Carnosine and its effect on human physical activity.

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Carnosine and its effect on human physical activity.

Journal Title: Medycyna Sportowa - Year 2011, Vol 27, Issue 2

Abstract

Carnosine (B-alanyl-L-histidine) is a natural imidazole compound betonging to the group of B-alanyl dipeptides. The presence of this substance has been shown in numerous organs. Carnosine is also present in high concentrations in skeletal muscles. It should be stressed that carnosine regulates the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but it does not totally inhibit the-ir regulatory and signalling functions. The biological rote of carnosine is matnly connected with its antioxidant properties. The studies of cell cultures have shown that this dipeptide prevents telomere shortening. The level of carnosine in cells decreases with age, even by 60%. Low levels of carnosine are also observed in neurodegenerative, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, thus therapeutic application of carnosine is attempted in such cases. carnosine is also an important intracellular bufter. Reduction of hydrogen cations may significantly reduce the fatigue of intensively working muscles. This dipeptide also decreases toxicity of metal ions (cheta-tor properties) and small particle aldehydes (antiglycation), and regulates reticular calcium channels in cardiomyocytes and sketetal muscles. Carnosine significantly improves exercise ability, strength of muscular contraction and can reduce post-exercise muscle fatigue. For several years carnosine is used by athtetes as a dietary supplement. Apart from carnosine sup-plementation, athletes use B-alanine, the amino acid which significantly determines the pace of carnosine synthesis. Administration of B-alanine increases carnosine levels in myocytes and favourably affects the total buffer capacity and exercise abitity in competitors.

Authors and Affiliations

Małgorzata Słowińska-Lisowska, Agnieszka Zembroń-Łacny, Wiesław Kopeć

Keywords

EP ID EP55864
DOI -
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