to surgical or other conventional treatments.

Inhibitory Potential of Carnosine and Aminoguanidine Towards Glycation and Fibrillation of Albumin: In-vitro and Simulation Studies

Carnosine is beta-alanyl histidine, a dipeptide, endogenously produced in our body by the carnosine synthase enzyme. It is an antioxidant, thus protecting from the deleterious effect of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Similarly, aminoguanidine (AG) also prevents AGEs formation by scavenging free radicals such as reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive carbonyl species (RCS). This study used experimental and computational techniques to perform a comparative analysis of carnosine and AG and their inhibiting properties against glycated human serum albumin (HSA). Fructose-mediated glycation of albumin produced fluorescent structures, such as pentosidine and malondialdehyde. These AGEs were significantly reduced by carnosine and AG. At 20 mM, carnosine and AG quenches pentosidine fluorescence by 66% and 83%, respectively. A similar inhibitory effect was observed for malondialdehyde. Protein hydrophobicity and tryptophan fluorescence were restored in the presence of carnosine and AG. Aminoguanidine decreased fibrillation in HSA, while carnosine did not significantly affect aggregation/fibrillation. In addition, molecular docking study observed binding scores of -5.90 kcal/mol and -2.59 kcal/mol by HSA-aminoguanidine and HSA-carnosine complex, respectively. Aminoguanidine forms one conventional hydrogen bond with ARG A:10 and a salt bridge with ASP A:13, ASP A:259, ASP A:255, and ASP A:256 from the amine group. Similarly, carnosine forms only hydrogen bonds with GLU A:501 and GLN A:508 from the amine and hydroxy group. The root mean square deviation (RMSD) calculated from simulation studies was 1 nm upto 70 ns for the HSA-aminoguanidine complex and the spectrum of HSA-carnosine was significantly deviated and not stabilized. The superior inhibitory activity of aminoguanidine could be due to additional salt bridge bonding with albumin. Conclusively, aminoguanidine can be the better treatment choice for diabetes-associated neurological diseases.

Functional Quality Characteristics of the Meat from a Dual-Purpose Poultry Crossbreed Suitable for Backyard Rearing in Comparison to Commercial Broilers

Backyard poultry farming contributes to food security, nutrition, and the regular income of rural farmers in India. Their products have a niche market here and fetch higher prices than those of commercial poultry. Improved varieties are being developed to overcome the slow growth, late sexual maturity, and low production of indigenous breeds, while retaining their positive attributes. A comprehensive study was conducted to analyze the functional attributes of meat from the Jabalpur color (JBC), a colored, improved dual-purpose synthetic line, developed by Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, India. The birds were managed in a deep litter system under a backyard type of housing (night shelter and free range). Primal meat cuts (breast and thigh) of the male birds (n = 20/group) were evaluated at the age of marketing. The corresponding attributes were compared with the results obtained for commercial Cobb (400) broilers. The protein concentration of JBC breast (25.65 ± 0.39 g/100 g of tissue) and thigh (19.04 ± 0.23 g/100 g of tissue) meat was superior (p ≤ 0.05) to that of Cobb broilers. Established assays (in vitro) identified a better (p ≤ 0.05) antioxidation capacity in the JBC meat. High-performance liquid chromatography confirmed a considerable quantity of functional biomolecules (carnosine, anserine, and creatine) in the JBC breast and thigh meat extracts. The average carnosine concentration (mg/g of tissue) was 2.66 ± 0.09 and 1.11 ± 0.04 in the JBC breast and thigh meat, respectively. The mRNA expression was quantified by qRT-PCR for the carnosine-related genes: β-alanine transporter (SLC36A1), carnosine-synthesizing enzyme (CARNS1), and carnosine-degrading enzyme (CNDP2); this explained the comparable carnosine in the JBC and Cobb meat. Meat extracts from both genetic groups (JBC and Cobb) had high anti-glycation potential. Higher protein content and antioxidant capacity, along with the bioactive dipeptides in the JBC meat, herald exciting research opportunities for its use in improving the traditional backyard poultry farming system.

Carnosine and Beta-Alanine Supplementation in Human Medicine: Narrative Review and Critical Assessment

The dipeptide carnosine is a physiologically important molecule in the human body, commonly found in skeletal muscle and brain tissue. Beta-alanine is a limiting precursor of carnosine and is among the most used sports supplements for improving athletic performance. However, carnosine, its metabolite N-acetylcarnosine, and the synthetic derivative zinc-L-carnosine have recently been gaining popularity as supplements in human medicine. These molecules have a wide range of effects—principally with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiglycation, anticarbonylation, calcium-regulatory, immunomodulatory and chelating properties. This review discusses results from recent studies focusing on the impact of this supplementation in several areas of human medicine. We queried PubMed, Web of Science, the National Library of Medicine and the Cochrane Library, employing a search strategy using database-specific keywords. Evidence showed that the supplementation had a beneficial impact in the prevention of sarcopenia, the preservation of cognitive abilities and the improvement of neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, the improvement of diabetes mellitus parameters and symptoms of oral mucositis was seen, as well as the regression of esophagitis and taste disorders after chemotherapy, the protection of the gastrointestinal mucosa and the support of Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment. However, in the areas of senile cataracts, cardiovascular disease, schizophrenia and autistic disorders, the results are inconclusive.

Impacts of Different Prenatal Supplementation Strategies on the Plasma Metabolome of Bulls in the Rearing and Finishing Phase

This study investigated the effects of maternal nutrition on the plasma metabolome of Nellore bulls in the rearing and finishing phases, and metabolic differences between these phases. For this study, three nutritional approaches were used in 126 cows during pregnancy: NP-(control) mineral supplementation; PP-protein-energy supplementation in the final third; and FP-protein-energy supplementation during the entire pregnancy. We collected blood samples from male offspring in the rearing (450 ± 28 days old) and finishing phases (660 ± 28 days old). The blood was processed, and from plasma samples, we performed the targeted metabolome analysis (AbsoluteIDQ® p180 Kit). Multiple linear regression, principal component analysis (PCA), repeated measures analysis over time, and an enrichment analysis were performed. PCA showed an overlap of treatments and time clusters in the analyses. We identified significant metabolites among the treatments (rearing phase = six metabolites; finishing phase = three metabolites) and over time (21 metabolites). No significant metabolic pathways were found in the finishing phase, however, we found significant pathways in the rearing phase (Arginine biosynthesis and Histidine metabolism). Thus, prenatal nutrition impacted on plasma metabolome of bulls during the rearing and finishing phase and the different production stages showed an effect on the metabolic levels of bulls.

Impact of quercetin, carnosine, and ozone in the cryopreservation on Nellore (Bos indicus) semen

The objective of this study was to reduce the effects of cryoinjury caused in bovine semen by cryopreservation. Ejaculates were collected from Nellore bulls and subjected to freezing in C (control), ozone (15, 30, and 60 µg mL^-1 of ozone), quercetin (25, 50, and 100 µg mL^-1 of quercetin), and carnosine groups (100, 200, and 300 ng mL^-1 of carnosine). Samples were evaluated post-thaw (M0) and post-rapid thermoresistance test (M30) for sperm kinetics (total motility, progressive motility, curvilinear speed, linearity and amplitude of lateral head displacement) and cell structure viability (plasma membrane integrity, acrosomal integrity, mitochondrial potential, membrane fluidity, and lipid peroxidation). There were no differences (P > 0.05) between the control, quercetin, and carnosine-treated groups for the parameters evaluated at M0 and M30. In turn, supplementation with ozone resulted in lower values for sperm kinetics (P < 0.05) and lower mitochondrial potential at M30 (P < 0.05). Quercetin and carnosine at the concentrations used did not promote significant gains in frozen semen, nor did they demonstrate cytotoxicity. We expected to obtain positive results with the use of ozone. Nonetheless, the addition was harmful to the parameters of sperm kinetics, and its effect was not observed as a possible pro-antioxidant. We believe that the fact that the gas did not harm the sperm structure opens avenues for tests with lower dosages, since, by reducing its concentration, we could minimize the damage to sperm kinetics.

Plasma metabolomics in a deep vein thrombosis rat model based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry

深静脉血栓(DVT)是一种血栓栓塞性疾病,具有高发病率、高死亡率和高后遗症3大特点。采用左股静脉不完全结扎加高渗盐水刺激建立DVT大鼠模型,使用超高效液相色谱-静电场轨道阱高分辨质谱(UHPLC-Orbitrap HRMS)检测假手术组与DVT模型组的血浆代谢谱,用主成分分析(PCA)及正交偏最小二乘-判别分析(OPLS-DA)对代谢组数据进行多元统计分析,观察两组间的代谢表型差异,将多变量模型分析中的变量重要性值(VIP>1)以及代谢物在模型组中的变化倍数(FC≤0.5或FC≥2,且P<0.05)作为差异代谢物筛选条件。最终在DVT模型组与假手术组间筛选得到27种差异代谢物,这些代谢物反映了DVT大鼠的代谢紊乱情况。具体表现为与假手术组相比,DVT模型组中三甲基胺氮氧化物(TMAO)、维生素K、鹅去氧胆酸、牛磺酸、1-甲基烟酰胺、7-酮胆固醇、反式十六烷基-2-烯醇肉碱、乙烯基乙酰甘氨酸、丙酰脯氨酸、咪唑乙酸、咪唑乙酸核糖苷、1,3,7-三甲基尿酸、1-丁胺、2-羟基异丙酸、吡哆醛、5α-四氢皮质酮、苯乳酸的水平显著升高;而3-脱氢肉碱、磷脂酰胆碱22∶6/20∶2(PC 22∶6/20∶2)、甘油二酯18∶3/20∶4(DG 18∶3/20∶4)、溶血磷脂酰胆碱20∶2(LysoPC 20∶2)、波维酸、鹅肌肽、L-肌肽、辛酸、羟基丙酮酸、3-羟基癸酸的水平显著降低。基于京都基因与基因组百科全书数据库(KEGG)代谢通路的差异丰度(DA)分析显示DVT模型大鼠与假手术组的代谢通路差异主要集中在初级胆汁酸生物合成、胆汁分泌、组氨酸代谢、亚油酸代谢、甘油磷脂代谢和β-丙氨酸代谢。紊乱的代谢物和代谢途径可为进一步深入理解DVT的病理机制、寻找诊断标志物及药物作用靶点提供参考。

The Potential Use of Carnosine in Diabetes and Other Afflictions Reported in Long COVID Patients

Carnosine is a dipeptide expressed in both the central nervous system and periphery. Several biological functions have been attributed to carnosine, including as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, and as a modulator of mitochondrial metabolism. Some of these mechanisms have been implicated in the pathophysiology of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The clinical manifestation and recovery time for COVID-19 are variable. Some patients are severely affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection and may experience respiratory failure, thromboembolic disease, neurological symptoms, kidney damage, acute pancreatitis, and even death. COVID-19 patients with comorbidities, including diabetes, are at higher risk of death. Mechanisms underlying the dysfunction of the afflicted organs in COVID-19 patients have been discussed, the most common being the so-called cytokine storm. Given the biological effects attributed to carnosine, adjuvant therapy with this dipeptide could be considered as supportive treatment in patients with either COVID-19 or long COVID.

Viability of Glioblastoma Cells and Fibroblasts in the Presence of Imidazole-Containing Compounds

The naturally occurring dipeptide carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) specifically attenuates tumor growth. Here, we ask whether other small imidazole-containing compounds also affect the viability of tumor cells without affecting non-malignant cells and whether the formation of histamine is involved. Patient-derived fibroblasts and glioblastoma cells were treated with carnosine, L-alanyl-L-histidine (LA-LH), β-alanyl-L-alanine, L-histidine, histamine, imidazole, β-alanine, and L-alanine. Cell viability was assessed by cell-based assays and microscopy. The intracellular release of L-histidine and formation of histamine was investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Carnosine and LA-LH inhibited tumor cell growth with minor effects on fibroblasts, and L-histidine, histamine, and imidazole affected viability in both cell types. Compounds without the imidazole moiety did not diminish viability. In the presence of LA-LH but not in the presence of carnosine, a significant rise in intracellular amounts of histidine was detected in all cells. The formation of histamine was not detectable in the presence of carnosine, LA-LH, or histidine. In conclusion, the imidazole moiety of carnosine contributes to its anti-neoplastic effect, which is also seen in the presence of histidine and LA-LH. Despite the fact that histamine has a strong effect on cell viability, the formation of histamine is not responsible for the effects on the cell viability of carnosine, LA-LH, and histidine.

Effects of Different Prenatal Nutrition Strategies on the Liver Metabolome of Bulls and Its Correlation with Body and Liver Weight

This study investigated the effect of prenatal nutrition on liver metabolome and on body (BW) and liver weight (LW) of Nellore bulls at slaughter. Three treatments were applied in 126 cows during pregnancy: NP—control (mineral supplementation); PP—protein-energy supplementation in the third trimester; and FP—protein-energy supplementation during the entire pregnancy. Offspring BW and LW were evaluated, and a targeted metabolomics analysis was performed on their livers (n = 18, 22.5 ± 1 months of age). Data were submitted to principal component analysis (PCA), analysis of variance (ANOVA), enrichment analysis, and Pearson’s correlation analysis. The phenotypes did not show differences between treatments (p > 0.05). Metabolites PCA showed an overlap of treatment clusters in the analysis. We found significant metabolites in ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05; Glycine, Hydroxytetradecadienylcarnitine, Aminoadipic acid and Carnosine). Enrichment analysis revealed some biological processes (Histidine metabolism, beta-Alanine metabolism, and Lysine degradation). Pearson’s correlation analysis showed 29 significant correlated metabolites with BW and 1 metabolite correlated with LW. In summary, prenatal nutrition did not show effects on the phenotypes evaluated, but affected some metabolites and biological pathways, mainly related to oxidative metabolism. In addition, BW seems to influence the hepatic metabolome more than LW, due to the amount and magnitude of correlations found.

Carnosine suppresses human colorectal cancer cell proliferation by inducing necroptosis and autophagy and reducing angiogenesis

Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is found in beef and fish. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of carnosine on the cell proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells. After human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells were treated carnosine for 72 or 96 h, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, angiogenesis and the expression of related regulatory molecules were detected using MTT assays, fluorescence image analysis and RT-qPCR in this study. Treatment of HCT-116 cells with 5, 10 or 15 mM carnosine for 72 or 96 h significantly decreased cell viability (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of β-catenin and transcription factor 4 (Tcf-4) was significantly reduced by 15–23% and 11–80%, respectively (P<0.05). When HCT-116 cells were treated with 15 mM carnosine, the mRNA levels of 1A/1B-light chain 3 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase were significantly increased by 235% and 249%, respectively (P<0.05). The mRNA level of Beclin-1 and autophagy levels were significantly increased by 137–141% in HCT-116 cells treated with 5, 10 or 15 mM carnosine (P<0.05). Carnosine (15 mM) also increased reactive oxygen species levels and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein mRNA expression and depleted ATP levels (P<0.05). The angiogenesis-regulating molecules vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α were all significantly decreased by 10 or 15 mM carnosine treatment. These results showed that carnosine could suppress human colorectal cell proliferation by reducing β-catenin/Tcf-4 signaling, inducing autophagy and necroptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis. It was demonstrated that carnosine is a potential compound from dietary food for the future clinical treatment and/or prevention of colorectal cancer.

Ionophore Ability of Carnosine and Its Trehalose Conjugate Assists Copper Signal in Triggering Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Activation In Vitro

l-carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine) (Car hereafter) is a natural dipeptide widely distributed in mammalian tissues and reaching high concentrations (0.7-2.0 mM) in the brain. The molecular features of the dipeptide underlie the antioxidant, anti-aggregating and metal chelating ability showed in a large number of physiological effects, while the biological mechanisms involved in the protective role found against several diseases cannot be explained on the basis of the above-mentioned properties alone, requiring further research efforts. It has been reported that l-carnosine increases the secretion and expression of various neurotrophic factors and affects copper homeostasis in nervous cells inducing Cu cellular uptake in keeping with the key metal-sensing system. Having in mind this l-carnosine ability, here we report the copper-binding and ionophore ability of l-carnosine to activate tyrosine kinase cascade pathways in PC12 cells and stimulate the expression of BDNF. Furthermore, the study was extended to verify the ability of the dipeptide to favor copper signaling inducing the expression of VEGF. Being aware that the potential protective action of l-carnosine is drastically hampered by its hydrolysis, we also report on the behavior of a conjugate of l-carnosine with trehalose that blocks the carnosinase degradative activity. Overall, our findings describe a copper tuning effect on the ability of l-carnosine and, particularly its conjugate, to activate tyrosine kinase cascade pathways.

Erythrocytes Prevent Degradation of Carnosine by Human Serum Carnosinase

The naturally occurring dipeptide carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine) has beneficial effects in different diseases. It is also frequently used as a food supplement to improve exercise performance and because of its anti-aging effects. Nevertheless, after oral ingestion, the dipeptide is not detectable in human serum because of rapid degradation by serum carnosinase. At the same time, intact carnosine is excreted in urine up to five hours after intake. Therefore, an unknown compartment protecting the dipeptide from degradation has long been hypothesized. Considering that erythrocytes may constitute this compartment, we investigated the uptake and intracellular amounts of carnosine in human erythrocytes cultivated in the presence of the dipeptide and human serum using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. In addition, we studied carnosine’s effect on ATP production in red blood cells and on their response to oxidative stress. Our experiments revealed uptake of carnosine into erythrocytes and protection from carnosinase degradation. In addition, no negative effect on ATP production or defense against oxidative stress was observed. In conclusion, our results for the first time demonstrate that erythrocytes can take up carnosine, and, most importantly, thereby prevent its degradation by human serum carnosinase.

Synthesis and Functionalisation of Superparamagnetic Nano-Rods towards the Treatment of Glioblastoma Brain Tumours

The complete removal of glioblastoma brain tumours is impossible to achieve by surgery alone due to the complex finger-like tentacle structure of the tumour cells and their migration away from the bulk of the tumour at the time of surgery; furthermore, despite aggressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments following surgery, tumour cells continue to grow, leading to the death of patients within 15 months after diagnosis. The naturally occurring carnosine dipeptide has previously demonstrated activity against in vitro cultured glioblastoma cells; however, at natural physiological concentrations, its activity is too low to have a significant effect. Towards realising the full oncological potential of carnosine, the dipeptide was embedded within an externally triggered carrier, comprising a novel nano rod-shaped superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (ca. 86 × 19 × 11 nm) capped with a branched polyethyleneimine, which released the therapeutic agent in the presence of an external magnetic field. The new nano-carrier was characterized using electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, elemental analysis, and magnetic resonance imaging techniques. In addition to cytotoxicity studies, the carnosine carrier’s effectiveness as a treatment for glioblastoma was screened in vitro using the U87 human glioblastoma astrocytoma cell line. The labile carnosine (100 mM) suppresses both the U87 cells’ proliferation and mobility over 48 h, resulting in significant reduction in migration and potential metastasis. Carnosine was found to be fully released from the carrier using only mild hyperthermia conditions (40 °C), facilitating an achievable clinical application of the slow, sustained-release treatment of glioblastoma brain tumours that demonstrates potential to inhibit post-surgery metastasis with the added benefit of non-invasive monitoring via MRI.

Carnosine, Small but Mighty-Prospect of Use as Functional Ingredient for Functional Food Formulation

Carnosine is a dipeptide synthesized in the body from β-alanine and L-histidine. It is found in high concentrations in the brain, muscle, and gastrointestinal tissues of humans and is present in all vertebrates. Carnosine has a number of beneficial antioxidant properties. For example, carnosine scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as alpha-beta unsaturated aldehydes created by peroxidation of fatty acid cell membranes during oxidative stress. Carnosine can oppose glycation, and it can chelate divalent metal ions. Carnosine alleviates diabetic nephropathy by protecting podocyte and mesangial cells, and can slow down aging. Its component, the amino acid beta-alanine, is particularly interesting as a dietary supplement for athletes because it increases muscle carnosine, and improves effectiveness of exercise and stimulation and contraction in muscles. Carnosine is widely used among athletes in the form of supplements, but rarely in the population of cardiovascular or diabetic patients. Much less is known, if any, about its potential use in enriched food. In the present review, we aimed to provide recent knowledge on carnosine properties and distribution, its metabolism (synthesis and degradation), and analytical methods for carnosine determination, since one of the difficulties is the measurement of carnosine concentration in human samples. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms of carnosine's biological effects in musculature, metabolism and on immunomodulation are discussed. Finally, this review provides a section on carnosine supplementation in the form of functional food and potential health benefits and up to the present, neglected clinical use of carnosine.

Carnosine suppresses human glioma cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions partly via inhibiting glutamine metabolism

L-Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a naturally occurring dipeptide, which has shown broad-spectrum anticancer activity. But the anticancer mechanisms and regulators remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of carnosine on human glioma U87 and U251 cell lines under normoxia (21% O2) and hypoxia (1% O2). We showed that carnosine (25-75 mM) dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of the glioma cells; carnosine (50 mM) inhibited their colony formation, migration, and invasion capacity. But there was no significant difference in the inhibitory effects of carnosine under normoxia and hypoxia. Treatment with carnosine (50 mM) significantly decreased the expression of glutamine synthetase (GS) at the translation level rather than the transcription level in U87 and U251 cells, both under normoxia and hypoxia. Furthermore, the silencing of GS gene with shRNA and glutamine (Gln) deprivation significantly suppressed the growth, migratory, and invasive potential of the glioma cells. The inhibitory effect of carnosine on U87 and U251 cells was partly achieved by inhibiting the Gln metabolism pathway. Carnosine reduced the expression of GS in U87 and U251 cells by promoting the degradation of GS through the proteasome pathway, shortening the protein half-life, and reducing its stability. Given that targeting tumor metabolism is a proven efficient therapeutic tactic, our results may present new treatment strategies and drugs for improving the prognosis of gliomas.

Effects of a pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) cannery by-product on growth performance and carcass characteristics in finishing Hanwoo steers

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pineapple cannery by-product (PCB) level on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing Hanwoo steers.

Methods

The feeding stage was divided into early and late finishing stages. A total of 60 castrated Hanwoo steers (13.9±0.8 months old, 418.8±36.5 kg initial body weight [BW]) were blocked by initial BW and then randomly allotted into 12 pens (five head/pen). The pens were randomly assigned to control (CONT), low PCB (LPCB), or high PCB (HPCB) treatments. These diets contained 0%, 1.5%, or 3.0% of PCB (on a dry matter [DM] basis; as-fed basis was 0%, 10.6%, or 21.2%), respectively.

Results

For the early finishing stage, body weight gain (BWG) and average daily gain (ADG) of the CONT and LPCB feeding groups were greater (p<0.05) than those of the HPCB feeding group. In addition, there were linear and quadratic effects on BWG and ADG with increasing dietary PCB level (p<0.05). The gain to feed (G:F) ratio tends to quadratically decrease with an increasing PCB level in the early finishing stage (p = 0.076). Growth performances of late finishing stage were not affected by PCB level. The marbling score of the LPCB feeding group was similar to that of the CONT feeding group. However, there was a linear decrease (p< 0.05) in marbling score and quality grade among treatments as PCB was increased in the diet. In the longissimus muscle free amino acid profile, histidine composition increased linearly (p<0.05) with an increasing level of PCB.

Conclusion

The level of PCB 1.5% DM in diet can be used for finishing steers without any adverse effects on growth and carcass performances. However, there were some negative effects on growth and carcass performance in the HPCB feeding group.

Characterisation of intracellular molecular mechanisms modulated by carnosine in porcine myoblasts under basal and oxidative stress conditions

Carnosine is a naturally occurring histidine-containing dipeptide present at high concentration in mammalian skeletal muscles. Carnosine was shown to affect muscle contraction, prevent the accumulation of oxidative metabolism by-products and act as an intracellular proton buffer maintaining the muscle acid-base balance. The present study was undertaken to gain additional knowledge about the intracellular mechanisms activated by carnosine in porcine myoblast cells under basal and oxidative stress conditions. Satellite cells were isolated from the skeletal muscles of 3 to 4 day-old piglets to study the effect of 0, 10, 25 and 50 mM carnosine pre-treatments in cells that were exposed (0.3 mM H2O2) or not to an H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Study results demonstrated that carnosine acts differently in myoblasts under oxidative stress and in basal conditions, the only exception being with the reduction of reactive oxygen species and protein carbonyls observed in both experimental conditions with carnosine pre-treatment. In oxidative stress conditions, carnosine pre-treatment increased the mRNA abundance of the nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2 (NEF2L2) transcription factor and several of its downstream genes known to reduce H2O2. Carnosine prevented the H2O2-mediated activation of p38 MAPK in oxidative stress conditions, whereas it triggered the activation of mTOR under basal conditions. Current results support the protective effect of carnosine against oxidative damage in porcine myoblast cells, an effect that would be mediated through the p38 MAPK intracellular signaling pathway. The activation of the mTOR signaling pathway under basal condition also suggest a role for carnosine in myoblasts proliferation, growth and survival.

Carnosine Impedes PDGF-Stimulated Proliferation and Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells In Vitro and Sprout Outgrowth Ex Vivo

Carnosine, a naturally producing dipeptide, exhibits various beneficial effects. However, the possible role of carnosine in vascular disorders associated with pathological conditions, including proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), largely remains unrevealed. Here, we investigated the regulatory role and mechanism of carnosine in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced VSMCs. Carnosine inhibited the proliferation of PDGF-induced VSMCs without any cytotoxic effects. Carnosine treatment also induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest by causing a p21WAF1-mediated reduction in the expression of both cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and cyclins in PDGF-treated VSMCs. Carnosine treatment suppressed c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation in PDGF-stimulated signaling. Additionally, carnosine significantly prevented the migration of VSMCs exposed to PDGF. Carnosine abolished matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity via reduced transcriptional binding activity of NF-κB, Sp-1, and AP-1 motifs in PDGF-treated VSMCs. Moreover, using aortic assay ex vivo, it was observed that carnosine addition attenuated PDGF-stimulated sprout outgrowth of VSMCs. Taken together, these results demonstrated that carnosine impeded the proliferation and migration of PDGF-stimulated VSMCs by regulating cell cycle machinery, JNK signaling, and transcription factor-mediated MMP-9 activity as well as prevented ex vivo sprout outgrowth of blood vessels. Thus, carnosine may be a potential candidate for preventing vascular proliferative disease.

Important roles of dietary taurine, creatine, carnosine, anserine and 4-hydroxyproline in human nutrition and health

Taurine (a sulfur-containing β-amino acid), creatine (a metabolite of arginine, glycine and methionine), carnosine (a dipeptide; β-alanyl-L-histidine), and 4-hydroxyproline (an imino acid; also often referred to as an amino acid) were discovered in cattle, and the discovery of anserine (a methylated product of carnosine; β-alanyl-1-methyl-L-histidine) also originated with cattle. These five nutrients are highly abundant in beef, and have important physiological roles in anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory reactions, as well as neurological, muscular, retinal, immunological and cardiovascular function. Of particular note, taurine, carnosine, anserine, and creatine are absent from plants, and hydroxyproline is negligible in many plant-source foods. Consumption of 30 g dry beef can fully meet daily physiological needs of the healthy 70-kg adult human for taurine and carnosine, and can also provide large amounts of creatine, anserine and 4-hydroxyproline to improve human nutrition and health, including metabolic, retinal, immunological, muscular, cartilage, neurological, and cardiovascular health. The present review provides the public with the much-needed knowledge of nutritionally and physiologically significant amino acids, dipeptides and creatine in animal-source foods (including beef). Dietary taurine, creatine, carnosine, anserine and 4-hydroxyproline are beneficial for preventing and treating obesity, cardiovascular dysfunction, and ageing-related disorders, as well as inhibiting tumorigenesis, improving skin and bone health, ameliorating neurological abnormalities, and promoting well being in infants, children and adults. Furthermore, these nutrients may promote the immunological defense of humans against infections by bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses (including coronavirus) through enhancing the metabolism and functions of monocytes, macrophages, and other cells of the immune system. Red meat (including beef) is a functional food for optimizing human growth, development and health.

Carnosine exerts antitumor activity against bladder cancers in vitro and in vivo via suppression of angiogenesis

Carnosine, a naturally occurring dipeptide, was recently reported to exhibit anticancer activity; however, the molecular mechanisms and regulators underlying its activity against tumor-associated angiogenesis remain unidentified. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of carnosine in EJ bladder cancer cells and EJ-xenografted BALB/c nude mice, respectively. In addition, in vitro capillary tube formation of HUVECs, ex vivo aortic ring and in vivo Matrigel plug assays were employed to examine the antiangiogenic potential of carnosine. Carnosine significantly inhibited EJ cell proliferation. Flow cytometric and immunoblot analyses indicated that carnosine modulated regulators of the G1 cell cycle phase, including cyclin D1, CDK4 and p21WAF1. The mitogen-activated protein kinases, ERK and p38, but not JNK or AKT, responded to carnosine. Carnosine inhibited the migratory and invasive potential of EJ cells by inhibiting MMP-9 activity, which was associated with suppression of binding activity of NF-κB, SP-1 and AP-1. In xenograft tumors, carnosine exhibited antitumor activity equivalent to cisplatin, but no weight loss occurred in carnosine-treated mice. In HUVECs, carnosine inhibited VEGF-mediated proliferation, colony tube formation, migration and invasion. The antiangiogenic activity of carnosine was partially due to the suppression of VEGFR-2-mediated ERK/AKT/eNOS signaling and MMP-2. Furthermore, using aortic ring and Matrigel plug assays, we confirmed the antiangiogenic activity of carnosine. Given that targeting tumor-associated angiogenesis is a proven effective therapeutic strategy, our results may provide valuable information for the development of preventive or therapeutic agents for bladder cancer patients.

Profiling and targeting of cellular mitochondrial bioenergetics: inhibition of human gastric cancer cell growth by carnosine

L-Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a naturally occurring dipeptide distributed in various organs of mammalians. We previously showed that carnosine inhibited proliferation of human gastric cancer cells through targeting both mitochondrial bioenergetics and glycolysis pathway. But the mechanism underlying carnosine action on mitochondrial bioenergetics of tumor cells remains unclear. In the current study we investigated the effect of carnosine on the growth of human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells in vitro and in vivo. We firstly showed that hydrolysis of carnosine was not a prerequisite for its anti-gastric cancer effect. Treatment of SGC-7901 cells with carnosine (20 mmol/L) significantly decreased the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I-IV and mitochondrial ATP production, and downregulated 13 proteins involved in mitochondrial bioenergetics. Furthermore, carnosine treatment significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of Akt, while inhibition of Akt activation with GSK690693 significantly reduced the localization of prohibitin-1 (PHB-1) in the mitochondria of SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cells. In addition, we showed that silencing of PHB-1 gene with shRNA markedly reduced the mitochondrial PHB-1 in SGC-7901 cells, and significantly decreased the colony formation capacity and growth rate of the cells. In SGC-7901 cell xenograft nude mice, administration of carnosine (250 mg kg/d, ip, for 3 weeks) significantly inhibited the tumor growth and decreased the expression of mitochondrial PHB-1 in tumor tissue. Taken together, these results suggest that carnosine may act on multiple mitochondrial proteins to down-regulate mitochondrial bioenergetics and then to inhibit the growth and proliferation of SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cells.

Carnosine Suppresses Human Colorectal Cell Migration and Intravasation by Regulating EMT and MMP Expression

Carnosine is an endogenous dipeptide found in the vertebrate skeletal muscles that is usually obtained through the diet. To investigate the mechanism by which carnosine regulates the migration and intravasation of human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, we used cultured HCT-116 cells as an experimental model in this study. We examined HCT-116 cell migratory and intravasive abilities and expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated molecules and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) after carnosine treatment. The results showed that both migration and invasion were inhibited in cells treated with carnosine. We found significant decreases in Twist-1 protein levels and increases in E-cadherin protein levels in HCT-116 cells after carnosine exposure. Although plasminogen activator (uPA) and MMP-9 mRNA and protein levels were decreased, TIMP-1 mRNA and protein levels were increased. Furthermore, the cytosolic levels of phosphorylated I κ B (p-I κ B) and NF- κ B DNA-binding activity were reduced after carnosine treatment. These results indicate that carnosine inhibits the migration and intravasation of human CRC cells. The regulatory mechanism may occur by suppressing NF- κ B activity and modulating MMP and EMT-related gene expression in HCT-116 cells.

The proton-coupled oligopeptide transporters PEPT2, PHT1 and PHT2 mediate the uptake of carnosine in glioblastoma cells

The previous studies demonstrated that carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) inhibits the growth of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Considering carnosine for the treatment of glioblastoma, we investigated which proton-coupled oligopeptide transporters (POTs) are present in glioblastoma cells and how they contribute to the uptake of carnosine. Therefore, mRNA expression of the four known POTs (PEPT1, PEPT2, PHT1, and PHT2) was examined in three glioblastoma cell lines, ten primary tumor cell cultures, in freshly isolated tumor tissue and in healthy brain. Using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, the uptake of carnosine was investigated in the presence of competitive inhibitors and after siRNA-mediated knockdown of POTs. Whereas PEPT1 mRNA was not detected in any sample, expression of the three other transporters was significantly increased in tumor tissue compared to healthy brain. In cell culture, PHT1 expression was comparable to expression in tumor tissue, PHT2 exhibited a slightly reduced expression, and PEPT2 expression was reduced to normal brain tissue levels. In the cell line LN405, the competitive inhibitors β-alanyl-L-alanine (inhibits all transporters) and L-histidine (inhibitor of PHT1/2) both inhibited the uptake of carnosine. SiRNA-mediated knockdown of PHT1 and PHT2 revealed a significantly reduced uptake of carnosine. Interestingly, despite its low expression at the level of mRNA, knockdown of PEPT2 also resulted in decreased uptake. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the transporters PEPT2, PHT1, and PHT2 are responsible for the uptake of carnosine into glioblastoma cells and full function of all three transporters is required for maximum uptake.

Carnosine selectively inhibits migration of IDH-wildtype glioblastoma cells in a co-culture model with fibroblasts

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a tumor of the central nervous system. After surgical removal and standard therapy, recurrence of tumors is observed within 6–9 months because of the high migratory behavior and the infiltrative growth of cells. Here, we investigated whether carnosine (β-alanine-l-histidine), which has an inhibitory effect on glioblastoma proliferation, may on the opposite promote invasion as proposed by the so-called “go-or-grow concept”.

Methods

Cell viability of nine patient derived primary (isocitrate dehydrogenase wildtype; IDH1R132H non mutant) glioblastoma cell cultures and of eleven patient derived fibroblast cultures was determined by measuring ATP in cell lysates and dehydrogenase activity after incubation with 0, 50 or 75 mM carnosine for 48 h. Using the glioblastoma cell line T98G, patient derived glioblastoma cells and fibroblasts, a co-culture model was developed using 12 well plates and cloning rings, placing glioblastoma cells inside and fibroblasts outside the ring. After cultivation in the presence of carnosine, the number of colonies and the size of the tumor cell occupied area were determined.

Results

In 48 h single cultures of fibroblasts and tumor cells, 50 and 75 mM carnosine reduced ATP in cell lysates and dehydrogenase activity when compared to the corresponding untreated control cells. Co-culture experiments revealed that after 4 week exposure to carnosine the number of T98G tumor cell colonies within the fibroblast layer and the area occupied by tumor cells was reduced with increasing concentrations of carnosine. Although primary cultured tumor cells did not form colonies in the absence of carnosine, they were eliminated from the co-culture by cell death and did not build colonies under the influence of carnosine, whereas fibroblasts survived and were healthy.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the anti-proliferative effect of carnosine is not accompanied by an induction of cell migration. Instead, the dipeptide is able to prevent colony formation and selectively eliminates tumor cells in a co-culture with fibroblasts.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12935-018-0611-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Pyruvate attenuates the anti-neoplastic effect of carnosine independently from oxidative phosphorylation

Here we analyzed whether the anti-neoplastic effect of carnosine, which inhibits glycolytic ATP production, can be antagonized by ATP production via oxidative phosphorylation fueled by pyruvate. Therefore, glioblastoma cells were cultivated in medium supplemented with glucose, galactose or pyruvate and in the presence or absence of carnosine. CPI-613 was employed to inhibit the entry of pyruvate into the tricarboxylic acid cycle and 2,4-dinitrophenol to inhibit oxidative phosphorylation. Energy metabolism and viability were assessed by cell based assays and histochemistry.ATP in cell lysates and dehydrogenase activity in living cells revealed a strong reduction of viability under the influence of carnosine when cells received glucose or galactose but not in the presence of pyruvate. CPI-613 and 2,4-dinitrophenol reduced viability of cells cultivated in pyruvate, but no effect was seen in the presence of glucose. No effect of carnosine on viability was observed in the presence of glucose and pyruvate even in the presence of 2,4-dinitrophenol or CPI-613.In conclusion, glioblastoma cells produce ATP from pyruvate via the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation in the absence of a glycolytic substrate. In addition, pyruvate attenuates the anti-neoplastic effect of carnosine, even when ATP production via tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation is blocked. We also observed an inhibitory effect of carnosine on the tricarboxylic acid cycle and a stimulating effect of 2,4-dinitrophenol on glycolytic ATP production.

Carnosine suppresses oxygen-glucose deprivation/recovery-induced proliferation and migration of reactive astrocytes of rats in vitro

Glial scar formation resulted from excessive astrogliosis limits axonal regeneration and impairs recovery of function, thus an intervention to ameliorate excessive astrogliosis is crucial for the recovery of neurological function after cerebral ischemia. In this study we investigated the effects of carnosine, an endogenous water-soluble dipeptide (β-alanyl-L-histidine), on astrogliosis of cells exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/recovery (OGD/R) in vitro. Primary cultured rat astrocytes exhibited a significant increase in proliferation at 24 h recovery after OGD for 2 h. Pretreatment with carnosine (5 mmol/L) caused G₁ arrest of reactive astrocytes, significantly attenuated OGD/R-induced increase in cyclin D1 protein expression and suppressed OGD/R-induced proliferation of reactive astrocytes. Carnosine treatment also reversed glycolysis and ATP production, which was elevated at 24 h recovery after OGD. A marked increase in migration of reactive astrocytes was observed at 24 h after OGD, whereas carnosine treatment reversed the expression levels of MMP-9 and suppressed the migration of astrocytes. Furthermore, carnosine also improved neurite growth of cortical neurons co-cultured with astrocytes under ischemic conditions. These results demonstrate that carnosine may be a promising candidate for inhibiting astrogliosis and promoting neurological function recovery after ischemic stroke.

Glycyl-alanyl-histidine protects PC12 cells against hydrogen peroxide toxicity

Background

Peptides with cytoprotective functions, including antioxidants and anti-infectives, could be useful therapeutics. Carnosine, β-alanine-histidine, is a dipeptide with anti-oxidant properties. Tripeptides of Ala-His-Lys, Pro-His-His, or Tyr-His-Tyr are also of interest in this respect.

Results

We synthesized several histidine-containing peptides including glycine or alanine, and tested their cytoprotective effects on hydrogen peroxide toxicity for PC12 cells. Of all these peptides (Gly-His-His, Ala-His-His, Ala-His-Ala, Ala-Ala-His, Ala-Gly-His, Gly-Ala-His (GAH), Ala-His-Gly, His-Ala-Gly, His-His-His, Gly-His-Ala, and Gly-Gly-His), GAH was found to have the strongest cytoprotective activity. GAH decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, apoptosis, morphological changes, and nuclear membrane permeability changes against hydrogen peroxide toxicity in PC12 cells. The cytoprotective activity of GAH was superior to that of carnosine against hydrogen peroxide toxicity in PC12 cells. GAH also protected PC12 cells against damage caused by actinomycin D and staurosporine. Additionally, it was found that GAH also protected SH-SY5Y and Jurkat cells from damage caused by hydrogen peroxide, as assessed by LDH leakage.

Conclusion

Thus, a novel tripeptide, GAH, has been identified as having broad cytoprotective effects against hydrogen peroxide-induced cell damage.

Composition of free and peptide-bound amino acids in beef chuck, loin, and round cuts

Meat is a food for humans. However, beef consumption in the United States has steadily declined by >14% over the past decade due to a variety of factors, including insufficient knowledge of animal protein. This study quantified all proteinogenic AA as well as nutritionally and physiologically significant nonproteinogenic AA and small peptides in beef cuts from 3 subprimals (chuck, round, and loin). Beef carcasses ( = 10) were selected at 3 commercial packing plants in the United States. Retail-cut samples were analyzed for the nitrogenous substances after acid, alkaline, or enzymatic hydrolysis and after deproteinization. In these chuck, round, and loin cuts, total amounts of glutamate (free plus peptide bound) were the highest (69-75 mg/g dry weight) followed by lysine, leucine, arginine, and glutamine in descending order. This is the first study to determine aspartate, asparagine, glutamate, and glutamine in meat proteins of any animal species. In all the beef samples evaluated, glutamine was the most abundant free AA (4.0-5.7 mg/g dry weight) followed by taurine, alanine, glutamate, and β-alanine. Additionally, samples from all beef cuts had high concentrations of anserine, carnosine, and glutathione, which were 2.8 to 3.7, 15.2 to 24.2, and 0.68 to 0.79 mg/g dry weight, respectively. Beef top loin steaks appear to provide higher protein nutrition values than top round steaks and under blade roasts, but all are excellent sources of proteinogenic AA as well as antioxidant AA and peptides to improve human growth, development, and health. Our findings may help guide future decisions regarding human and animal nutrition.

Preventive Effects of Carnosine on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Lung Injury

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a potentially devastating form of acute lung injury, which involves neutrophilic inflammation and pulmonary cell death. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in ARDS development. New compounds for inhibiting the onset and progression of ARDS are required. Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a small di-peptide with numerous activities, including antioxidant effects, metal chelation, proton buffering capacity and the inhibition of protein carbonylation and glycoxidation. We have examined the preventive effects of carnosine on tissue injury, oedema and inflammation in a murine model for ARDS. Oral administration of carnosine suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced vascular permeability, tissue injury and inflammation in the lung. In vivo imaging analysis revealed that LPS administration increased the level of ROS and that this increase was inhibited by carnosine administration. Carnosine also suppressed LPS-induced neutrophilic inflammation (evaluated by activation of myeloperoxidase in the lung and increased extracellular DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid). Furthermore, carnosine administration suppressed the LPS-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress response in vivo. These results suggest that the oral administration of carnosine suppresses LPS-induced lung injury via carnosine's ROS-reducing activity. Therefore, carnosine may be beneficial for suppressing the onset and progression of ARDS.

Carnosine Inhibits the Proliferation of Human Cervical Gland Carcinoma Cells Through Inhibiting Both Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Glycolysis Pathways and Retarding Cell Cycle Progression

Carnosine has been demonstrated to play an antitumorigenic role in certain types of cancer. However, its underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, the roles of carnosine in cell proliferation and its underlying mechanism were investigated in the cultured human cervical gland carcinoma cells HeLa and cervical squamous carcinoma cells SiHa. The results showed that carnosine exerted a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of HeLa cells, whereas its inhibitory action on the proliferation of SiHa cells was much weaker. Carnosine decreased the ATP content through inhibiting both mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis pathways in cultured HeLa cells but not SiHa cells. Carnosine reduced the activities of isocitrate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase in TCA (tricarboxylic acid) cycle and the activities of mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I, II, III, and IV in HeLa cells but not SiHa cells. Carnosine also decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of ClpP, which plays a key role in maintaining the mitochondrial function in HeLa cells. In addition, carnosine induced G1 arrest by inhibiting the G1-S phase transition in both HeLa and SiHa cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that carnosine has a strong inhibitory action on the proliferation of human cervical gland carcinoma cells rather than cervical squamous carcinoma cells. Mitochondrial bioenergetics and glycolysis pathways and cell cycle may be involved in the carnosine action on the cell proliferation in cultured human cervical gland carcinoma cells HeLa.

Use of Carnosine for Oxidative Stress Reduction in Different Pathologies

The main properties and biological effects of the antioxidant carnosine, the natural dipeptide β-alanyl-L-histidine, are considered. Data on the effective use of carnosine in different pathologies are presented. Special attention is paid to issues of use of carnosine in neurologic and mental diseases, in alcoholism as well as in physiological states accompanied by activation of free-radical processes and formation of oxidative stress.