Homocarnosine

Homocarnosine is a dipeptide of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and histidine unique to brain. Homocarnosine is an inhibitory neuromodulator synthesized in the neuron from GABA and exhibiting anticonvulsant effects^[1].Homocarnosine has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, prevention of DNA damage, and inhibition of advanced glycation end-product formation^[2]. In Vitro: Homocarnosine, a dipeptide of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and histidine, is an inhibitory neuromodulator synthesized in subclasses of GABAergic neurons^[1]. Homocarnosine is a potent alternative imidazole peptide for skeletal muscle based on its structural similarity to Carnosine. Homocarnosine is composed of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and histidine and has a similar structure to Carnosine, with the only difference being an extra carbon atom in GABA compared to that in β-alanine of carnosine. Homocarnosine possesses greater tolerance to degradation by serum carnosinase relative to Carnosine. Homocarnosine is known to be exclusively present in brain and cerebrospinal fluid and acts as a neuroprotective agent in a broad range of disease conditions. Homocarnosine exerts antioxidant activity and prevent DNA oxidative damage to a similar extent as Carnosine^[2].