Leucine-glycine and carnosine dipeptides prevent diabetes induced by multiple low-dose streptozotocin in experimental model of adult mice.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Peptides are considered as quasi-hormones and effective molecules for regulation of the cells function and metabolic disorders prevention. Di- and tripeptides with the ability to gastrointestinal absorption have been proposed to prevent diabetes progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Small peptides with different sequences of specific amino acids were synthesized based on a solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) protocol as well as carnosine (A) and glutathione (B) were examined for the prevention of diabetes induced by multiple low-dose of streptozotocin (MLDS) in mice.

RESULTS: The peptides A, Leu-Gly (D) and Pro-Pro (F) exhibited a preventive effects on blood glucose elevation and impairment of the signaling and performance of beta cells. The beta cells function assessed by immunofluorescence and blood glucose level in mice exposed to diabetes treated by the peptides A and D was similar to the normal mice. The peptide D prevented from body weight loss caused by diabetes induction. The use of D and A peptides dramatically prevents the incidence of disruption in beta cells signaling by maintaining the natural balance of intracellular Akt-2 and cAMP.

CONCLUSIONS: The results proved that peptide D (Leu-Gly) named Hannaneh inhibits the body weight loss caused by diabetes induction. The Hannaneh and carnosine dipeptides with preservation of normal beta cell signalling and anti DPP-4 activity were prevented from increasing the blood glucose in mice at risk of diabetes. These dipeptides may be regarded as the pharmaceutical agents for the prevention of diabetes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.