Physiological Role of Carnosine in Contracting Muscle

Abstract

High-intensity exercise leads to reductions in muscle substrates (ATP, PCr6, and glycogen) and a subsequent accumulation of metabolites (ADP, P, H(+), and Mg(+)) with a possible increase in free radical production. These factors independently and collectively have deleterious effects on muscle, with significant repercussions on high-intensity performance or training sessions. The effect of carnosine on overcoming muscle fatigue appears to be related to its ability to buffer the increased H(+) concentration following high-intensity work. Carnosine, however, has other roles such as an antioxidant, a metal chelator, a Ca(2+) and enzyme regulator, an inhibitor of protein glycosylation and protein-protein cross-linking. To date7comma; only 1 study has investigated the effects of carnosine supplementation (not in pure form) on exercise performance in human subjects and found no improvement in repetitive high-intensity work. Much data has come from in vitro work on animal skeletal muscle fibers or other components of muscle contractile mechanisms. Thus further research needs to be carried out on humans to provide additional understanding on the effects of carnosine in vivo.

Oxaliplatin complexes with carnosine and its derivatives: in vitro cytotoxicity, mass spectrometric and computational studies with a focus on complex fragmentation

“…[29,30] In the skeletal muscle and nerve cells it is found at concentrations of up to 20 mM. [31,32] Since its discovery there have been many investigations into its biological function and it is now known that carnosine acts as an anti-oxidant, scavenger of free radicals and active oxygen species [30], as a biological buffer, a source for histidine, an immunostimulant and transition metal ion chelator, especially for Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ [33] and heavy metals. [34] The ability of carnosine to bind Zn 2+ helps modulate neuronal excitability by preventing the Zn 2+ inhibition of neurotransmitter receptors.…”

Evaluation of the immunological effect of beta alanyl-l-histidine against Schistosoma mansoni antigens in rabbits

“…L-carnosine caused greater glycogen recovery in the CAP-I-C than in the SWAP-I-C group, indicating that it nullified the strong action of the short-lived cercaria. L-carnosine has been suggested to have an activating effect on glycogen and glycogen phosphorylase, which catalyses the central reaction in glycolysis [32]. Glycogen recovery was proportional to decreased phosphorylase activity in the CAP-I-C group.…”

“…However, L-carnosine, a natural host component, might have not ever experienced such a high dosage of egg or cercerial antigens during evolution. The presence of L-carnosine, being unable to normalize the decreased protein parameters, resulted in further numerous decreases [32]. Dixit et al [33] proved that vitamin C, in large doses, caused inhibition of key enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism.…”

Effects of Acute Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Anaerobic Performance in Trained Female Cyclists

“…However, it must be noted that BA supplementation is multifaceted as it not only increases the buffering capacity of H 1 , but has alternative mechanisms such as protecting against glycation, anti-oxidant properties, and increasing calcium sensitivity in contractile fibers (7). Furthermore, data indicate that acute doses of carnosine can increase concentrations, causing it to be readily available within muscle (13,14). These results have not been evaluated with acute doses of BA and it is unclear if the effects of supplementation on carnosine concentrations are similar.…”