MINI-REVIEW: Use of Carnosine as a Natural Anti-senescence Drug for Human Beings

A. M. Wang^1*, C. Ma², Z. H. Xie¹, and F. Shen¹

¹Department of Biochemistry and ²Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, PR China; E-mail: Wangam@ems.hrbmu.edu.cn

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received October 29, 1999

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Carnosine is an endogenous free-radical scavenger. The latest research has indicated that apart from the function of protecting cells from oxidation-induced stress damage, carnosine appears to be able to extend the lifespan of cultured cells, rejuvenate senescent cells, inhibit the toxic effects of amyloid peptide (Abeta), malondialdehyde, and hypochlorite to cells, inhibit glycosylation of proteins and protein-DNA and protein-protein cross-linking, and maintain cellular homeostasis. Also, carnosine seems to delay the impairment of eyesight with aging, effectively preventing and treating senile cataract and other age-related diseases. Therefore, carnosine may be applied to human being as a drug against aging.

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KEY WORDS: carnosine, anti-senescence drug

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