Abstract

CARNOSINE: A POTENT MODULATOR FOR DIFFERENT DISEASES

Maha z. Rizk and Hanan f. Aly* afaf k. El-ansary

Abstract

L-Carnosine ((3-alanyl-L-histidine) is an active physiological dipeptide that is distributed naturally in several human tissues, especially, the skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, nervous tissue and brain. The dipeptide is a potent hydrophilic antioxidant, preventing oxidative damage of membrane lipids and proteins under oxidative stress. Carnosine is also an antiglycating antinflammatory agent, pH buffer and heavy metal chelator. Further, it can prevent aldehyde adducts and nucleic acid oxidation. In addition, carnosine is reported to be involved in natural system of body immune response .One of the most important developments regarding carnosine is its ability to prevent and cure cataract, glucoma and other age related eye. Carnosine also, has a role in regulation of blood glucose and neuro-protective function. Moreover, carnosine was exploited for its antiparasitic activity against schistosomiasis

Keywords: Carnosine, antioxidant , oxidative stress , biological activities