HEALTH NEWS

Study Title:

Carnosine is Low in Muscles of Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Study Abstract

Carnosine is present in high concentrations in skeletal muscle where it contributes to acid buffering and functions also as a natural protector against oxidative and carbonyl stress. Animal studies have shown an anti-diabetic effect of carnosine supplementation. High carnosinase activity, the carnosine degrading enzyme in serum, is a risk factor for diabetic complications in humans. The aim of the present study was to compare the muscle carnosine concentration in diabetic subjects to the level in non-diabetics. Type 1 and 2 diabetic patients and matched healthy controls (total n = 58) were included in the study. Muscle carnosine content was evaluated by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (3 Tesla) in soleus and gastrocnemius. Significantly lower carnosine content (-45%) in gastrocnemius muscle, but not in soleus, was shown in type 2 diabetic patients compared with controls. No differences were observed in type 1 diabetic patients. Type II diabetic patients display a reduced muscular carnosine content. A reduction in muscle carnosine concentration may be partially associated with defective mechanisms against oxidative, glycative and carbonyl stress in muscle.

Study Information

Gualano B, Everaert I, Stegen S, Artioli GG, Taes Y, Roschel H, Achten E, Otaduy MC, Junior AH, Harris R, Derave W.
Reduced muscle carnosine content in type 2, but not in type 1 diabetic patients.
Amino Acids.
2011 November
Department of Biodynamic of Human Movement, School of Physical Education and Sports, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Mello Moraes, 65 Butanta, Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-030, Brazil.