Oral Carnosine for Neuromuscular Performance in Multiple Sclerosis

Overview

Low levels of tissue carnosine and mitochondrial dysfunction appears to accompany multiple sclerosis (MS), with oral carnosine might be applicable to tackle impaired bioenergetics and oxidative stress in MS, and perhaps win back neuromuscular function. However, several formulations of carnosine have shown limited applicability due to restraints in brain delivery or tissue performance. No human studies so far evaluated the impact of innovative carnosine formulation (Karnozin EXTRA) in MS. Here, we will evaluate the impact of supplemental carnosine on neuromuscular performance, brain biomarkers of carnosine metabolism, and health-related quality of life in a case series of patients with MS.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disorder that affects millions of people around the world, negatively interfering with different aspects of health and everyday life. Being the most frequently seen demyelinating disease, MS prevalence varies considerably, from high levels in North America and Europe (\> 100/100,000 inhabitants) to low rates in Eastern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa (2/100,000 population). Due to its rather high prevalence in developed countries, the development of effective and applicable strategies to prevent or manage MS becomes a must for the medical community. Among other factors, it appears that low levels of tissue carnosine and mitochondrial dysfunction accompany MS, with oral carnosine might be applicable to tackle impaired bioenergetics and oxidative stress in MS, and perhaps win back neuromuscular function. However, several formulations of carnosine have shown limited applicability due to restraints in brain delivery or tissue performance thus pushing both industry and researchers to find bioavailable and effective formulation of carnosine. No human studies so far evaluated the impact of innovative carnosine formulation (Karnozin EXTRA) in MS. Here, we will evaluate the impact of supplemental carnosine on neuromuscular performance, brain biomarkers of carnosine metabolism, and health-related quality of life in a case series of patients with MS.