LAUSR

AIMS The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing in several countries. The MetS is characterized by the occurrence of at least three of the following risk factors: decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, increased blood pressure, raised fasting blood glucose, elevated triglycerides, and abdominal obesity. There is a growing evidence of the role of l-carnosine in improving lipid profile and enhancement of the antioxidant activity. However, the effects of l-carnosine on development of MetS are unknown. MAIN METHODS Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to receive either; conventional diet (control), high-fat high-carbohydrate diet (HFHCD), l-carnosine and conventional diet (L-Car), or l-carnosine and high-fat high-carbohydrate diet (HFHCD and L-Car) for 16 weeks. Central obesity, systolic blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose hemostasis, levels of leptin and adiponectin were evaluated on week 16. KEY FINDINGS Rats that received HFHCD for 16 weeks showed MetS phenotype such as central obesity, increased blood pressure and glucose, as well as an altered lipid profile (P < 0.05). l-Carnosine supplementation to MetS rats significantly reduced abdominal obesity, blood pressure and glucose, and normalized total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P < 0.05). Insulin, leptin and adiponectin concentrations were not affected by l-Carnosine (P > 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE l-carnosine has beneficial effects on ameliorating the manifestations of MetS in rats.