Applicability of zinc complex of L-carnosine for medical use.
Zinc complex of L-carnosine (L-CAZ; generic name Polaprezinc) is the first drug for oral administration in which zinc plays an essential role. L-CAZ was approved as an anti-ulcer drug of membrane protection type. Characterization of L-CAZ was achieved by various spectroscopic methods along with elemental analysis. Zinc ion coordinates with L-carnosine to form a quadridentate 1:1 complex of polymeric nature in order to maintain low strain of chelate rings. L-CAZ can remain in stomach juice without rapid dissociation and adhere to ulcerous lesion specifically, after which L-carnosine and zinc are released to heal the ulcer. L-CAZ exhibited high efficacy in clinical use without any serious side effect. L-CAZ exhibited an inhibitory effect on Helicobacter pylori. Physicochemical aspects on carnosine, zinc, and zinc complex can explain favorable features of L-CAZ as a drug.
Matsukura
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Research Laboratories, Hamari Chemicals, Ltd., Kunijima, Osaka 533-0024, Japan. takehumi-matsukura@hamari.co.jp.
Tanaka
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H
D000818:Animals; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002336:Carnosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000187:drug effects; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051381:Rats; D015032:Zinc / Q000737:chemistry*; D017967:Zinc Compounds
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D017967:Zinc Compounds; C061957:polaprezinc; D002336:Carnosine; D015032:Zinc