Carnosine and anserine as modulators of neutrophil function.

Carnosine and anserine, the bioactive peptides found in most meats and fish, were tested for their ability to modulate neutrophil and U937 cell function, specifically with respect to respiratory burst, interleukin-1 beta production and apoptosis. Both peptides increased the respiratory burst and interleukin-1 beta production of human neutrophils but not of U937 cells. They suppressed apoptosis of human neutrophils but enhanced apoptosis of U937 cells as assessed by DNA strand breaks. These results suggest that carnosine and anserine have the capacity to modulate the immune response at least in human neutrophils.