Carnosine protects pancreatic beta cells and islets against oxidative stress damage

Publication date: 15 October 2018Source: Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, Volume 474Author(s): Vitale Miceli, Mariangela Pampalone, Giovanna Frazziano, Giuseppe Grasso, Enrico Rizzarelli, Camillo Ricordi, Anna Casu, Gioacchin Iannolo, Pier Giulio ConaldiAbstractIslet transplantation is a valid therapeutic option for type 1 diabetes treatment. However, in this procedure one of the major problems is the oxidative stress produced during pancreatic islet isolation. The aim of our study was to evaluate potential protective effects of L-carnosine and its isomer D-carnosine against oxidative stress. We evaluated the carnosine effect on cell growth, cell death, insulin production, and the main markers of oxidative stress in rat and murine stressed beta cell lines as well as in human pancreatic islets. Both isomers clearly inhibited hydrogen peroxide induced cytotoxicity, with a decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, prevented hydrogen peroxide induced apoptosis/necrosis, nitrite production, and reduced glucose-induced insulin secretion. In addition, NF-κB expression/translocation and nitrated protein induced in stressed cells was significantly reduced. Furthermore, both isomers improved survival and function, and decreased reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and nitrite and nitrotyrosine production in human islets cultured for 1, 3, and 7 days. These results seem to indicate that both L and D-carnosine have a significant cytoprotective effect by reduc...
Source: Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology - Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research