N-acetylcarnosine attenuates age-associated declines in multi-organ systems to improve survival

Abstract

Histidine containing dipeptides (HCDs) such as N-acetylcarnosine are endogenous metabolites that are ergogenic and mitigate metabolic dysfunction. We previously demonstrated that short-term N-acetylcarnosine treatment is highly efficacious in protecting muscle atrophy induced by disuse. Here we demonstrate that a 6-months treatment of N-acetylcarnosine attenuates a broad spectrum of age-associated maladies and improved survival by ~50% in female mice. A comprehensive survey of organ systems revealed that N-acetylcarnosine prevents decline in adiposity, diastolic function, vasodilation, muscle strength, and bone density. Together, N-acetylcarnosine substantially delays the onset of system-wide end-stage pathology to prolong lifespan. As an endogenously present metabolite, treatment with N-acetylcarnosine may be a safe and promising intervention to promote healthy aging in humans.