Learn about the severe vascular complications of diabetes and how they can be prevented.
Abstract Summary
- Vascular complications are among the most severe manifestations of diabetes. These complications include atherosclerosis, which significantly reduces the quality of life and life expectancy in diabetic individuals.
- Diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy are leading causes of end-stage renal disease and blindness, respectively.
- An effective therapeutic approach to prevent vascular complications should counteract the mechanisms of injury. Among these mechanisms, the toxic effects of Advanced Glycation (AGEs) and Lipoxidation (ALEs) end-products are significant contributors.
- L-Carnosine (β-alanyl-Lhistidine) acts as a quencher of the AGE/ALE precursors Reactive Carbonyl Species (RCS). These are highly reactive aldehydes derived from oxidative and non-oxidative modifications of sugars and lipids.
- L-Carnosine has shown effectiveness in several disease models where glyco/lipoxidation plays a central pathogenic role.
- In humans, L-Carnosine is rapidly inactivated by serum carnosinase. Therefore, the search for carnosinase-resistant derivatives of L-Carnosine is a promising strategy against carbonyl stress-dependent disorders, especially diabetic vascular complications.
- The article reviews the efficacy of L-Carnosine and its derivatives in preventing vascular complications in rodent models of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. It also discusses genetic findings that provide evidence for the involvement of the carnosinase/L-Carnosine system in the risk of developing diabetic nephropathy.
Noted Benefits:
- L-Carnosine has anti-glycating and antioxidant properties.
- It can act as a quencher of AGE/ALE precursors, reducing the harmful effects of these compounds.
- L-Carnosine and its derivatives have potential therapeutic benefits in preventing vascular complications associated with diabetes and metabolic syndrome.