Carnosine and Inflammation

Abstract

Inflammation represents a complex biological response of the body to dangerous stimuli such as pathogens and involves different types of cells including immune cells (e.g., astrocytes and microglia), blood vessels, and molecular mediators. The main function of inflammation is to eradicate the causes responsible for cell injury, remove dead cells and damaged tissues, and allow the beginning of tissue repair. Carnosine is a dipeptide composed by β‐alanine and l ‐histidine possessing multiple functions that include anti‐aggregant, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities. Carnosine has also been shown to accelerate the wound‐healing process. Since numerous diseases are characterized by systemic and/or central inflammation such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and neurodegenerative disorders, this molecule could be of great interest. Key Concepts Carnosine is a naturally occurring molecule characterized by a multimodal mechanism of action. The inflammatory process can be either short‐lived (acute; hours or days) or long‐lasting (chronic; months or years). Numerous systemic and neurodegenerative diseases show common pathogenic mechanisms including oxidative stress, inflammation and aggregation phenomena such as diabetes and Alzheimer disease. The versatile pharmacodynamic profile of carnosine including its anti‐inflammatory potential suggests a promising therapeutic potential in different diseases. Inflammation represents a complex biological response of the body to dangerous stimuli and involves different cell types such as immune cells (eg., astrocytes and microglia), blood vessels, and molecular mediators.