Abstract
L-histidine (HIS) is an essential amino acid with unique roles in proton buffering, metal ion chelation, scavenging of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, erythropoiesis, and the histaminergic system. Several HIS-rich proteins (e.g., haemoproteins, HIS-rich glycoproteins, histatins, HIS-rich calcium-binding protein, and filaggrin), HIS-containing dipeptides (particularly carnosine), and methyl- and sulphur-containing derivatives of HIS (3-methylhistidine, 1-methylhistidine, and ergothioneine) have specific functions. The unique chemical properties and physiological functions are the basis of the theoretical rationale to suggest HIS supplementation in a wide range of conditions. Several decades of experience have confirmed the effectiveness of HIS as a component of solutions used for organ preservation and myocardial protection in cardiac surgery. Further studies are needed to elucidate the effects of HIS supplementation on neurological disorders, atopic dermatitis, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, uraemic anaemia, ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases, malignancies, and muscle performance during strenuous exercise. Signs of toxicity, mutagenic activity, and allergic reactions or peptic ulcers have not been reported, although HIS is a histamine precursor. Of concern should be findings of hepatic enlargement and increases in ammonia and glutamine and of decrease in branched-chain amino acids (valine, leucine, and isoleucine) in blood plasma indicating that HIS supplementation is inappropriate in patients with liver disease.
Highlights
Introduction and AimsL-Histidine (HIS) is a nutritionally essential amino acid (EAA) with unique biochemical and physiological properties, which have created a good theoretical rationale to suggest the use of HIS as a nutritional supplement in a wide range of conditions
The first aim of the article is to provide an overview of main pathways of HIS metabolism; chemical and biological properties of HIS, such as proton buffering, metal ion chelation, and antioxidant functions; and a role of several proteins and peptides containing large amounts of HIS residues, such as carnosine (CAR), filaggrin, and histatins
Further studies are needed to elucidate the effects on muscle fatigue during strenuous exercise, neurological disorders, metabolic syndrome, atopic dermatitis, uraemic anaemia resistant to erythropoietin therapy, and inflammatory bowel diseases and as a supplement to increase the effectiveness of methotrexate in treatment of malignancies
Summary
Introduction and AimsL-Histidine (HIS) is a nutritionally essential amino acid (EAA) with unique biochemical and physiological properties, which have created a good theoretical rationale to suggest the use of HIS as a nutritional supplement in a wide range of conditions. With this explanation as a background, the results of studies examining the benefits and therapeutic potential of HIS and HIS-CD will be discussed or reviewed.
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