Carnosine: Difference between revisions

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'''Carnosine''' is a [[dipeptide]] molecule, made up of two [[amino acids]], [[beta-alanine]] and [[histidine]]. It is highly concentrated in [[muscle]] and [[brain]] tissues.
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Carnosine}}


==Chemistry==
== Carnosine ==
Carnosine (β-alanine-L-histidine) is a naturally occurring dipeptide. Its chemical structure is C9H14N4O3. It is synthesized in the body by the enzyme [[carnosine synthetase]].
[[File:Carnosine.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of carnosine]]
'''Carnosine''' is a [[dipeptide]] molecule composed of the amino acids [[beta-alanine]] and [[histidine]]. It is highly concentrated in muscle and brain tissues.


==Function==
== Structure and Properties ==
Carnosine has a number of important functions in the body. It acts as a [[buffer]] to maintain [[pH]] levels in muscles during high-intensity exercise. It also has [[antioxidant]] properties, protecting cells from damage by [[free radicals]]. Carnosine has been shown to have [[anti-glycation]] properties, preventing the formation of [[advanced glycation end-products]] (AGEs) which can lead to age-related diseases such as [[Alzheimer's disease]] and [[diabetes]].
Carnosine is a [[dipeptide]] with the chemical formula C_H__N_O_. It is formed by the condensation of [[beta-alanine]] and [[histidine]]. The presence of the imidazole ring in histidine contributes to its ability to act as a [[buffer]] in muscle tissues, helping to maintain the pH during high-intensity exercise.


==Health Benefits==
== Biological Functions ==
Research has suggested that carnosine may have several health benefits. These include potential protective effects against age-related diseases, such as [[neurodegenerative diseases]] and certain types of [[cancer]]. It may also improve exercise performance and recovery.
Carnosine is known for its role as an [[antioxidant]], protecting cells from oxidative stress. It also has [[anti-glycation]] properties, which means it can prevent the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that are implicated in aging and various diseases.


==Dietary Sources==
=== Muscle Function ===
Carnosine is found in high concentrations in [[beef]], [[pork]], and [[chicken]], but is also available in supplement form.
In muscle tissues, carnosine acts as a [[buffer]] to maintain the pH balance during anaerobic conditions, such as intense exercise. This buffering capacity helps delay the onset of muscle fatigue.


==See Also==
=== Brain Health ===
Carnosine is also found in the brain, where it is thought to protect against [[neurodegenerative diseases]] by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting the aggregation of [[beta-amyloid]] proteins.
 
== Dietary Sources ==
Carnosine is found in high concentrations in [[meat]], particularly in [[beef]], [[pork]], and [[chicken]]. It is not typically found in plant-based foods, which is why vegetarians and vegans may have lower levels of carnosine in their bodies.
 
== Supplementation ==
Carnosine supplements are available and are often used by athletes to enhance performance and by individuals seeking to slow the aging process. The effectiveness of supplementation can vary, and it is often combined with [[beta-alanine]] supplements to increase carnosine levels in muscle tissues.
 
== Related Pages ==
* [[Dipeptide]]
* [[Beta-alanine]]
* [[Beta-alanine]]
* [[Histidine]]
* [[Histidine]]
* [[Dipeptide]]
* [[Antioxidant]]
* [[Antioxidant]]
* [[Advanced glycation end-product]]
* [[Muscle fatigue]]
 
[[Category:Biochemistry]]
[[Category:Nutrition]]
[[Category:Health]]
[[Category:Medicine]]
 
{{biochemistry-stub}}
{{medicine-stub}}
 
==References==
<references />
 
==External Links==
* [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ Carnosine] at PubMed
* [http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure. Carnosine] at ChemSpider


Please note that the content of this article does not constitute medical advice and is intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
[[Category:Peptides]]
[[Category:Antioxidants]]
[[Category:Exercise physiology]]

Latest revision as of 03:43, 13 February 2025


Carnosine[edit]

Chemical structure of carnosine

Carnosine is a dipeptide molecule composed of the amino acids beta-alanine and histidine. It is highly concentrated in muscle and brain tissues.

Structure and Properties[edit]

Carnosine is a dipeptide with the chemical formula C_H__N_O_. It is formed by the condensation of beta-alanine and histidine. The presence of the imidazole ring in histidine contributes to its ability to act as a buffer in muscle tissues, helping to maintain the pH during high-intensity exercise.

Biological Functions[edit]

Carnosine is known for its role as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress. It also has anti-glycation properties, which means it can prevent the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that are implicated in aging and various diseases.

Muscle Function[edit]

In muscle tissues, carnosine acts as a buffer to maintain the pH balance during anaerobic conditions, such as intense exercise. This buffering capacity helps delay the onset of muscle fatigue.

Brain Health[edit]

Carnosine is also found in the brain, where it is thought to protect against neurodegenerative diseases by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting the aggregation of beta-amyloid proteins.

Dietary Sources[edit]

Carnosine is found in high concentrations in meat, particularly in beef, pork, and chicken. It is not typically found in plant-based foods, which is why vegetarians and vegans may have lower levels of carnosine in their bodies.

Supplementation[edit]

Carnosine supplements are available and are often used by athletes to enhance performance and by individuals seeking to slow the aging process. The effectiveness of supplementation can vary, and it is often combined with beta-alanine supplements to increase carnosine levels in muscle tissues.

Related Pages[edit]