Homocarnosine is a brain-specific dipeptide composed of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and histidine. As an inhibitory neurotransmitter, homocarnosine is synthesized from GABA within neurons and exerts anticonvulsant effects by enhancing GABA receptor signaling pathways. Homocarnosine also possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; it scavenges peroxyl radicals, chelates transition metal ions such as copper, prevents oxidative damage to DNA, and inhibits the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs).

Methods: To investigate the role of homocarnosine in osteomyelitis, male albino rats were used to establish a Staphylococcus aureus-induced osteomyelitis model. After successful model establishment, homocarnosine (25 mg/kg) was administered orally via gavage for 3 consecutive days.
Results: Homocarnosine treatment significantly reduced MDA levels compared to the model group; furthermore, CAT, SOD, GPx, and GSH levels recovered to levels close to those of the control group. [1]
Methods: To investigate the preventive effect of homocarnosine against Staphylococcus aureus infection, female Swiss mice were administered homocarnosine (5 mg/mouse) via subcutaneous injection in divided doses for 3 consecutive days. Bacterial challenge was performed within 1 hour after the final dose, and mortality rates were observed over 5 days.
Results: Homocarnosine significantly reduced mouse mortality caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection; the average mortality rate in the homocarnosine-treated group was 20%, compared to 84% in the untreated control group.[2]