Carnosine and related compounds protect against the hydrogen peroxide-mediated cytochrome c modification

Carnosine, homocarnosine and anserine might act as anti-oxidants and free radical scavengers in vivo. In the present study, the protective effects of carnosine and related compounds on the H2O2-mediated cytochrome c modification were studied. Carnosine, homocarnosine and anserine significantly inhibited the oligomerization of cytchrome c induced by H2O2. All three compounds also inhibited the formation of carbonyl compound and dityrosine during the incubation of cytochrome c with H2O2. These compounds effectively inhibited the peroxidase activity in the cytchrome c treated with H2O2. The results suggested that carnosine, homocarnosine, and anserine might protect cytochrome c against H2O2-mediated oxidative damage through a free radical scavenging.