Could carnosine suppress zinc-mediated proteasome inhibition and neurodegeneration? Therapeutic potential of a non-toxic but non-patentable dipeptide

Author: Hipkiss, Alan

Source: Biogerontology, Volume 6, Number 2, March 2005 , pp. 147-149(3)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Ageing and neurodegenerative conditions are often associated with proteasome dysfunction, possibly mediated by zinc and/or copper ions. Studies have shown that (i) the olfactory lobe is normally enriched in carnosine and zinc, (ii) carnosine can suppress copper and zinc toxicity in olfactory neurones, (iii) olfactory dysfunction is often associated with neurodegenerative conditions and (iv) elevated levels of zinc are found in brains of Alzheimer’s patients. It is suggested that nasal administration of carnosine should be explored as a possible way of suppressing zinc/copper-mediated proteasome inhibition and consequent neurodegeneration.

Keywords: carnosine; chelation; copper; neurodegeneration; proteasomes; proteolysis; senescence; zinc

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10522-005-3460-z

Affiliations: 1: Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK, Email: alanandjill@lineone.net

Publication date: 2005-03-01