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Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

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Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research article

Expression profiles of carnosine synthesis–related genes in mice after ingestion of carnosine or β-alanine

Authors: Takayuki Miyaji, Mikako Sato, Hirohiko Maemura, Yoshihisa Takahata, Fumiki Morimatsu

Published in: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Background

Carnosine is a dipeptide that improves exercise performance. The carnosine synthesis mechanism through carnosine and β-alanine ingestion remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the tissue distribution of carnosine synthase, ATP-grasp domain-containing protein-1 (ATPGD1) mRNA, and ATPGD1 and carnosine specific dipeptidase (CN1) gene expression profiles in mice that were given carnosine or β-alanine orally.

Methods

ddY mice (7-week-old) were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6 to 8 animals per group) and were orally given 2 g/kg body weight of carnosine, β-alanine, or water. After 15, 30, 60, 120, 180, or 360 min of treatment, the tissues (brain, blood, liver, kidneys, olfactory bulbs, hindleg muscles) were collected. The obtained tissues measured the expression of ATPGD1 and CN1 genes using quantitative PCR methods.

Results

The ATPGD1 gene was expressed in muscle and to a lesser extent in brain. The expression of ATPGD1 in the vastus lateralis muscle increased significantly at 180 min (P = 0.023) after carnosine ingestion and 60 (P = 0.023) and 180 min (P = 0.025) after β-alanine ingestion. Moreover, the carnosine group showed a significantly increased renal expression of the CN1 gene 60 min after ingestion (P = 0.0015).

Conclusions

The ATPGD1 gene showed high expression levels in brain and muscle. The β-alanine or carnosine administration significantly increased ATPGD1 and CN1 expression in mice.

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Title: Expression profiles of carnosine synthesis–related genes in mice after ingestion of carnosine or β-alanine
Authors: Takayuki Miyaji
Mikako Sato
Hirohiko Maemura
Yoshihisa Takahata
Fumiki Morimatsu
Publication date: 01-12-2012
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1550-2783
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-9-15

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Expression profiles of carnosine synthesis–related genes in mice after ingestion of carnosine or β-alanine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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