Effects of carnosine and histidine-containing dipeptides on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Saeede Saadati; Robel Hussen Kabthymer; Giancarlo Aldini; Aya Mousa; Jack Feehan; Barbora de Courten

doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuad150

Effects of carnosine and histidine-containing dipeptides on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Nutr Rev. 2024 Dec 1;82(12):1696-1709. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad150.

Authors

Saeede Saadati¹, Robel Hussen Kabthymer¹, Giancarlo Aldini², Aya Mousa³, Jack Feehan⁴, Barbora de Courten^{1

5}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
² Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
³ Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
⁴ Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.
⁵ School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, STEM College, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, Australia.

Abstract

Context: Carnosine and histidine-containing dipeptides (HCDs) are suggested to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative benefits, but their effects on circulating adipokines and inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers remain unclear.

Objectives: The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the impact of HCD supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.

Data sources: A systematic search was performed on Medline via Ovid, Scopus, Embase, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases from inception to 25 January 2023.

Data extraction: Using relevant key words, trials investigating the effects of carnosine/HCD supplementation on markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, including C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), adiponectin, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and catalase (CAT) were identified. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models to calculate the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Data analysis: A total of 9 trials comprising 350 participants were included in the present meta-analysis. Carnosine/HCD supplementation led to a significant reduction in CRP (WMD: -0.97 mg/L; 95% CI: -1.59, -0.36), TNF-α (WMD: -3.60 pg/mL; 95% CI: -7.03, -0.18), and MDA (WMD: -0.34 μmol/L; 95% CI: -0.56, -0.12) and an elevation in CAT (WMD: 4.48 U/mL; 95% CI: 2.43, 6.53) compared with placebo. In contrast, carnosine/HCD supplementation had no effect on IL-6, adiponectin, GSH, SOD, and TAC levels.

Conclusion: Carnosine/HCD supplementation may reduce inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, and potentially modulate the cardiometabolic risks associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and lipid peroxidation.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42017075354.

Keywords: carnosine; histidine-containing dipeptide; inflammation; meta-analysis; oxidative stress.

Publication types

Systematic Review
Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

Antioxidants* / analysis
Biomarkers* / blood
Biomarkers* / metabolism
C-Reactive Protein / analysis
C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
Carnosine* / administration & dosage
Dietary Supplements*
Dipeptides* / administration & dosage
Histidine / administration & dosage
Humans
Inflammation* / blood
Inflammation* / diet therapy
Inflammation* / metabolism
Interleukin-6 / blood
Oxidative Stress* / drug effects
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / blood

Substances

Antioxidants
Biomarkers
C-Reactive Protein
Carnosine
Dipeptides
Histidine
Interleukin-6
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Grants and funding

Monash Graduate Scholarship