Effect of carnosine administration on metabolic parameters in bilharzia-infected hamsters

摘要

Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide (13-alanyl-L-histidine) found in muscles, brain and other tissues. This study was designed to test the ability of carnosine to offset metabolic disturbances induced by Schistosoma mansoni parasitism. Results indicate that parasitic infection caused elevation of liver weight/body weight in S. mansoni-infected hamsters, induced lipid peroxidation and reduced glycogen levels. Moreover, adenylate energy charge (AEC) and ATP / ADP and ATP / AMP concentration ratios were markedly lower in infected hamsters. Administration of carnosine (10 fig/day) for 15 days concurrent with infection effectively reduced worm burden and egg count. A inistration of carnosine 2 and 4 weeks post-exposure only partially ameliorated the S. mansoni effects on metabolism. rnosi e treatment also normalized most of the parameters measured, including glycogen repletion, the antioxidant sta s nd AEC. These finding support the use of carnosine for possible intervention in schistosomiasis.