Carnosine Protects against Cerebral Ischemic Injury by Inhibiting Matrix-Metalloproteinases

Stroke is one of the leading causes death and disability worldwide. However, treatment options for ischemic stroke remain limited. Matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to brain damage during strokes by disrupting blood-brain barrier (BBB) causing edemas. Carnosine, an endogenous dipeptide, was found us others be protective against injury. In this study, we investigated whether carnosine influences MMP activity. Brain levels activity were measured gelatin zymography after permanent occlusion middle cerebral artery (pMCAO) in rats vitro enzyme assays. Carnosine significantly reduced infarct volume edema. Gelatin assays showed that inhibited MMPs. We both MMP-2 MMP-9 chelating zinc. also ischemia-mediated degradation tight junction proteins comprise BBB. summary, our findings show inhibits zinc, essential co-factor, resulting reduction edema believe shed new light on neuroprotective mechanism damage.