Carnosine protects lens proteinsCarnosine Prevents Different Structural Damages Induced by Methylglyoxal in Lens Crystallins.
We explored the protective effects of l-carnosine on lens proteins when faced with methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound that increases in concentration in the eyes of diabetic patients and is known to contribute to cataract formation. By treating eye lens proteins with MGO while introducing carnosine, we actively sought to determine whether carnosine could mitigate the structural damage that MGO causes.
Our experiments, which included sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorescence assessments, revealed that MGO significantly alters the structure of lens proteins. We observed that this damage leads to the formation of new chromophores, which are indicative of structural changes. However, when carnosine was present, we noted a marked reduction in these protein changes, suggesting a significant protective role for carnosine against MGO-induced damage.
Consequently, our findings propose that carnosine could be a valuable preventive measure against diabetic cataracts in humans, highlighting its potential as a dietary supplement in eye health.