Prevention of iron-mediated cytotoxicity of cultured endothelial and renal tubular epithelial cells by carnosine treatment

Epidemiological studies have indicated a positive association between high body iron stores and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). High ferritin levels in T2DM are closely related to the development of diabetic vascular complications, possibly through the interaction with VEGF. An increased transferrin excretion in diabetic patients with microalbuminuria may contribute to tubulointerstitial injuries due to transferrin reabsorption and thus increased intracellular iron concentrations in proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC). Because the histidine-containing dipeptide carnosine has proven its therapeutic effic…