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Saadati S, Cameron J, Menon K, Hodge A, Lu ZX, de Courten M, Feehan J, de Courten B. Carnosine Did Not Affect Vascular and Metabolic Outcomes in Patients with Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: A 14-Week Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2023; 15:4835. [PMID: 38004228 PMCID: PMC10674211 DOI: 10.3390/nu15224835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Carnosine has been suggested as a potential approach to reduce ASCVD risk factors. However, there is a paucity of human data. Hence, we performed a 14-week double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial to determine whether carnosine compared with placebo improves vascular and metabolic outcomes in individuals with prediabetes and T2DM. In total, 49 patients with prediabetes and T2DM with good glycemic control were randomly assigned either to receive 2 g/day carnosine or matching placebo. We evaluated endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, lipid parameters, blood pressure, heart rate, hepatic and renal outcomes before and after the intervention. Carnosine supplementation had no effect on heart rate, peripheral and central blood pressure, endothelial function (logarithm of reactive hyperemia (LnRHI)), arterial stiffness (carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (CF PWV)), lipid parameters, liver fibroscan indicators, liver transient elastography, liver function tests, and renal outcomes compared to placebo. In conclusion, carnosine supplementation did not improve cardiovascular and cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with prediabetes and T2DM with good glycemic control. Therefore, it is improbable that carnosine supplementation would be a viable approach to mitigating the ASCVD risk in these populations. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02917928).
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeede Saadati
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (S.S.); (K.M.); (A.H.); (Z.X.L.)
| | - James Cameron
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (S.S.); (K.M.); (A.H.); (Z.X.L.)
- Monash Cardiovascular Research Centre, Monash Heart, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Kirthi Menon
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (S.S.); (K.M.); (A.H.); (Z.X.L.)
| | - Alexander Hodge
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (S.S.); (K.M.); (A.H.); (Z.X.L.)
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Zhong X. Lu
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (S.S.); (K.M.); (A.H.); (Z.X.L.)
- Monash Health Pathology, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Maximilian de Courten
- Mitchell Institute for Health and Education Policy, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia;
| | - Jack Feehan
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia
| | - Barbora de Courten
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (S.S.); (K.M.); (A.H.); (Z.X.L.)
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
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Creighton JV, de Souza Gonçalves L, Artioli GG, Tan D, Elliott-Sale KJ, Turner MD, Doig CL, Sale C. Physiological Roles of Carnosine in Myocardial Function and Health. Adv Nutr 2022; 13:1914-1929. [PMID: 35689661 PMCID: PMC9526863 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Carnosine is a pleiotropic histidine-containing dipeptide synthesized from β-alanine and l-histidine, with the intact dipeptide and constituent amino acids being available from the diet. The therapeutic application of carnosine in myocardial tissue is promising, with carnosine playing a potentially beneficial role in both healthy and diseased myocardial models. This narrative review discusses the role of carnosine in myocardial function and health, including an overview of the metabolic pathway of carnosine in the myocardial tissue, the roles carnosine may play in the myocardium, and a critical analysis of the literature, focusing on the effect of exogenous carnosine and its precursors on myocardial function. By so doing, we aim to identify current gaps in the literature, thereby identifying considerations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade V Creighton
- Musculoskeletal Physiology Research Group, Sport, Health, and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Guilherme G Artioli
- Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Di Tan
- Natural Alternatives International, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Kirsty J Elliott-Sale
- Musculoskeletal Physiology Research Group, Sport, Health, and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton, Nottingham, United Kingdom,Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mark D Turner
- Centre for Diabetes, Chronic Diseases, and Ageing, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Craig L Doig
- Centre for Diabetes, Chronic Diseases, and Ageing, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Kilis-Pstrusinska K. Carnosine and Kidney Diseases: What We Currently Know? Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:1764-1781. [PMID: 31362685 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190730130024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) is an endogenously synthesised dipeptide which is present in different human tissues e.g. in the kidney. Carnosine is degraded by enzyme serum carnosinase, encoding by CNDP1 gene. Carnosine is engaged in different metabolic pathways in the kidney. It reduces the level of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, inhibits advanced glycation end products' formation, moreover, it also decreases the mesangial cell proliferation. Carnosine may also serve as a scavenger of peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals and a natural angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. This review summarizes the results of experimental and human studies concerning the role of carnosine in kidney diseases, particularly in chronic kidney disease, ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute renal failure, diabetic nephropathy and also drug-induced nephrotoxicity. The interplay between serum carnosine concentration and serum carnosinase activity and polymorphism in the CNDP1 gene is discussed. Carnosine has renoprotective properties. It has a promising potential for the treatment and prevention of different kidney diseases, particularly chronic kidney disease which is a global public health issue. Further studies of the role of carnosine in the kidney may offer innovative and effective strategies for the management of kidney diseases.
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4
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Berezhnoy DS, Stvolinsky SL, Lopachev AV, Devyatov AA, Lopacheva OM, Kulikova OI, Abaimov DA, Fedorova TN. Carnosine as an effective neuroprotector in brain pathology and potential neuromodulator in normal conditions. Amino Acids 2018; 51:139-150. [PMID: 30353356 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-018-2667-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Carnosine (b-alanyl-L-histidine) is an endogenous dipeptide widely distributed in excitable tissues, such as muscle and neural tissues-though in minor concentrations in the latter. Multiple benefits have been attributed to carnosine: direct and indirect antioxidant effect, antiglycating, metal-chelating, chaperone and pH-buffering activity. Thus, carnosine turns out to be a multipotent protector against oxidative damage. However, the role of carnosine in the brain remains unclear. The key aspects concerning carnosine in the brain reviewed are as follows: its concentration and bioavailability, mechanisms of action in neuronal and glial cells, beneficial effects in human studies. Recent literature data and the results of our own research are summarized here. This review covers studies of carnosine effects on both in vitro and in vivo models of cerebral damage, such as neurodegenerative disorders and ischemic injuries and the data on its physiological actions on neuronal signaling and cerebral functions. Besides its antioxidant and homeostatic properties, new potential roles of carnosine in the brain are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Berezhnoy
- Research Center of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurochemistry, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow, 125367, Russia. .,Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia.
| | - S L Stvolinsky
- Research Center of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurochemistry, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - A V Lopachev
- Research Center of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurochemistry, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - A A Devyatov
- Research Center of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurochemistry, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - O M Lopacheva
- Research Center of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurochemistry, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - O I Kulikova
- Research Center of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurochemistry, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow, 125367, Russia.,Faculty of Ecology, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, 117198, Russia
| | - D A Abaimov
- Research Center of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurochemistry, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - T N Fedorova
- Research Center of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurochemistry, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow, 125367, Russia
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Villar-Briones A, Aird SD. Organic and Peptidyl Constituents of Snake Venoms: The Picture Is Vastly More Complex Than We Imagined. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:E392. [PMID: 30261630 PMCID: PMC6215107 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10100392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Small metabolites and peptides in 17 snake venoms (Elapidae, Viperinae, and Crotalinae), were quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Each venom contains >900 metabolites and peptides. Many small organic compounds are present at levels that are probably significant in prey envenomation, given that their known pharmacologies are consistent with snake envenomation strategies. Metabolites included purine nucleosides and their bases, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, guanidino compounds, carboxylic acids, amines, mono- and disaccharides, and amino acids. Peptides of 2⁻15 amino acids are also present in significant quantities, particularly in crotaline and viperine venoms. Some constituents are specific to individual taxa, while others are broadly distributed. Some of the latter appear to support high anabolic activity in the gland, rather than having toxic functions. Overall, the most abundant organic metabolite was citric acid, owing to its predominance in viperine and crotaline venoms, where it chelates divalent cations to prevent venom degradation by venom metalloproteases and damage to glandular tissue by phospholipases. However, in terms of their concentrations in individual venoms, adenosine, adenine, were most abundant, owing to their high titers in Dendroaspis polylepis venom, although hypoxanthine, guanosine, inosine, and guanine all numbered among the 50 most abundant organic constituents. A purine not previously reported in venoms, ethyl adenosine carboxylate, was discovered in D. polylepis venom, where it probably contributes to the profound hypotension caused by this venom. Acetylcholine was present in significant quantities only in this highly excitotoxic venom, while 4-guanidinobutyric acid and 5-guanidino-2-oxopentanoic acid were present in all venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Villar-Briones
- Division of Research Support, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Steven D Aird
- Division of Faculty Affairs and Ecology and Evolution Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan.
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Elbarbary NS, Ismail EAR, El-Naggar AR, Hamouda MH, El-Hamamsy M. The effect of 12 weeks carnosine supplementation on renal functional integrity and oxidative stress in pediatric patients with diabetic nephropathy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Pediatr Diabetes 2018; 19:470-477. [PMID: 28744992 DOI: 10.1111/pedi.12564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Oxidative stress is a significant contributor to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Carnosine is a natural radical oxygen species scavenger. We investigated the effect of carnosine as an adjuvant therapy on urinary albumin excretion (UAE), the tubular damage marker alpha 1-microglobulin (A1M), and oxidative stress in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes and nephropathy. METHODS This randomized placebo-controlled trial included 90 patients with diabetic nephropathy, despite oral angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is), who were randomly assigned to receive either 12 weeks of carnosine 1 g/day (n = 45), or matching placebo (n = 45). Both groups were followed-up with assessment of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), UAE, A1M, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdhyde (MDA). RESULTS Baseline clinical and laboratory parameters were consistent between carnosine and placebo groups (P > .05). After 12 weeks, carnosine treatment resulted in significant decrease of HbA1c (8.2 ± 2.1% vs 7.4 ± 1.3%), UAE (91.7 vs 38.5 mg/g creatinine), A1M (16.5 ± 6.8 mg/L vs 9.3 ± 6.6 mg/L), MDA levels (25.5 ± 8.1 vs 18.2 ± 7.7 nmol/mL) while TAC levels were increased compared with baseline levels (P < .001) and compared with placebo (P < .001). No adverse reactions due to carnosine supplementation were reported. Baseline TAC was inversely correlated to HbA1c (r = -0.58, P = .04) and A1M (r = -0.682, P = .015) among carnosine group. CONCLUSIONS Oral supplementation with L-Carnosine for 12 weeks resulted in a significant improvement of oxidative stress, glycemic control and renal function. Thus, carnosine could be a safe and effective strategy for treatment of pediatric patients with diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Abdel Rahman El-Naggar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern technology and Information University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahitab Hany Hamouda
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern technology and Information University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manal El-Hamamsy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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7
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The involvement of sympathetic nervous system in essence of chicken-facilitated physiological adaption and circadian resetting. Life Sci 2018; 201:54-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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de Courten B, Jakubova M, de Courten MP, Kukurova IJ, Vallova S, Krumpolec P, Valkovic L, Kurdiova T, Garzon D, Barbaresi S, Teede HJ, Derave W, Krssak M, Aldini G, Ukropec J, Ukropcova B. Effects of carnosine supplementation on glucose metabolism: Pilot clinical trial. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2016; 24:1027-34. [PMID: 27040154 DOI: 10.1002/oby.21434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Carnosine is a naturally present dipeptide in humans and an over-the counter food additive. Evidence from animal studies supports the role for carnosine in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, yet there is limited human data. This study investigated whether carnosine supplementation in individuals with overweight or obesity improves diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS In a double-blind randomized pilot trial in nondiabetic individuals with overweight and obesity (age 43 ± 8 years; body mass index 31 ± 4 kg/m(2) ), 15 individuals were randomly assigned to 2 g carnosine daily and 15 individuals to placebo for 12 weeks. Insulin sensitivity and secretion, glucose tolerance (oral glucose tolerance test), blood pressure, plasma lipid profile, skeletal muscle ((1) H-MRS), and urinary carnosine levels were measured. RESULTS Carnosine concentrations increased in urine after supplementation (P < 0.05). An increase in fasting insulin and insulin resistance was hampered in individuals receiving carnosine compared to placebo, and this remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, and change in body weight (P = 0.02, P = 0.04, respectively). Two-hour glucose and insulin were both lower after carnosine supplementation compared to placebo in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These pilot intervention data suggest that carnosine supplementation may be an effective strategy for prevention of type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora de Courten
- Monash Centre for Health, Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Australia
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michaela Jakubova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Maximilian Pj de Courten
- Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ivica Just Kukurova
- High Field MR Centre, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Clinical Molecular MR Imaging, Vienna, Austria
| | - Silvia Vallova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Patrik Krumpolec
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ladislav Valkovic
- High Field MR Centre, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Clinical Molecular MR Imaging, Vienna, Austria
| | - Timea Kurdiova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Davide Garzon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universitàdegli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Barbaresi
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Helena J Teede
- Monash Centre for Health, Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Australia
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wim Derave
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Martin Krssak
- High Field MR Centre, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Clinical Molecular MR Imaging, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universitàdegli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Jozef Ukropec
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Barbara Ukropcova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Baye E, Ukropcova B, Ukropec J, Hipkiss A, Aldini G, de Courten B. Physiological and therapeutic effects of carnosine on cardiometabolic risk and disease. Amino Acids 2016; 48:1131-49. [PMID: 26984320 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2208-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are the most common preventable causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. They represent major public health threat to our society. Increasing prevalence of obesity and T2DM contributes to escalating morbidity and mortality from CVD and stroke. Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a dipeptide with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-glycation, anti-ischaemic and chelating roles and is available as an over-the-counter food supplement. Animal evidence suggests that carnosine may offer many promising therapeutic benefits for multiple chronic diseases due to these properties. Carnosine, traditionally used in exercise physiology to increase exercise performance, has potential preventative and therapeutic benefits in obesity, insulin resistance, T2DM and diabetic microvascular and macrovascular complications (CVD and stroke) as well as number of neurological and mental health conditions. However, relatively little evidence is available in humans. Thus, future studies should focus on well-designed clinical trials to confirm or refute a potential role of carnosine in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases in humans, in addition to advancing knowledge from the basic science and animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estifanos Baye
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia.,Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Barbara Ukropcova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.,Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jozef Ukropec
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alan Hipkiss
- School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbora de Courten
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia. .,Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
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de Courten B, Kurdiova T, de Courten MPJ, Belan V, Everaert I, Vician M, Teede H, Gasperikova D, Aldini G, Derave W, Ukropec J, Ukropcova B. Muscle Carnosine Is Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Humans. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138707. [PMID: 26439389 PMCID: PMC4595442 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carnosine is a naturally present dipeptide abundant in skeletal muscle and an over-the counter food additive. Animal data suggest a role of carnosine supplementation in the prevention and treatment of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease but only limited human data exists. METHODS AND RESULTS Samples of vastus lateralis muscle were obtained by needle biopsy. We measured muscle carnosine levels (high-performance liquid chromatography), % body fat (bioimpedance), abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adiposity (magnetic resonance imaging), insulin sensitivity (euglycaemic hyperinsulinemic clamp), resting energy expenditure (REE, indirect calorimetry), free-living ambulatory physical activity (accelerometers) and lipid profile in 36 sedentary non-vegetarian middle aged men (45±7 years) with varying degrees of adiposity and glucose tolerance. Muscle carnosine content was positively related to % body fat (r = 0.35, p = 0.04) and subcutaneous (r = 0.38, p = 0.02) but not visceral fat (r = 0.17, p = 0.33). Muscle carnosine content was inversely associated with insulin sensitivity (r = -0.44, p = 0.008), REE (r = -0.58, p<0.001) and HDL-cholesterol levels (r = -0.34, p = 0.048). Insulin sensitivity and physical activity were the best predictors of muscle carnosine content after adjustment for adiposity. CONCLUSION Our data shows that higher carnosine content in human skeletal muscle is positively associated with insulin resistance and fasting metabolic preference for glucose. Moreover, it is negatively associated with HDL-cholesterol and basal energy expenditure. Intervention studies targeting insulin resistance, metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk factors are necessary to evaluate its putative role in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora de Courten
- Monash Centre for Health, Research and Implementation, School of Public health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Timea Kurdiova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Vitazoslav Belan
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Bratislava, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Inge Everaert
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Marek Vician
- Surgery Department, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Helena Teede
- Monash Centre for Health, Research and Implementation, School of Public health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daniela Gasperikova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Wim Derave
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Jozef Ukropec
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Barbara Ukropcova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Horii Y, Fujisaki Y, Fuyuki R, Nagai K. l-Carnosine’s dose-dependent effects on muscle sympathetic nerves and blood flow. Neurosci Lett 2015; 591:144-148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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12
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Kai S, Watanabe G, Kubota M, Kadowaki M, Fujimura S. Effect of dietary histidine on contents of carnosine and anserine in muscles of broilers. Anim Sci J 2014; 86:541-6. [DOI: 10.1111/asj.12322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Kai
- Graduate School of Science and Technology; Niigata University; Niigata Japan
| | - Genya Watanabe
- Graduate School of Science and Technology; Niigata University; Niigata Japan
| | - Masatoshi Kubota
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research; Niigata University; Niigata Japan
| | - Motoni Kadowaki
- Graduate School of Science and Technology; Niigata University; Niigata Japan
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research; Niigata University; Niigata Japan
| | - Shinobu Fujimura
- Graduate School of Science and Technology; Niigata University; Niigata Japan
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research; Niigata University; Niigata Japan
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Identification of genes with altered expression in male and female Schlager hypertensive mice. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2014; 15:101. [PMID: 25259444 PMCID: PMC4355368 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-014-0101-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background Numerous studies have shown sex differences in the onset and severity of hypertension. Despite these sex-differences the majority of animal studies are carried out in males. This study investigated expression changes in both male and female hypertensive mouse kidneys to identify common mechanisms that may be involved in the development of hypertension. Methods The Schlager hypertensive mouse model (BPH/2J) and its normotensive control (BPN/3J) were used in this study. Radiotelemetry was performed on 12 to 13 week old BPH/2J and BPN/3J male and female animals. Affymetrix GeneChip Mouse Gene 1.0 ST Arrays were performed in kidney tissue from 12 week old BPH/2J and BPN/3J male and female mice (n = 6/group). Genes that were differentially expressed in both male and female datasets were validated using qPCR. Results Systolic arterial pressure and heart rate was significantly higher in BPH/2J mice compared with BPN/3J mice in both males and females. Microarray analysis identified 153 differentially expressed genes that were common between males and females (70 upregulated and 83 downregulated). We validated 15 genes by qPCR. Genes involved in sympathetic activity (Hdc, Cndp2), vascular ageing (Edn3), and telomere maintenance (Mcm6) were identified as being differentially expressed between BPH/2J and BPN/3J comparisons. Many of these genes also exhibited expression differences between males and females within a strain. Conclusions This study utilised data from both male and female animals to identify a number of genes that may be involved in the development of hypertension. We show that female data can be used to refine candidate genes and pathways, as well as highlight potential mechanisms to explain the differences in prevalence and severity of disease between men and women. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12881-014-0101-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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14
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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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Kubomura D, Matahira Y, Nagai K, Niijima A. Effect of anserine ingestion on the hyperglycemia and autonomic nerves in rats and humans. Nutr Neurosci 2013; 13:123-8. [DOI: 10.1179/147683010x12611460764048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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16
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Role of l-carnosine in the control of blood glucose, blood pressure, thermogenesis, and lipolysis by autonomic nerves in rats: involvement of the circadian clock and histamine. Amino Acids 2012; 43:97-109. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-012-1251-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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17
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Horii Y, Shen J, Fujisaki Y, Yoshida K, Nagai K. Effects of L-carnosine on splenic sympathetic nerve activity and tumor proliferation. Neurosci Lett 2012; 510:1-5. [PMID: 22240100 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.12.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Revised: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
l-Carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine), a dipeptide of the amino acids β-alanine and histidine, is found in mammalian tissues including those in the central nervous system and in skeletal muscles. In the present study, we examined the effects of intraduodenal (ID) injection of l-carnosine on splenic sympathetic nerve activity (splenic-SNA) in urethane-anesthetized rats and found that ID injection of 3.3mg/kg of body weight of l-carnosine significantly suppressed splenic-SNA. Since it has been suggested that splenic-SNA reduction increases natural killer (NK) activity of splenic cells, which in turn elevates tumor immunity, we then investigated the effect of l-carnosine on the proliferation of human colon cancer cells transplanted into athymic nude mice. The findings of this study revealed that 1mg/mL of l-carnosine solution given as the only drinking water inhibited tumor proliferation. These results suggest that l-carnosine suppresses splenic-SNA and inhibits cancer cell proliferation, probably by elevating NK activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Horii
- ANBAS Corporation, 4-12-17, Toyosaki, Kita-Ku, Osaka 531-0072, Japan.
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18
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19
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Kim MY, Kim EJ, Kim YN, Choi C, Lee BH. Effects of α-lipoic acid and L-carnosine supplementation on antioxidant activities and lipid profiles in rats. Nutr Res Pract 2011; 5:421-8. [PMID: 22125679 PMCID: PMC3221827 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2011.5.5.421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2011] [Revised: 10/08/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Lipoic acid and L-carnosine are powerful antioxidants and are often used as a health supplement and as an ergogenic aid. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of α-lipoic acid and/or L-carnosine supplementation on antioxidant activity in serum, skin, and liver of rats and blood lipid profiles for 6 weeks. Four treatment groups received diets containing regular rat chow diet (control, CON), 0.5% α-lipoic acid (ALA), 0.25% α-lipoic acid + 0.25% L-carnosine (ALA + LC), or 0.5% L-carnosine (LC). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and lipid peroxidation products, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, were analyzed in serum, skin, and liver. Blood lipid profiles were measured, including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Skin and liver SOD activities of the ALA and LC groups were higher than those of the CON group (P < 0.05), but serum SOD activity was higher only in the LC group compared to that in the CON group (P < 0.05). Additionally, only liver GSH-Px activity in the LC group was higher than that of the CON and the other groups. Serum and skin MDA levels in the ALA and LC groups were lower than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). Serum TG and TC in the ALA and ALA + LC groups were lower than those in the CON and LC groups (P < 0.05). The HDL-C level in the LC group was higher than that in any other group (P < 0.05). LDL-C level was lower in the ALA + LC and LC groups than that in the CON group (P < 0.05). Thus, α-lipoic acid and L-carnosine supplementation increased antioxidant activity, decreased lipid peroxidation in the serum, liver, and skin of rats and positively modified blood lipid profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Young Kim
- Department of Food & Nutrition, Chung-Ang University, 4726 Seodong-daero, Daedeok-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi 456-756, Korea
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20
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Toba H, Yoshida M, Tojo C, Nakano A, Oshima Y, Kojima Y, Noda K, Wang J, Kobara M, Nakata T. L/N-type calcium channel blocker cilnidipine ameliorates proteinuria and inhibits the renal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertensive rats. Hypertens Res 2011; 34:521-9. [PMID: 21270815 DOI: 10.1038/hr.2010.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cilnidipine, an N/L-type calcium channel blocker, has been reported to inhibit sympathetic nerve activity and has a greater renoprotective effect than L-type calcium channel blockers. To investigate the hypothesis that cilnidipine might ameliorate advanced hypertensive nephropathy and inhibit the renal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, cilnidipine (1 mg per kg per day) or amlodipine (1 mg per kg per day) was administered to uninephrectomized deoxycorticosterone (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats (DOCA-salt) for 4 weeks by gavage. Although the blood pressure in the DOCA-salt group was higher than that of control, neither cilnidipine nor amlodipine had any effect on the increase in blood pressure in the DOCA-salt group. The DOCA (40 mg per kg per week, subcutaneously (s.c.)) and salt (1% NaCl in drinking water) treatment significantly aggravated the levels of urinary protein excretion and creatinine clearance and increased glomerulosclerosis and collagen deposition in the tubulointerstitial area of the kidney. These effects were attenuated by cilnidipine treatment. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the renal expression of mRNA for collagen I/IV and transforming growth factor-β was enhanced in the DOCA-salt group and that the overexpression of these molecules was suppressed by cilnidipine. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase-derived superoxide production in the kidney and urinary norepinephrine excretion, which were enhanced in the DOCA-salt group, were suppressed by cilnidipine. Cilnidipine also decreased the activity and expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and the aldosterone concentration in the renal homogenate. Although neither cilnidipine nor amlodipine had any effect on the increased blood pressure in the DOCA-salt group, these renal changes were not induced by treatment with amlodipine. In conclusion, cilnidipine inhibited renal dysfunction, sympathetic nerve activity and renal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in the DOCA-salt group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroe Toba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Division of Pathological Sciences, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan.
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21
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Kubomura D, Matahira Y, Nagai K, Niijima A. Effect of anserine ingestion on hyperglycemia and the autonomic nerves in rats and humans. Nutr Neurosci 2010; 13:183-8. [PMID: 20670474 DOI: 10.1179/147683010x12611460764363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Anserine and L-carnosine are similar dipeptides synthesized by muscles of vertebrates. The functional role of anserine is unknown, although previous studies showed hypoglycemic effects of carnosine through autonomic nerves. Thus, we evaluated the effects of anserine on blood glucose levels and the neural activities. Intraperitoneal administration of specific doses of anserine to hyperglycemic rats reduced hyperglycemia and plasma glucagon concentrations, whereas thioperamide eliminated the effects of anserine. Intraduodenal injection of 0.1 mg anserine to anesthetized rats after laparotomy suppressed sympathetic nerve activity and enhanced activity of the vagal gastric efferent. In addition, oral administration of anserine reduced blood glucose levels during oral glucose tolerance testing in humans. These results suggest the possibility that anserine might be a control factor for the blood glucose, and that histaminergic nerves may be involved in the hypoglycemic effects of anserine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Kubomura
- R&D Functional Food Division, Yaizu Suisankagaku Industry Co. Ltd, Shizuoka, Japan.
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22
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Effect of BRAND’s Essence of Chicken on the resetting process of circadian clocks in rats subjected to experimental jet lag. Mol Biol Rep 2010; 38:1533-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-010-0261-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2009] [Accepted: 09/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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23
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Matsumura S, Eguchi A, Kitabayashi N, Tanida M, Shen J, Horii Y, Nagai K, Tsuzuki S, Inoue K, Fushiki T. Effect of an intraduodenal injection of fat on the activities of the adrenal efferent sympathetic nerve and the gastric efferent parasympathetic nerve in urethane-anesthetized rats. Neurosci Res 2010; 67:236-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2010.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2009] [Revised: 03/24/2010] [Accepted: 03/25/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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24
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Toba H, Nakamori A, Tanaka Y, Yukiya R, Tatsuoka K, Narutaki M, Tokitaka M, Hariu H, Kobara M, Nakata T. Oral L-histidine exerts antihypertensive effects via central histamine H3 receptors and decreases nitric oxide content in the rostral ventrolateral medulla in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2010; 37:62-8. [PMID: 19566844 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2009.05227.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
1. L-histidine is generally found in meat, poultry and fish. To investigate its effects on blood pressure, L-histidine was administered to 9-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). 2. Oral administration of L-histidine (100 mg / kg) increased histamine content in cerebrospinal fluid and reduced mean arterial pressure (MAP) in SHR. Intracerebroventricular injection of L-histidine (0.01 microg / 5 microL) also caused a decrease in MAP, which was reversed by cotreatment with the histamine H3 receptor antagonist thioperamide (20.4 microg / 5 microL, i.c.v.). There was a significant, time-dependent increase (over 6 h) in the NOx (NO2- + NO3-) content of the dialysate from the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), a major vasomotor centre, after oral administration of L-histidine. 3. In another experiment, SHR were treated with l-histidine (100 mg / kg) twice a day for 4 weeks. Chronic treatment with L-histidine inhibited the age-dependent increases in systolic blood pressure and urinary noradrenaline excretion seen in vehicle-treated SHR. Conversely, intracerebroventricular injection of thioperamide (20.4 microg / 5 microL, i.c.v.) reversed the decrease in MAP in response to L-histidine in SHR. 4. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the aortic expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme mRNA was suppressed by chronic treatment with L-histidine. 5. These results suggest that L-histidine decreases blood pressure by attenuating sympathetic output via the central histamine H3 receptor in SHR. In addition, the antihypertensive effects of L-histidine appear to be associated with an increase in nitric oxide in the RVLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroe Toba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Division of Pathological Sciences, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan.
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25
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Hipkiss AR. Carnosine and its possible roles in nutrition and health. ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2009; 57:87-154. [PMID: 19595386 DOI: 10.1016/s1043-4526(09)57003-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The dipeptide carnosine has been observed to exert antiaging activity at cellular and whole animal levels. This review discusses the possible mechanisms by which carnosine may exert antiaging action and considers whether the dipeptide could be beneficial to humans. Carnosine's possible biological activities include scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), chelator of zinc and copper ions, and antiglycating and anticross-linking activities. Carnosine's ability to react with deleterious aldehydes such as malondialdehyde, methylglyoxal, hydroxynonenal, and acetaldehyde may also contribute to its protective functions. Physiologically carnosine may help to suppress some secondary complications of diabetes, and the deleterious consequences of ischemic-reperfusion injury, most likely due to antioxidation and carbonyl-scavenging functions. Other, and much more speculative, possible functions of carnosine considered include transglutaminase inhibition, stimulation of proteolysis mediated via effects on proteasome activity or induction of protease and stress-protein gene expression, upregulation of corticosteroid synthesis, stimulation of protein repair, and effects on ADP-ribose metabolism associated with sirtuin and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) activities. Evidence for carnosine's possible protective action against secondary diabetic complications, neurodegeneration, cancer, and other age-related pathologies is briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Hipkiss
- School of Clinicial and Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The Univeristy of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
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26
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Colocalization of a carnosine-splitting enzyme, tissue carnosinase (CN2)/cytosolic non-specific dipeptidase 2 (CNDP2), with histidine decarboxylase in the tuberomammillary nucleus of the hypothalamus. Neurosci Lett 2008; 445:166-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2008] [Revised: 09/03/2008] [Accepted: 09/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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27
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Unno H, Yamashita T, Ujita S, Okumura N, Otani H, Okumura A, Nagai K, Kusunoki M. Structural Basis for Substrate Recognition and Hydrolysis by Mouse Carnosinase CN2. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:27289-99. [DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m801657200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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28
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DeLany J. Leptin hormone and other biochemical influences on systemic inflammation. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2008; 12:121-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2007.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2007] [Revised: 11/25/2007] [Accepted: 11/29/2007] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Tanida M, Gotoh H, Taniguchi H, Otani H, Shen J, Nakamura T, Tsuruoka N, Kiso Y, Okumura N, Nagai K. Effects of central injection of l-carnosine on sympathetic nerve activity innervating brown adipose tissue and body temperature in rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 144:62-71. [PMID: 17628717 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2007.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2007] [Revised: 05/16/2007] [Accepted: 06/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, using urethane-anesthetized rats, we examined the effects of intralateral cerebral ventricular (LCV) injection of various doses of L-carnosine on neural activity innervating brown adipose tissue (BAT-SNA) and body temperature (BT). We found that injection of a low dose of L-carnosine (0.01 microg) suppressed BAT-SNA significantly. Conversely, a high dose (100 microg) of L-carnosine significantly elevated BAT-SNA. In the light period (14:00), brown adipose tissue temperature (BAT-T) and BT were suppressed after low and elevated after high dose injection of L-carnosine whereas in the dark period (2:00), these parameters remained unchanged with L-carnosine treatment. Bilateral lesions of the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) abolished the effects of low and high doses of L-carnosine on BAT-SNA, BAT-T and BT. Furthermore, high dose treatment with L-carnosine altered c-Fos induction in the SCN and the PVN. These results suggest that l-carnosine affects BAT-SNA, BAT-T and BT in a dose-dependent manner in the rat, and that the SCN may be involved in these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamoru Tanida
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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30
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Yamashita T, Unno H, Ujita S, Otani H, Okumura N, Hashida-Okumura A, Nagai K, Kusunoki M. Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic study of carnosinase CN2 from mice. Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun 2006; 62:996-8. [PMID: 17012794 PMCID: PMC2225185 DOI: 10.1107/s1744309106034701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2006] [Accepted: 08/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian tissues contain several histidine-containing dipeptides, of which L-carnosine is the best characterized and is found in various tissues including the brain and skeletal muscles. However, the mechanism for its biosynthesis and degradation have not yet been fully elucidated. Crystallographic study of carnosinase CN2 from mouse has been undertaken in order to understand its enzymatic mechanism from a structural viewpoint. CN2 was crystallized by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion technique using PEG 3350 as a precipitant. Crystals were obtained in complex with either Mn(2+) or Zn(2+). Both crystals of CN2 belong to the monoclinic space group P2(1) and have almost identical unit-cell parameters (a = 54.41, b = 199.77, c = 55.49 A, beta = 118.52 degrees for the Zn(2+) complex crystals). Diffraction data were collected to 1.7 and 2.3 A for Zn(2+) and Mn(2+) complex crystals, respectively, using synchrotron radiation. Structure determination is ongoing using the multiple-wavelength anomalous diffraction (MAD) method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Yamashita
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hideaki Unno
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Sayuri Ujita
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiroto Otani
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Okumura
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Akiko Hashida-Okumura
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nagai
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masami Kusunoki
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Correspondence e-mail:
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Kurata H, Fujii T, Tsutsui H, Katayama T, Ohkita M, Takaoka M, Tsuruoka N, Kiso Y, Ohno Y, Fujisawa Y, Shokoji T, Nishiyama A, Abe Y, Matsumura Y. Renoprotective Effects of l-Carnosine on Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Renal Injury in Rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2006; 319:640-7. [PMID: 16916994 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.106.110122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the renoprotective effects of l-carnosine (beta-alanyl-l-histidine) on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced acute renal failure (ARF) in rats. Ischemic ARF was induced by occlusion of the left renal artery and vein for 45 min followed by reperfusion, 2 weeks after contralateral nephrectomy. In vehicle (0.9% saline)-treated rats, renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was significantly augmented during the renal ischemia, and renal function was markedly decreased at 24 h after reperfusion. Intracerebroventricular injection of l-carnosine (1.5 and 5 pmol/rat) to ischemic ARF rats dose-dependently suppressed the augmented RSNA during ischemia and the renal injury at 24 h after reperfusion. N-alpha-Acetyl-l-carnosine [N-acetyl-beta-alanyl-l-histidine; 5 pmol/rat intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.)], which is resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis by carnosinase, did not affect the renal injury, and l-histidine (5 pmol/rat i.c.v.), a metabolite cleaved from l-carnosine by carnosinase, ameliorated the I/R-induced renal injury. Furthermore, a selective histamine H(3) receptor antagonist, thioperamide (30 nmol/rat i.c.v.) eliminated the preventing effects by l-carnosine (15 nmol/rat intravenously) on ischemic ARF. In contrast, a selective H(3) receptor agonist, R-alpha-methylhistamine (5 pmol/rat i.c.v.), prevented the I/R-induced renal injury as well as l-carnosine (5 pmol/rat) did. These results indicate that l-carnosine prevents the development of I/R-induced renal injury, and the effect is accompanied by suppressing the enhanced RSNA during ischemia. In addition, the present findings suggest that the renoprotective effect of l-carnosine on ischemic ARF is induced by its conversion to l-histidine and l-histamine and is mediated through the activation of histamine H(3) receptors in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Kurata
- Department of Pharmacology, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1094, Japan
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Taniguchi H, Tanida M, Okumura N, Hamada J, Sano SI, Nagai K. Regulation of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve activities by BIT/SHPS-1. Neurosci Lett 2006; 398:102-6. [PMID: 16426751 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2005.12.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2005] [Revised: 12/21/2005] [Accepted: 12/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamus plays a central role in the homeostatic regulation of internal physiological conditions such as body temperature and energy balance. We have previously shown that cold exposure enhances tyrosine phosphorylation of BIT/SHPS-1 (brain immunoglobulin-like molecule with tyrosine-based activation motifs/SHP substrate-1) in hypothalamic nuclei including the suprachiasmatic nucleus. In order to elucidate the function of BIT/SHPS-1 in the hypothalamus, we stimulated BIT/SHPS-1 in vivo by using the anti-BIT monoclonal antibody (mAb) 1D4, which reacts with the extracellular domain of BIT/SHPS-1 and induces its tyrosine phosphorylation. Administration of mAb 1D4 into the third cerebral ventricle enhanced the electrical activity of the renal sympathetic nerves, while it suppressed that of the gastric parasympathetic nerves. Similarly, blood pressure increased in response to the mAb 1D4 injection, and additionally, temperatures of the abdomen and brown adipose tissue increased. These results indicate that BIT/SHPS-1 is involved in the hypothalamic regulation of thermogenesis via the autonomic nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Taniguchi
- Laboratory of Proteins Involved in Homeostatic Integration, Division of Integrated Protein Functions, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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Mahmoud AH. Comparative Study Between Carnosine and Fluvastatin in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.3923/jas.2006.1725.1730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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TOMONAGA S, KANEKO K, KAJI Y, KIDO Y, DENBOW DM, FURUSE M. Dietary beta-alanine enhances brain, but not muscle, carnosine and anserine concentrations in broilers. Anim Sci J 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-0929.2006.00323.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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35
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Tanida M, Yamano T, Maeda K, Okumura N, Fukushima Y, Nagai K. Effects of intraduodenal injection of Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 on renal sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure in urethane-anesthetized rats. Neurosci Lett 2006; 389:109-14. [PMID: 16118039 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2005.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2005] [Revised: 07/14/2005] [Accepted: 07/16/2005] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Previously, it was shown that milk fermented with lactic acid bacteria lowers blood pressure, suggesting that metabolites or components of the bacteria have hypotensive action. To examine whether one of lactobacilli, Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 (LJLa1), a probiotic strain adhesive onto intestinal epithelial cells, or its metabolite has hypotensive action, and if so the mechanism of action, we determined the effects of intraduodenal injection of LJLa1 on blood pressure (BP) and the activity of autonomic nerves in urethane-anesthetized rats. Intraduodenal injection of LJLa1 reduced renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and BP and enhanced gastric vagal nerve activity (GVNA). Pre-treatment with thioperamide, a histaminergic H3-receptor antagonist, eliminated the effects of LJLa1 on RSNA, GVNA, and BP. Furthermore, bilateral lesions of the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the master circadian oscillator, abolished the suppression of RSNA and BP and the elevation of GVNA caused by LJLa1. These findings suggest that LJLa1 or its metabolites might lower BP by changing autonomic neurotransmission via the central histaminergic nerves and the suprachiasmatic nucleus in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamoru Tanida
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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36
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Hipkiss AR. Could carnosine suppress zinc-mediated proteasome inhibition and neurodegeneration? Therapeutic potential of a non-toxic but non-patentable dipeptide. Biogerontology 2005; 6:147-9. [PMID: 16034682 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-005-3460-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2004] [Accepted: 09/13/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Ageing and neurodegenerative conditions are often associated with proteasome dysfunction, possibly mediated by zinc and/or copper ions. Studies have shown that (i) the olfactory lobe is normally enriched in carnosine and zinc, (ii) carnosine can suppress copper and zinc toxicity in olfactory neurones, (iii) olfactory dysfunction is often associated with neurodegenerative conditions and (iv) elevated levels of zinc are found in brains of Alzheimer's patients. It is suggested that nasal administration of carnosine should be explored as a possible way of suppressing zinc/copper-mediated proteasome inhibition and consequent neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Hipkiss
- Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Charterhouse Square, UK.
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37
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Hipkiss AR. On the mechanisms of ageing suppression by dietary restriction-is persistent glycolysis the problem? Mech Ageing Dev 2005; 127:8-15. [PMID: 16274729 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2005.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2005] [Revised: 09/06/2005] [Accepted: 09/13/2005] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism(s) by which dietary restriction (DR) suppresses ageing and onset of age-related pathologies are discussed in relation to frequency of glycolysis, and the reactivity of glycolytic intermediates. Most glycolytic intermediates are potentially toxic and readily modify (i.e. glycate) proteins and other macromolecules non-enzymically. Attention is drawn to the reactivity of methyglyoxal (MG) which is formed predominantly from the glycolytic intermediates dihydroxyacetone- and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphates. MG rapidly glycates proteins, damages mitochondria and induces a pro-oxidant state, similar to that observed in aged cells. It is suggested that because DR animals' energy metabolism is less glycolytic than in those fed ad libitum, intracellular MG levels are lowered by DR The decreased glycolysis during DR may delay senescence by lowering intracellular MG concentration compared to ad libitum-fed animals. Because of the reactivity MG and glycolytic intermediates, occasional glycolysis could be hormetic where glyoxalase, carnosine synthetase and ornithine decarboxylase are upregulated to control cellular MG concentration. It is suggested that in ad libitum-fed animals persistent glycolysis permanently raises MG levels which progressively overwhelm protective processes, particularly in non-mitotic tissues, to create the senescent state earlier than in DR animals. The possible impact of diet and intracellular glycating agents on age-related mitochondrial dysfunction is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Hipkiss
- Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, William Harvey Research Institute, John Vane Science Centre, Bart's and the London Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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38
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Tanida M, Niijima A, Fukuda Y, Sawai H, Tsuruoka N, Shen J, Yamada S, Kiso Y, Nagai K. Dose-dependent effects of l-carnosine on the renal sympathetic nerve and blood pressure in urethane-anesthetized rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2005; 288:R447-55. [PMID: 15498968 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00275.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The physiological function of l-carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine) synthesized in mammalian muscles has been unclear. Previously, we observed that intravenous (IV) injection of l-carnosine suppressed renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) in urethane-anesthetized rats, and l-carnosine administered via the diet inhibited the elevation of blood pressure (BP) in deoxycorticosterone acetate salt hypertensive rats. To identify the mechanism, we examined effects of IV or intralateral cerebral ventricular (LCV) injection of various doses of l-carnosine on RSNA and BP in urethane-anesthetized rats. Lower doses (1 μg IV; 0.01 μg LCV) of l-carnosine significantly suppressed RSNA and BP, whereas higher doses (100 μg IV; 10 μg LCV) elevated RSNA and BP. Furthermore, we examined effects of antagonists of histaminergic (H1 and H3) receptors on l-carnosine-induced effects. When peripherally and centrally given, thioperamide, an H3 receptor antagonist, blocked RSNA and BP decreases induced by the lower doses of peripheral l-carnosine, whereas diphenhydramine, an H1 receptor antagonist, inhibited increases induced by the higher doses of peripheral l-carnosine. Moreover, bilateral lesions of the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus eliminated both effects on RSNA and BP induced by the lower (1 μg) and higher (100 μg) doses of peripheral l-carnosine. These findings suggest that low-dose l-carnosine suppresses and high-dose l-carnosine stimulates RSNA and BP, that the suprachiasmatic nucleus and histaminergic nerve are involved in the activities, and that l-carnosine acts in the brain and possibly other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamoru Tanida
- Division of Protein Metabolism, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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39
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Fujii T, Takaoka M, Tsuruoka N, Kiso Y, Tanaka T, Matsumura Y. Retraction:Dietary Supplementation of L-Carnosine Prevents Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Renal Injury in Rats. Biol Pharm Bull 2005; 28:361-3. [PMID: 15684500 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.28.361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The effects of dietary supplementation of L-carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) on ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute renal failure (ARF) in rats were examined. Ischemic ARF was induced by occlusion of the left renal artery and vein for 45 min followed by reperfusion, 2 weeks after contralateral nephrectomy. Renal functional parameters such as blood urea nitrogen, plasma creatinine, creatinine clearance, urine flow, urinary osmolality and fractional excretion of sodium were measured. Renal function in ARF rats markedly decreased at 1 d after reperfusion. Prior feeding of L-carnosine-containing diet (0.0001 w/w%) for 2 weeks attenuated the ischemia/reperfusion-induced renal dysfunction. Histopathological examination of the kidney of ARF rats revealed severe renal damages, such as tubular necrosis, proteinaceous casts in tubuli and medullary congestion, which were also significantly suppressed by the dietary supplementation of L-carnosine. These findings strongly suggest that L-carnosine supplementation is useful as a prophylactic treatment in the development of the ischemic ARF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihide Fujii
- Department of Pharmacology, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1094, Japan
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40
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Nagai K, Niijima A, Yamano T, Otani H, Okumra N, Tsuruoka N, Nakai M, Kiso Y. Possible role of L-carnosine in the regulation of blood glucose through controlling autonomic nerves. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2003; 228:1138-45. [PMID: 14610252 DOI: 10.1177/153537020322801007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian muscles synthesize L-carnosine, but its roles were unknown. Previously, we found in rats that the administration of a certain amount of L-carnosine elicited an inhibition of the hyperglycemia induced by the injection of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) into the lateral cerebral ventricle (LCV), and that intravenous injection of L-carnosine inhibited sympathetic nerves and facilitated the parasympathetic nerve. Moreover, the suppressive effect of L-carnosine on the hyperglycemia induced by 2DG was eliminated by thioperamide, a histaminergic H3 receptor. These findings suggested that L-carnosine might control the blood glucose level through regulating autonomic nerves via H3 receptor. To further clarify the function of L-carnosine, we examined its role in the control of the blood glucose. In this experiment, the following results were observed in rats: (i) A certain amount (0.01% or 0.001%) but not a larger amount (0.1%) of L-carnosine given as a diet suppressed the hyperglycemia induced by LCV-injection of 2DG (2DG-hyperglycemia); (ii) LCV-injection but not the injection into the intraperitoneal space (IP) of a certain amount of L-histidine suppressed the 2DG-hyperglycemia; (iii) treatments of diphenhydramine, an H1 antagonist, and alpha-fluoromethylhistidine, an inhibitor of histamine-synthesizing enzyme, reduced the 2DG-hyperglycemia; (iv) the plasma L-carnosine concentration and carnosinase activity showed daily changes; (v) the plasma L-carnosine concentration was significantly lower in the streptozotocin-diabetic rats; (vi) exercise by a running wheel tended to increase carnosine synthase activity in the gastrocnemius muscle and elevated the plasma L-carnosine concentration in the dark (active) period, and enhanced the plasma carnosinase activity in the light period; (vii) IP-injection of certain amount of L-carnosine stimulated the feeding response to IP-injection of 2DG. These findings suggest a possibility that L-carnosine released from muscles due to exercise functions to reduce the blood glucose level through the regulation of the autonomic nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuya Nagai
- Division of Protein Metabolism, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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41
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Fujii T, Takaoka M, Muraoka T, Kurata H, Tsuruoka N, Ono H, Kiso Y, Tanaka T, Matsumura Y. Preventive effect of L-carnosine on ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute renal failure in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2003; 474:261-7. [PMID: 12921872 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(03)02079-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effect of L-carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) on ischemic acute renal failure in rats. Ischemic acute renal failure was induced by occlusion of the left renal artery and vein for 45 min followed by reperfusion, 2 weeks after contralateral nephrectomy. Renal function in untreated acute renal failure rats markedly decreased at 1 day after reperfusion. Pre-ischemic treatment with L-carnosine dose-dependently (1, 10 microg/kg, i.v.) attenuated the ischemia/reperfusion-induced renal dysfunction. Histopathological examination of the kidney of untreated acute renal failure rats revealed severe renal damage, which was significantly suppressed by pre-treatment with L-carnosine, at each dose given. In untreated acute renal failure rats, norepinephrine concentrations in renal venous plasma remarkably increased within 2 min after reperfusion and thereafter rapidly decreased. Pre-ischemic treatment with L-carnosine at a dose of 10 microg/kg significantly depressed the elevated norepinephrine level. On the other hand, although the higher dose of L-carnosine given 5 min after reperfusion tended to ameliorate the renal dysfunction after reperfusion, the improvement was moderate compared with those seen in pre-ischemic treatment. These results indicate that L-carnosine prevents the development of ischemia/reperfusion-induced renal injury, and the effect is accompanied by suppression of the enhanced norepinephrine release in the kidney immediately after reperfusion. Thus, the preventing effect of L-carnosine on ischemic acute renal failure is probably through the suppression of enhanced renal sympathetic nerve activity induced by ischemia/reperfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihide Fujii
- Department of Pharmacology, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, 569-1094 Osaka, Japan
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