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The purpose of this study was to compare changes in muscle insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) content resulting from resistance-exercise training (RET) and creatine supplementation (CR). Male (n=24) and female (n=18) participants with minimal resistance-exercise-training experience (=1 year) who were participating in at least 30 min of structured physical activity (i.e., walking, jogging, cycling) 3-5 x/wk volunteered for the study. Participants were randomly assigned in blocks (gender) to supplement with creatine (CR: 0.25 g/kg lean-tissue mass for 7 days; 0.06 g/kg lean-tissue mass for 49 days; n=22, 12 males, 10 female) or isocaloric placebo (PL: n=20, 12 male, 8 female) and engage in a whole-body RET program for 8 wk. Eighteen participants were classified as vegetarian (lacto-ovo or vegan; CR: 5 male, 5 female; PL: 3 male, 5 female). Muscle biopsies (vastus lateralis) were taken before and after the intervention and analyzed for IGF-I using standard immunohistochemical procedures. Stained muscle cross-sections were examined microscopically and IGF-I content quantified using image-analysis software. Results showed that RET increased intramuscular IGF-I content by 67%, with greater accumulation from CR (+78%) than PL (+54%; p=.06). There were no differences in IGF-I between vegetarians and nonvegetarians. These findings indicate that creatine supplementation during resistance-exercise training increases intramuscular IGF-I concentration in healthy men and women, independent of habitual dietary routine.
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389
International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 2008, 18, 389-398
© 2008 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Burke is with the Dept. of Human Kinetics, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS, Canada.
Candow is with the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
S4S 0A2. Chilibeck is with the College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK,
Canada S7N 5B2. MacNeil is with the Dept. of Kinesiology, and Tarnopolsky, the Dept. of Pediatrics
and Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. Roy is with the Dept. of Physical Education
and Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada. Ziegenfuss is with the Ohio Research
Group, Wadsworth Medical Center, Wadsworth, OH.
Effect of Creatine Supplementation and
Resistance-Exercise Training on Muscle
Insulin-Like Growth Factor in Young Adults
Darren G. Burke, Darren G. Candow, Philip D. Chilibeck,
Lauren G. MacNeil, Brian D. Roy, Mark A. Tarnopolsky,
and Tim Ziegenfuss
The purpose of this study was to compare changes in muscle insulin-like growth
factor-I (IGF-I) content resulting from resistance-exercise training (RET) and
creatine supplementation (CR). Male (n = 24) and female (n = 18) participants with
minimal resistance-exercise-training experience (1 year) who were participating
in at least 30 min of structured physical activity (i.e., walking, jogging, cycling)
3–5 ×/wk volunteered for the study. Participants were randomly assigned in blocks
(gender) to supplement with creatine (CR: 0.25 g/kg lean-tissue mass for 7 days;
0.06 g/kg lean-tissue mass for 49 days; n = 22, 12 males, 10 female) or isocaloric
placebo (PL: n = 20, 12 male, 8 female) and engage in a whole-body RET program
for 8 wk. Eighteen participants were classified as vegetarian (lacto-ovo or vegan;
CR: 5 male, 5 female; PL: 3 male, 5 female). Muscle biopsies (vastus lateralis)
were taken before and after the intervention and analyzed for IGF-I using standard
immunohistochemical procedures. Stained muscle cross-sections were examined
microscopically and IGF-I content quantified using image-analysis software.
Results showed that RET increased intramuscular IGF-I content by 67%, with
greater accumulation from CR (+78%) than PL (+54%; p = .06). There were no
differences in IGF-I between vegetarians and nonvegetarians. These findings
indicate that creatine supplementation during resistance-exercise training increases
intramuscular IGF-I concentration in healthy men and women, independent of
habitual dietary routine.
Keywords: peptide hormone, muscle biopsy, sport nutrition, vegetarians
390 Burke et al.
The combination of creatine supplementation and resistance training has been
shown to increase lean-tissue mass (Brose, Parise, & Tarnopolsky, 2003; Burke et
al., 2000, 2003; Chrusch, Chilibeck, Chad, Davison, & Burke, 2001) and muscle-
fiber size (Burke et al., 2003, Volek et al., 1999). The underlying mechanisms
explaining the increase in muscle mass from creatine supplementation remain to
be determined; however, potential mechanisms include an increase in high-energy
phosphate concentration (total creatine [TCr], phosphocreatine [PCr], and creatine
[Cr]; Burke et al., 2003) and PCr resynthesis after exercise (Greenhaff, Bodin,
Soderland, & Hultman, 1994), cellular hydration status (Hultman, Soderland, Tim-
mons, Cederblad, & Greenhaff, 1996), satellite-cell activity (Dangott, Schultz, &
Mozdziak, 2000; Olsen et al., 2006; Vierck, Icenoggle, Bucci, & Dodson, 2003), and
myofibrillar protein kinetics (Willoughby & Rosene, 2003; Parise, Mihic, MacLen-
nan, Yarasheski, & Tarnopolsky, 2001). Theoretically, creatine supplementation
might enhance the metabolic adaptations from regular resistance-exercise-training
sessions, leading to greater production of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) over
time (Deldicque et al., 2005). This might help explain the increase in lean-tissue
mass found in many creatine and resistance-exercise-training studies (Brose et al.;
Burke et al., 2000, 2003; Chrusch et al.).
Most IGF-I production occurs in the liver in response to changes in growth-
hormone concentrations and acts as an endocrine hormone, regulating tissue-specific
growth and differentiation (Czerwinski, Martin, & Bechtel, 1994; Hameed, Har-
ridge, & Goldspink, 2002). The IGF-I produced in skeletal muscle through the
process of overload is an isoform of systemic IGF-I (Hameed et al.; MacGregor
& Parkhouse, 1996) and controls local tissue repair and remodeling (Goldspink,
1999). Borst et al. (2001) demonstrated that resistance-exercise training resulted
in a 20% increase in blood IGF-I after 13 and 25 weeks of training in young men
and women, and Singh et al. (1999) reported a 500% increase in muscle stained
for IGF-I in older participants after 10 weeks of resistance-exercise training. In
two recent reports it was found that creatine supplementation, independent of
exercise, augmented IGF-I mRNA in cultured myotubes (Louis, Van Beneden,
Dehoux, Thissen, & Francaux, 2004) and in human skeletal muscle (Deldicque
et al., 2005), possibly by enhancing the anabolic status of the cell involving IGF.
There have been several suggestions for the possible link between muscle IGF-I
activation and muscle overloading, including activation of the PI3K-Akt/PKB-
mTOR-signaling pathways (Deldicque et al.) and stretch tension on the basement
membrane (Goldspink) causing damage to sarcolemma and myofibrillar proteins
(Bamman et al., 2001).
Creatine supplementation results in an increase in intramuscular creatine
concentrations (Green, Hultman, Macdonald, Sewell, & Greenhaff, 1996; Harris,
Soderland, & Hultman, 1992). Large interindividual differences, however, in base-
line resting creatine concentrations and responsiveness to creatine supplementation
are evident (Casey & Greenhaff, 2000; Vandenberghe et al., 1997). Participants
with initially low resting creatine concentrations (i.e., vegetarians) experience the
greatest increase from creatine supplementation (Casey, Constantin-Teodosiu,
Howell, Hultman, & Greenhaff, 1996; Greenhaff et al., 1994; Harris et al., 1992),
leading to exercise improvements (Shomrat, Weinstein, & Katz, 2000). We have
previously shown that creatine supplementation during 8 weeks of whole-body
resistance-exercise training increased TCr, PCr, Type II fiber area of the vastus
Creatine and IGF-I 391
lateralis, bench-press strength, and isokinetic knee-flexion and -extension work
over placebo (Burke et al., 2003). Vegetarians who supplemented with creatine
experienced a greater increase in TCr and PCr concentration and total isokinetic
work performance over nonvegetarians (Burke et al., 2003), possibly because of
lower initial resting creatine concentrations leading to accelerated intramuscular
creatine uptake from exogenous supplementation.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of creatine supplemen-
tation (8 weeks) combined with heavy resistance-exercise training (>70% 1-RM)
on muscle IGF-I concentration in vegetarian and nonvegetarian participants as
previously described (Burke et al., 2003). Based on our previous findings of
greater adaptations from creatine supplementation, we hypothesized that creatine
supplementation during resistance training would increase IGF-I over placebo, and
vegetarians on creatine would experience greater gains than nonvegetarians.
Methods
Participants
Male (n = 24) and female (n = 18) participants with minimal resistance-training
experience (1year) who were participating in at least 30 min of structured physical
activity (i.e., walking, jogging, cycling) 3–5 times a week volunteered for the study.
Eighteen participants were classified as vegetarian (lacto-ovo or vegan). Participants
were self-described as vegetarian, whether they were lacto-ovo or vegan, and had
to have been vegetarian for a minimum of 3 years. Participant exclusion criteria
included a history of creatine supplementation for 6 weeks before the start of the
study or any disease or medical condition that would have prevented participation
in resistance training. Participants were randomly assigned (double-blind) to receive
creatine or placebo in stratified blocks based on gender. All participants completed
a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q), which screens for health
problems that might present a risk with physical activity. Participants who indi-
cated a health problem were required to have medical approval before participating
in the study. The study was approved by the University of Saskatchewan ethics
review board for research in human participants. The participants were informed
of the risks and purposes of the study before their written consent was obtained.
Participant characteristics are presented in Table 1.
Supplementation
Participants were randomized (double-blind) to supplement with creatine (load-
ing phase: 0.25 g · kg lean-tissue mass–1 · day–1 for 7 days; maintenance phase:
Table 1 Characteristics of Participants Taking Either Creatine or
Placebo, M ± SE
Group
n,
M/F Age Height (cm) Weight (kg) %
Fat
Creatine 12/10 31 ± 2.6 170.3 ± 2.9 68.6 ± 4.0 20.5 ± 2.6
Placebo 12/8 37 ± 6.8 170.2 ± 2.9 69.3 ± 4.3 22.0 ± 2.6
392 Burke et al.
0.06 g · kg lean-tissue mass–1 · day–1 for an additional 49 days; n = 22; 12 male [5
vegetarians], 10 female [5 vegetarians]) or placebo (maltodextrin; n = 20; 12 male
[3 vegetarians], 8 female [5 vegetarians]) during 8 weeks of resistance-exercise
training. The creatine loading was divided into four equal servings (~0.06 g · kg
lean-tissue mass–1 · day–1) consumed in the morning, in the afternoon or before the
resistance-exercise-training session, in the evening or after the resistance-exercise
training session, and before going to bed. The creatine maintenance dose of 0.06 g/
kg was chosen because it has been shown to be effective for increasing muscle mass
and strength (Chrusch et al., 2001). Participants were instructed to supplement with
creatine immediately after each resistance-exercise-training session because creatine
supplementation postexercise leads to significant muscle hypertrophy (Chilibeck,
Stride, Farthing, & Burke, 2004). On nontraining days, participants were instructed
to consume creatine (or placebo) in the morning or before going to bed. The average
absolute daily doses of creatine for participants during loading and maintenance
were 16.8 ± 0.7 and 4.2 ± 0.2 g/day, respectively. Participants mixed each supple-
ment with ~300 ml of a fruit-flavored drink. The creatine and placebo supplements
were identical in taste, texture, and appearance. Supplementation compliance was
indirectly monitored by verbal communication and having participants return empty
supplement bags when picking up additional supplements.
Muscle Biopsy, Histochemical Staining, and Image Analysis
Percutaneous needle biopsies were obtained from the distal third of the vastus
lateralis muscle using a 5-mm Stille needle (Micrins, New York, NY) under local
anesthetic with 1% lidocaine (Smith-Kline Beecham, Toronto, ON) and with suc-
tion applied via a 60-cc syringe. Participant muscle biopsies were performed 24 hr
before the first training session. Target biopsy time after their last exercise session
was 24 hr, with biopsies actually occurring 18–30 hr postexercise.
Preparation of staining started with fixation of the frozen section with 100%
acetone at 4 °C for 10 min. The tissue was then washed in a bath with 10 mM of
phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.5, for 10 min. One hundred microliters of pri-
mary antibody (IGF-I: H-70, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, CA) was applied to each
section and incubated for 30 min. The section was then washed with 10 mM of
phosphate-buffer saline, pH 7.5. Then, 100 µL of biotinylated secondary antibody
(Rabbit ImmunoCruz Staining System, Santa Cruz Biotechnology) was applied and
incubated for 10 min, then removed and washed well with 10 mM of phosphate-
buffer saline, pH 7.5. One hundred microliters of HRP-streptavidin conjugate
was then added and incubated for 10 min, which was followed by the addition of
concentrated DAB chromogenic substrate and an incubation of 5 min. Then, 100
µl of hematoxylin was applied and left to sit for 2 min, which was followed by
dehydration with alcohol and mounting. Six to eight samples were done at a time
and always included pretraining and posttraining samples for each participant.
After immunoperoxidase staining, sections were mounted, and the area positively
stained was analyzed using Scion Image Version Beta 4.0.2 software (Scion
Corp., Frederick, MD). First, each slide was viewed under 100× magnification
(Olympus BX60, Tokyo, Japan). Then, three or four pictures were taken per slide
(Spot Diagnostic Instruments Inc., Sterling Heights, MI) and immediately saved
Creatine and IGF-I 393
as JPEG files on a Dell Dimension XPS R450 (Dell Computer Co., Austin, TX).
Approximately 100–150 muscle fibers were used to determine the area positively
stained for IGF-I content (Figure 2).
Exercise Program
All participants followed the same high-volume, heavy-load (>70% 1RM)
resistance-exercise-training program for 8 weeks. The program was a 4-day split
routine involving whole-body musculature that was previously found to increase
lean-tissue mass and strength (Burke et al., 2003; Candow, Chilibeck, Burke, Davi-
son, & Smith-Palmer, 2001). Briefly, chest and triceps muscles were trained on
Day 1 with the following exercises in order: flat bench press, incline bench press,
flat dumbbell flies, incline dumbbell flies, cable triceps extensions, rope reverse
triceps extensions, and French curls. On Day 2, participants trained back and biceps
muscles: chin-ups, low row, lat-pull downs, alternate dumbbell row, standing EZ-
curls, preacher curls, and alternate dumbbell curls. Day 3 was for legs, shoulder,
and abdominal muscles and included the following exercises in order: vertical leg
press, leg extension, hamstring curl, standing calf raises, seated dumbbell press,
upright rows, shrugs, lateral raises, and abdominal crunches. Day 4 was a day of
rest. These 4 days were considered one cycle, and the cycle was repeated continu-
ously throughout the duration of the study. Participants performed seven cycles of
3–5 sets of 4–12 repetitions to muscle failure for each set. During Cycles 1 and 7,
participants performed three sets of 10–12 repetitions, with 1-min rests between
sets. For Cycles 2 and 6, participants performed three sets of 8–10 repetitions, with
1.5-min rests between sets. During Cycles 3 and 5, participants performed four
sets of 6–8 repetitions, with 2-min rests between sets. For Cycle 4, participants
performed five sets of 4–6 repetitions, with 3-min rests between sets. Training logs
detailing the weight used and number of sets and repetitions performed for each
exercise were completed for every workout. Training volume was calculated (kg
× reps) for the entire resistance-exercise-training program.
Diet
Dietary intake was recorded before and after the study to assess whether there
were differences in total energy and macronutrient composition between creatine
and placebo. Participants were given instruction about proper portion sizes and
how to accurately record all food or beverages consumed. They used a 3-day food
booklet to record what they ate for 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day. Fuel Nutrition
software 2.1a (LogiForm International Inc., Saint-Foy, Quebec) was used to analyze
the food records for total calories and the amount of energy from carbohydrate,
fat, and protein.
Statistical Analysis
A 2 (creatine vs. placebo) × 2 (vegetarian vs. nonvegetarian) × 2 (pre vs. post)
ANOVA with repeated measures on the third factor was used to determine differ-
ences between the creatine and placebo groups and vegetarians and nonvegetarians
394 Burke et al.
over time. Tukey’s post hoc tests were used to determine differences between group
means. All results are expressed as M ± SE. Statistical analyses were carried out
using SPSS version 10.02 for Microsoft Windows. Statistical significance was set
at p < .05.
Results
There were no differences in total training volume between creatine and placebo
over the 8 weeks of training. Creatine supplementation, however, resulted in greater
training volumes at Weeks 2 and 7 (p < .05). Dietary analyses indicated that veg-
etarians consumed fewer total calories (vegetarian: pre 2,159 ± 71 kcal, post 2,213
± 78 kcal; nonvegetarian: pre 2,638 ± 67 kcal, post 2,629 ± 61 kcal; p < .05) and
protein (vegetarian: pre 78 ± 2 g/day, post 80 ± 2 g/day; nonvegetarian: 139 ± 2 g/
day, post 138 ± 3 g/day; p < .05) over time, with no other differences.
At baseline the mean muscle-fiber area positively stained for IGF-I content
was 4.42% (range 1.37–12.10%), and there were no significant differences between
groups at baseline (CR 4.44%, PL 4.38%). The resistance-exercise-training program
resulted in a significant increase of 67% in IGF-I, however, and the participants
who supplemented with creatine experienced an increase of 78% in IGF-I, com-
pared with a 55% increase exhibited by the participants who were on placebo (p
= .06; Figure 1).
As previously reported (Burke et al., 2003), there were no significant dif-
ferences between groups for body weight or lean-tissue mass at baseline. Par-
ticipants supplementing with creatine, however, experienced a greater increase in
body mass and lean-tissue mass than those on placebo (body mass: CR 2.2 kg or
3.2%, PL 0.6 kg or 0.9%; lean-tissue mass: CR 2.5 kg or 6%, PL 1.9 kg or 2%;
p < .05). Vegetarians on creatine experienced an increase of 2.4 kg in lean-tissue
mass, compared with an increase of 1.9 kg for nonvegetarians on creatine (p =
.06). Vegetarians supplementing with creatine experienced a greater increase in
Figure 1 — Change in area positively stained for insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) from
before to after training and supplementation, M ± SE (p = .06). Area is expressed in µm2
Creatine and IGF-I 395
high-energy phosphate content than nonvegetarians on creatine (TCr: vegetarians
25%, nonvegetarians 7%; PCr: vegetarians 37%, nonvegetarians 11%; p < .05).
There were no changes in TCr, PCr, or free Cr for placebo participants. Creatine
supplementation increased Type II fiber area of the vastus lateralis by 28% (p <
.05), compared with a 5% increase for placebo. The change in lean-tissue mass
was significantly correlated to the change in intramuscular TCr content (r = .61, p
< .05), and the change in intramuscular IGF-I content was significantly correlated
to the change in intramuscular TCr content (r = .82, p < .05; Figure 2).
Discussion
The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effects of creatine supple-
mentation and resistance-exercise training on muscle IGF-I in young adults. Results
showed that muscle IGF-I content was significantly increased after high-intensity
resistance-exercise training, with greater gains observed from creatine supplementa-
tion than from placebo. IGF-I has been shown to increase muscle protein synthesis
and satellite-cell activity (Allen & Boxhorn, 1989) and stimulate the PI3K-Akt/
PKB-mTOR-signaling pathway involved in muscle hypertrophy (Deldicque et al.,
2005). In the current study, participants supplementing with creatine experienced a
greater increase in IGF-I than those on placebo (CR 78%, PL 55%; p = .06). These
results support the findings of Deldicque et al., who observed a 30% increase in
IGF-I mRNA expression at rest after 5 days of creatine supplementation in young
adults. Our results further suggest, however, that regular resistance-exercise-training
sessions for 8 weeks increase muscle IGF-I in adult humans, with greater gains
observed from creatine supplementation. Although the mechanism explaining the
Figure 2 — An image of one participant’s muscle cross-section stained for insulin-like
growth factor-I presupplementation (left) and after creatine supplementation (right).
396 Burke et al.
increase in IGF-I from creatine remains to be elucidated, the most plausible theory
involves high-energy phosphate metabolism and training intensity. As we have
previously shown, creatine supplementation increased both PCr and TCr content
to a greater extent than placebo (Burke et al., 2003). The increase in high-energy
phosphate metabolism might have allowed resistance training to be performed
with greater intensity as was observed in Weeks 2 and 7 of our resistance-exercise-
training program. The higher metabolic demand from more-intense resistance-
exercise-training sessions might explain the greater increase in muscle IGF-I content
from creatine supplementation found in the current study.
It is unclear why vegetarians did not experience a greater increase in IGF-I than
nonvegetarians. It has been shown that habitual dietary intake of reduced energy and
protein might reduce serum IGF-I in humans (Thissen, Ketelslegers, & Underwood,
1994). In particular, a diet low in essential amino acids reduces IGF- I production
(Harp, Goldstein, & Phillips, 1991), suggesting that essential amino acids are nec-
essary to maximize IGF-I production. For the current study, vegetarians consumed
approximately 2,200 kcal and 79 g of protein per day, compared with 2,650 kcal
and 139 g of protein per day for nonvegetarians. Although we cannot differentiate
between essential and nonessential amino acids in our dietary analyses, vegetarian
diets tend to be low in one or more essential amino acids that have been shown to
blunt IGF-I production (Clemmons, Seek, & Underwood, 1985) and might have
contributed to our lack of significant findings.
As previously reported, creatine supplementation resulted in greater increases
in lean-tissue mass and Type II fiber area than placebo (Burke et al., 2003). It is
difficult to determine whether the greater increase in lean-tissue mass and fiber area
with creatine was caused by greater muscle protein accretion. There was a trend
(p = .06) for a greater increase in muscle IGF-I content with creatine supplemen-
tation than with placebo, suggesting a greater muscle protein synthetic response
from creatine and exercise. The greater intramuscular IGF-I content (78%) from
creatine supplementation than with placebo (55%) might help explain the differ-
ences in muscle mass and exercise performance as previously reported (Burke et
al., 2003). The addition of creatine and subsequent increase in TCr and PCr might
have directly or indirectly stimulated production of muscle IGF-I concentration
and muscle protein synthesis, leading to muscle hypertrophy.
In summary, a structured resistance-exercise-training program increases
IGF-I content in men and women. The addition of creatine further augments the
physiological adaptations from resistance training, with no differences between
vegetarians and nonvegetarians. Future research should determine the mechanisms
explaining hormonal changes resulting from creatine supplementation alone and
in combination with resistance-exercise training.
Acknowledgments
This study was funded by a grant from Iovate Health Research and Development and the
University Council for Research, St Francis Xavier University, Canada.
Creatine and IGF-I 397
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... WebPlotDigitizer (4) was used to extract data from figures from one study (9). We contacted the corresponding authors of 3 studies that reported insufficient data for extraction (23,31,35). ...
... The RT interventions (see Table 2, Supplemental Digital Content 2, http:// links.lww.com/JSCR/A514) were conducted for an average of 7.6 weeks (range 4-11) with an average frequency of 3.8 sessions per week (range 3-5). The average number of exercises per session was 8.2 (range 6-12), with most studies outlining the specific exercises; sets averaged 3.5 per session per exercise (range 3-5) and repetitions averaged 9.4 per set (range [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. The average training intensity was 76% of 1RM (range 65-83%). ...
... Our analysis, however, showed that training volume did not moderate the effects of creatine on LBM gains. At least 10 weekly sets per muscle group are recommended to maximize hypertrophy (39), and the studies included in this review used 13 sets per week on average (range [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. Given that training volume across the studies analyzed was adequate yet did not moderate the effects of creatine on hypertrophy, the added effect of creatine supplementation on LBM was likely because of other mechanisms. ...
Article
Desai, I, Wewege, MA, Jones, MD, Clifford, BK, Pandit, A, Kaakoush, NO, Simar, D, and Hagstrom, AD. The effect of creatine supplementation on resistance training-based changes to body composition: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2024—The purpose of this review was to determine the added effect of creatine supplementation on changes in body composition with resistance training in adults younger than 50 years. The review protocol was preregistered on the Open Science Framework (osf.io/x48a6/). Our primary outcome was lean body mass (LBM); secondary outcomes were body fat percentage (%) and body fat mass (kg). We performed a random-effects meta-analysis in R using the metafor package. Subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the effects of training status and use of a carbohydrate drink with creatine. We conducted a meta-regression to examine the moderating effect of total training volume. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. One thousand six hundred ninety-four records were screened, and 67 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. Fifty-two percentages of the studies had low risk, 41% some concerns, and 7% high risk of bias. Compared with resistance training (RT) alone, creatine supplementation increased LBM by 1.14 kg (95% CI 0.69 to 1.59), and reduced body fat percentage by −0.88% (95% CI −1.66 to −0.11) and body fat mass by −0.73 kg (95% CI −1.34 to −0.11). There were no differences between training status or carbohydrate subgroups. Training volume was not associated with effect size in all outcomes; 7 g or 0.3 g/kg of body mass of creatine per day is likely to increase LBM by 1 kg and reduce fat mass by 0.7 kg more than RT alone. Concurrent carbohydrate ingestion did not enhance the hypertrophy benefits of creatine.
... There are several hypotheses about increased muscle fibers via supplementation, one of which is proposed to prevent protein breakdown by supplementation. Creatine supplementation with RT increases protein synthesis and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) to a greater extent than RT in men and women and helps to increase muscle hypertrophy further [8]. Increased muscle mass appears to result from improving the ability to perform high-intensity training by increasing access to PCr and increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. ...
... Regarding the effects of CrM supplementation, the results of Arazi et al. showed that CrM supplementation (4×5 gr.d -1 ) for more than five days along with RT (3×10 rep of 9 exercises, 75-85 % 1RM) was sufficient to increase testosterone concentration and decrease cortisol concentration [20]. Burke et al. [8] showed a significant increase in intramuscular IGF-1 concentration in creatinereceiving athletes (0.25 g.kg dry mass in 7 days and 0.06 g.kg dry mass in 49 days) after an 8-week RT program. The researchers suggested that creatineinduced cellular swelling may be the starting point for anabolic signals [37]. ...
Article
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The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of resistance training (RT) alongside creatine-hydrochloride (Cr-HCl) or creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation on anabolic/catabolic hormones, strength, and body composition. Forty participants with an age range of 18-25 years were randomly divided into four groups (n=10): RT+Cr-HCl (0.03 g.kg-1 of body mass), RT+CrM-loading phase (CrM-LP) (0.3 g.kg-1 of body mass for five days (loading) and 0.03 g.kg-1 body mass for 51 days (maintenance)), RT+CrM-without loading phase (CrM-WLP) (0.03 g.kg-1 body mass), and RT+placebo (PL). The participants consumed supplements and performed RT with an intensity of 70-85 % 1RM for eight weeks. Before and after the training and supplementation period, strength (1RM), body composition (percent body fat (PBF), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), muscular cross-sectional area (MCSA)) and serum levels of testosterone, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follistatin and myostatin were measured. The results showed that in the supplementation groups, strength, arm and thigh MCSA, and SMM significantly increased, and PBF significantly decreased (P≤0.05); this change was significant compared to the PL group (P≤0.05). In addition, the results showed a significant increase in GH, IGF-1 levels, the ratio of follistatin/myostatin, testosterone/cortisol (P≤0.05), and a significant decrease in cortisol and ACTH levels (P≤0.05) in the supplementation groups. Hormonal changes in GH, IGF-1, testosterone/cortisol, cortisol, and ACTH levels in the supplementation groups were significant compared to the PL group (P≤0.05). The results showed that CrM and Cr-HCl significantly enhanced the beneficial effects of RT on strength, hypertrophy, and hormonal responses, with Cr-HCl showing no benefit over CrM.
... A suplementação de creatina, permite aos atletas manter uma intensidade mais alta e melhorar a qualidade dos treinos ao longo de todo o período, por meio de regeneração mais veloz do trifosfato de adenosina (ATP) entre as séries de treinamento de resistência (Wu, et al, 2022). Além disso, o aumento no armazenamento total de creatina e fosfocreatina podem estimular a produção de IGF-I muscular e a síntese de proteína muscular, levando a um aumento da hipertrofia muscular (Burke, et al, 2008). Percebe-se também, indícios de que a suplementação de creatina pode ser uma estratégia válida para manter o pool total de creatina durante um período de reabilitação após lesão, além de atuar atenuando o dano muscular induzido por uma sessão prolongada de treinamento de resistência (Bassit, et al, 2010). ...
Article
Introdução: A creatina, composto naturalmente presente no corpo e adquirido também através da dieta, desempenha um papel na ressíntese de trifosfato de adenosina (ATP) durante atividades físicas intensas de curta duração. A recomendação da Sociedade Internacional de Nutrição Esportiva (ISSN) envolve suplementação diária de 3 a 5 g para maximizar os estoques musculares de creatina, essenciais para suportar a demanda energética durante exercícios repetidos de alta intensidade. Estudos indicam que a suplementação crônica de creatina, combinada com treinamento de resistência, resulta em melhorias substanciais na força muscular e no aumento da massa corporal magra, beneficiando o desempenho esportivo. Assim, compreender os mecanismos pelos quais a creatina influencia a performance é fundamental para orientar sua utilização de maneira eficaz, garantindo benefícios aos athletes. Objetivo: Evidenciar a influência da suplementação de creatina no desempenho de atletas na prática de exercícios físicos, independente da intensidade. Métodos: Estudo de revisão integrativa da literatura nas bases de dados Pubmed e SCIELO, com os descritores “creatine supplementation in sports” e “creatine supplementation”. Foram selecionados 17 artigos publicados a partir de 2004. Resultados: A creatina, como suplemento, é capaz de melhorar a qualidade e intensidade do exercício físico, principalmente através do estímulo à hipertrofia muscular, minimização do dano muscular e regeneração mais rápida do ATP. Conclusão: A suplementação da creatina monohidratada demonstrou ter benefícios ergogênicos relacionados com aumento de força muscular, ganho de massa magra e ação antioxidante, representando vantagem na preparação física e no rendimento esportivo, proporcionando suporte para superar metas atléticas.
... Creatine is claimed to be one of the more extensively studied dietary supplements [36]. Physiologically, it is produced endogenously at an amount of about 1 g/d depending on the amount of meat in the diet [37,38]. It is widely reported that creatine has many positive features among sportsmen, such as amplifying the effects of resistance training-strength and hypertrophy [39][40][41]-and improving the results of high-intensity intermittent speed training and aerobic endurance in trials lasting more than 150 s [41,42]. ...
Article
Full-text available
The study aimed to show the potential clinical application of supplements used among sportsmen for patients suffering from Intensive Care Unit-acquired Weakness (ICUAW) treatment. ICUAW is a common complication affecting approximately 40% of critically ill patients, often leading to long-term functional disability. ICUAW comprises critical illness polyneuropathy, critical illness myopathy, or a combination of both, such as critical illness polyneuromyopathy. Muscle degeneration begins shortly after the initiation of mechanical ventilation and persists post-ICU discharge until proteolysis and autophagy processes normalize. Several factors, including prolonged bedrest and muscle electrical silencing, contribute to muscle weakness, resulting from an imbalance between protein degradation and synthesis. ICUAW is associated with tissue hypoxia, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, reduced glucose uptake, lower adenosine triphosphate (ATP) formation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased free-radical production. Several well-studied dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals commonly used by athletes are proven to prevent the aforementioned mechanisms or aid in muscle building, regeneration, and maintenance. While there is no standardized treatment to prevent the occurrence of ICUAW, nutritional interventions have demonstrated the potential for its mitigation. The use of ergogenic substances, popular among muscle-building sociates, may offer potential benefits in preventing muscle loss and aiding recovery based on their work mechanisms.
... Creatine is a well-demonstrated ergonutritional supplement, notably effective in explosive power sports, high-intensity short-duration activities, and muscle hypertrophy training [41,42]. Caution, however, is warranted in aerobic endurance sports due to possible fluid retention. ...
Article
Full-text available
Supplementation is crucial for improving performance and health in phenylketonuria (PKU) patients, who face dietary challenges. Proteins are vital for athletes, supporting muscle growth, minimizing catabolism, and aiding muscle repair and glycogen replenishment post-exercise. However, PKU individuals must limit phenylalanine (Phe) intake, requiring supplementation with Phe-free amino acids or glycomacropeptides. Tailored to meet nutritional needs, these substitutes lack Phe but fulfill protein requirements. Due to limited supplement availability, athletes with PKU may need higher protein intake. Various factors affect tolerated Phe levels, including supplement quantity and age. Adhering to supplement regimens optimizes performance and addresses PKU challenges. Strategically-timed protein substitutes can safely enhance muscle synthesis and sports performance. Individualized intake is essential for optimal outcomes, recognizing proteins’ multifaceted role. Here, we explore protein substitute supplementation in PKU patients within the context of physical activity, considering limited evidence.
... Daily intake of inosine should not exceed 450 mg and inconsistent results call for careful use [37]. 9 Creatine is a well-demonstrated ergonutritional supplement, notably effective in explosive power sports, high-intensity short-duration activities, and muscle hypertrophy training [38,39]. Caution, however, is warranted in aerobic endurance sports due to possible fluid retention. ...
Preprint
Full-text available
Proteins play a pivotal role in supporting athletes by promoting muscle hypertrophy and minimizing protein catabolism during exercise. They stimulate muscle protein synthesis, aiding in the repair of exercise-induced muscle damage and serving as an energy source, particularly for post-exercise glycogen replenishment. In individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), for whom protein intake is limited to essential phenylalanine (Phe), supplementation with Phe-free amino acids or glycomacropeptides is necessary. Tailored for macronutrient and micronutrient content, these protein substitutes fulfill most protein requirements, but lack Phe, unlike dietary sources of protein. Protein requirements for athletes with PKU exceed general recommendations due to limited availability in supplements and potential catabolism mitigation. Various factors influence tolerated dietary Phe in PKU, including protein substitute quantity, distribution, pharmacological treatment, age, growth rate, pregnancy, catabolic states, and physical activity. While general protein requirements for PKU surpass those of the general population, adherence to supplement regimens is crucial for athletes and patients with PKU. Strategically timed protein substitutes enhance muscle protein synthesis, body composition, and sports performance within safety limits. Individualized intake is essential for optimal outcomes, as proteins have a multifaceted role in optimizing athletic performance and addressing challenges in PKU.
... Al respecto, en ejercicios de alta intensidad de menos de 10 segundos la fuente predominante de ATP es la producida a partir de la fosfocreatina, puesto que, la energía producida a partir de la glucólisis anaeróbica requiere de actividades de esfuerzo máximo de 10 a 30 segundos (Kreider & Stout, 2021). Gracias a las propiedades de la creatina se la ha utilizado para mejorar el rendimiento deportivo anaeróbico en deportistas (Directo et al., 2019), el entrenamiento en resistencia (Burke et al., 2008), rendimiento aeróbico (Vieira et al., 2020), composición corporal (Gualano et al., 2016), rehabilitación y recuperación (Deminice et al., 2013), lesiones cerebrales traumáticas (Vagnozzi et al., 2013) y procesamiento cognitivo . ...
Article
Full-text available
La creatina es un compuesto químico natural presente en pequeñas cantidades en el cuerpo y determinados alimentos y suplementos, cuya principal función es suministrar energía inmediata a los tejidos que requieren de mayor demanda energética como son los músculos y el cerebro que se encarga del procesamiento cognitivo y desarrollo de funciones como la memoria, atención, gnosias, praxias y funcionamiento ejecutivo. Determinar la efectividad del consumo de creatina sobre el funcionamiento cognitivo. Se ha realizado una revisión bibliográfica que incluye 10 artículos científicos publicados en Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed y Taylor and Francis. La suplementación con creatina ayuda en el rendimiento de algunas de las tareas cognitivas evaluadas en cada estudio; de las siete investigaciones que analizan cambios en la puntuación de memoria, 2 refieren cambios estadísticamente significativos. Sobre los resultados de tiempos de reacción, vigilancia y atención, 2 de los 6 estudios refieren cambios a favor del consumo de creatina. En relación con el funcionamiento ejecutivo, sólo un estudio de los 5 refieren beneficios de la suplementación. En cuanto a la cognición global, 1 de los 2 estudios reporta cambios de puntuación a favor del grupo de intervención. La suplementación con creatina no reporta efectos positivos en todas las funciones cognitivas estudiadas, se trata de un compuesto que no reporta efectos secundarios nocivos, y que hoy en día es seguro y fácil de consumir.
... Therefore, it may be prudent to selectively Specifically, Cr has the potential to enhance muscle protein synthesis by triggering 313 signaling pathways activated through the osmotic effect of Cr in muscle cells (89). In addition, Cr may promote muscle hypertrophy through various cellular mechanisms, 315 including the inhibition of myostatin (90) and the activation of insulin-like growth 316 factor/mTOR (54,91). Thus, CrM may be beneficial in AD because loss of lean body 317 mass, primarily skeletal muscle, has been cross-sectionally associated with AD (92). ...
Article
Full-text available
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, affecting approximately 6.5 million older adults in the United States. Development of AD treatment has primarily centered on developing pharmaceuticals that target amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques in the brain, a hallmark pathological biomarker that precedes symptomatic AD. Though recent clinical trials of novel drugs that target Aβ have demonstrated promising preliminary data, these pharmaceuticals have a poor history of developing into AD treatments, leading to hypotheses that other therapeutic targets may be more suitable for AD prevention and treatment. Impaired brain energy metabolism is another pathological hallmark that precedes the onset of AD that may provide a target for intervention. The brain creatine (Cr) system plays a crucial role in maintaining bioenergetic flux and is disrupted in AD. Recent studies using AD mouse models have shown that supplementing with Cr improves brain bioenergetics, as well as AD biomarkers and cognition. Despite these promising findings, no human trials have investigated the potential benefits of Cr supplementation in AD. This narrative review discusses the link between Cr and AD and the potential for Cr supplementation as a treatment for AD.
Article
Objective: This study aims to investigate the interactive effect of a glycine equivalent (Glyequi) and standardized ileal digestible threonine (SID Thr) levels in low crude protein diets on performance, blood biochemistry, pectoral muscular creatine content and oxidative stability of meat in broiler chickens from 21 to 42 days. Methods: A total of 1500, twenty-one-day-old Cobb-Vantress® male broiler chickens were distributed in a completely randomized 5 × 3 factorial arrangement of Glyequi × SID Thr with five replicates of 20 birds each. Fifteen dietary treatments of 16.5% CP were formulated to contain five levels of total Glyequi (1.16, 1.26, 1.36, 1.46 and 1.56%) and three levels of SID Thr (0.58; 0.68 and 0.78%). Results: Interaction effects (p<0.05) of Glyequi and SID Thr levels were observed for weight gain, carcass yield, pectoral muscular creatine content and serum uric acid. Higher levels of Glyequi increased (p = 0.040) weight gain in 0.58 and 0.68% SID Thr diets compare to the 0.78% SID Thr diet. The SID Thr level at 0.68% improved (p=0.040) feed conversion compared to other SID Thr diets. Levels of Glyequi equal to or above 1.26% in diets with 0.78% SID Thr resulted in birds with higher (p=0.033) pectoral muscular creatine content. The breast meat yield observed in the 0.68% SID Thr diet was higher (p = 0.05) compared to the 0.58% SID Thr diet. There was a quadratic effect of Glyequi levels for pectoral pectoral muscular creatine content (p = 0.008), breast meat yield (p = 0.030), and serum total protein concentrations (p = 0.040), and the optimal levels were estimated to be 1.47, 1.35 and 1.40% Glyequi, respectively. The lowest (p = 0.050) concentration of malondialdehyde in the breast meat was found in 0.68% SID Thr diets at 1.36% Glyequi . Conclusion: The minimum dietary level of Glyequi needed to improve performance in low crude protein diets is 1.26% with adequate SID Thr levels for broiler chickens.
Article
Purpose: Our goal was to determine the effects resistance training on circulating IGF-I and on two of its major binding proteins, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3. Additional goals were to compare the time course of hormonal changes with the time course of strength changes and to determine the effect of training volume on the extent of hormonal changes, Methods: Thirty-one men and women (mean age = 37 +/- 7 yr) completed a 25-wk, 3 d . wk(-1) program in which they performed single-set resistance training (I-SET, N = 11), multiple-set resistance training (3-SET, N = 11), or no exercise (Control, N = 9). Before training, and after 13 and 25 wk of training, blood hormones were analyzed and strength was assessed as the sum of one-repetition maximum (I-RM) far leg extension and chest press exercises. Results: During the first 13 wk of resistance training, circulating IGF-I increased by approximately 20% in both the I-SET and 3-SET groups (P = 0.041). No further increases occurred between 13 and 25 wk. In the 3-SET group, IGFBP-3 decreased 20% between 13 and 25 wk (P = 0.008). Training did not alter IGFBP-1. Increases in 1-RM strength occurred mainly during the first 13 wk of training and were significantly higher with 3-SET training compared to 1-SET. Conclusions: These findings indicate that increased circulating IGF-I may, at least in part, mediate increases in strength that result from resistance training.
Article
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of creatine supplementation in conjunction with resistance training on physiological adaptations including muscle fiber hypertrophy and muscle creatine accumulation. Methods: Nineteen healthy resistance-trained men were matched and then randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to either a creatine (N = 10) or placebo (N = 9) group. Periodized heavy resistance training was performed for 12 wk. Creatine or placebo capsules were consumed (25 g x d(-1)) for 1 wk followed by a maintenance dose (5 g x d(-1)) for the remainder of the training. Results: After 12 wk, significant (P < or = 0.05) increases in body mass and fat-free mass were greater in creatine (6.3% and 6.3%, respectively) than placebo (3.6% and 3.1%, respectively) subjects. After 12 wk, increases in bench press and squat were greater in creatine (24% and 32%, respectively) than placebo (16% and 24%, respectively) subjects. Compared with placebo subjects, creatine subjects demonstrated significantly greater increases in Type I (35% vs 11%), IIA (36% vs 15%), and IIAB (35% vs 6%) muscle fiber cross-sectional areas. Muscle total creatine concentrations were unchanged in placebo subjects. Muscle creatine was significantly elevated after 1 wk in creatine subjects (22%), and values remained significantly greater than placebo subjects after 12 wk. Average volume lifted in the bench press during training was significantly greater in creatine subjects during weeks 5-8. No negative side effects to the supplementation were reported. Conclusion: Creatine supplementation enhanced fat-free mass, physical performance, and muscle morphology in response to heavy resistance training, presumably mediated via higher quality training sessions.
Article
Purpose: To study the effect of creatine (Cr) supplementation combined with resistance training on muscular performance and body composition in older men. Methods: Thirty men were randomized to receive creatine supplementation (CRE, N = 16, age = 70.4 +/- 1.6 yr) or placebo (PLA, N = 14, age = 71.1 +/- 1.8 yr), using a double blind procedure. Cr supplementation consisted of 0.3-g Cr.kg(-1) body weight for the first 5 d (loading phase) and 0.07-g Cr.kg(-1) body weight thereafter. Both groups participated in resistance training (36 sessions, 3 times per week, 3 sets of 10 repetitions, 12 exercises). Muscular strength was assessed by 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) for leg press (LP), knee extension (KE), and bench press (BP). Muscular endurance was assessed by the maximum number of repetitions over 3 sets (separated by 1-min rest intervals) at an intensity corresponding to 70% baseline 1-RM for BP and 80% baseline 1-RM for the KE and LP. Average power (AP) was assessed using a Biodex isokinetic knee extension/flexion exercise (3 sets of 10 repetitions at 60 degrees.s(-1) separated by 1-min rest). Lean tissue (LTM) and fat mass were assessed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Results: Compared with PLA, the CRE group had significantly greater increases in LTM (CRE, +3.3 kg; PLA, +1.3 kg), LP 1-RM (CRE, +50.1 kg; PLA +31.3 kg), KE 1-RM (CRE, +14.9 kg; PLA, +10.7 kg), LP endurance (CRE, +47 reps; PLA, +32 reps), KE endurance (CRE, +21 reps; PLA +14 reps), and AP (CRE, +26.7 W; PLA, +18 W). Changes in fat mass, fat percentage, BP 1-RM, and BP endurance were similar between groups. Conclusion: Creatine supplementation, when combined with resistance training, increases lean tissue mass and improves leg strength, endurance, and average power in men of mean age 70 yr.
Article
The study of the underlying mechanisms by which cells respond to mechanical stimuli, i.e. the link between the mechanical stimulus and gene expression, represents a new and important area in the morphological sciences. Several cell types (‘mechanocytes’), e.g. osteoblasts and fibroblasts as well as smooth, cardiac and skeletal muscle cells are activated by mechanical strain and there is now mounting evidence that this involves the cytoskeleton. Muscle offers one of the best opportunities for studying this type of mechanotransduction as the mechanical activity generated by and imposed upon muscle tissue can be accurately controlled and measured in both in vitro and in vivo systems. Muscle is highly responsive to changes in functional demands. Overload leads to hypertrophy, whilst decreased load force generation and immobilisation with the muscle in the shortened position leads to atrophy. For instance it has been shown that stretch is an important mechanical signal for the production of more actin and myosin filaments and the addition of new sarcomeres in series and in parallel. This is preceded by upregulation of transcription of the appropriate genes some of which such as the myosin isoforms markedly change the muscle phenotype. Indeed, the switch in the expression induced by mechanical activity of myosin heavy chain genes which encode different molecular motors is a means via which the tissue adapts to a given type of physical activity. As far as increase in mass is concerned, our group have cloned the cDNA of a splice variant of IGF that is produced by active muscle that appears to be the factor that controls local tissue repair, maintenance and remodelling. From its sequence it can be seen that it is derived from the IGF gene by alternative splicing but it has different exons to the liver isoforms. It has a 52 base insert in the E domain which alters the reading frame of the 3′ end. Therefore, this splice variant of IGF-1 is likely to bind to a different binding protein which exists in the interstitial tissue spaces of muscle, neuronal tissue and bone. This would be expected to localise its action as it would be unstable in the unbound form which is important as its production would not disturb the glucose homeostasis unduly. This new growth factor has been called mechano growth factor (MGF) to distinguish it from the liver IGFs which have a systemic mode of action. Although the liver is usually thought of as the source of circulating IGF, it has recently been shown that during exercise skeletal muscle not only produces much of the circulating IGF but active musculature also utilises most of the IGF produced. We have cloned both an autocrine and endocrine IGF-1, both of which are upregulated in cardiac as well as skeletal muscle when subjected to overload. It has been shown that, in contrast to normal muscle, MGF is not detectable in dystrophic mdx muscles even when subjected to stretch and stretch combined with electrical stimulation. This is true for muscular dystrophies that are due to the lack of dystrophin (X-linked) and due to a laminin deficiency (autosomal), thus indicating that the dystrophin cytoskeletal complex may be involved in the mechanotransduction mechanism. When this complex is defective the necessary systemic as well as autocrine IGF-1 growth factors required for local repair are not produced and the ensuing cell death results in progressive loss of muscle mass. The discovery of the locally produced IGF-1 appears to provide the link between the mechanical stimulus and the activation of gene expression.
Article
1. The present study was undertaken to test whether creatine given as a supplement to normal subjects was absorbed, and if continued resulted in an increase in the total creatine pool in muscle. An additional effect of exercise upon uptake into muscle was also investigated. 2. Low doses (1 g of creatine monohydrate or less in water) produced only a modest rise in the plasma creatine concentration, whereas 5 g resulted in a mean peak after 1 h of 795 (sd 104) μmol/l in three subjects weighing 76–87 kg. Repeated dosing with 5 g every 2 h sustained the plasma concentration at around 1000 μmol/l. A single 5 g dose corresponds to the creatine content of 1.1 kg of fresh, uncooked steak. 3. Supplementation with 5 g of creatine monohydrate, four or six times a day for 2 or more days resulted in a significant increase in the total creatine content of the quadriceps femoris muscle measured in 17 subjects. This was greatest in subjects with a low initial total creatine content and the effect was to raise the content in these subjects closer to the upper limit of the normal range. In some the increase was as much as 50%. 4. Uptake into muscle was greatest during the first 2 days of supplementation accounting for 32% of the dose administered in three subjects receiving 6 × 5 g of creatine monohydrate/day. In these subjects renal excretion was 40, 61 and 68% of the creatine dose over the first 3 days. Approximately 20% or more of the creatine taken up was measured as phosphocreatine. No changes were apparent in the muscle ATP content. 5. No side effects of creatine supplementation were noted. 6. One hour of hard exercise per day using one leg augmented the increase in the total creatine content of the exercised leg, but had no effect in the collateral. In these subjects the mean total creatine content increased from 118.1 (sd 3.0) mmol/kg dry muscle before supplementation to 148.5 (sd 5.2) in the control leg, and to 162.2 (sd 12.5) in the exercised leg. Supplementation and exercise resulted in a total creatine content in one subject of 182.8 mmol/kg dry muscle, of which 112.0 mmol/kg dry muscle was in the form of phosphocreatine.
Article
The poor growth associated with protein-calorie malnutrition occurs despite circulating growth hormone levels that are normal or elevated and is thought to be mediated partly by blunted generation of insulinlike growth factor I (IGF-I) in the liver. To explore underlying mechanisms, we asked whether altered availability of amino acids could regulate hepatic IGF-I release independent of the contributions of regulatory hormones. Normal rat hepatocytes were isolated by collagenase digestion and maintained in serum-free medium with fixed concentrations of insulin and dexamethasone. Levels of immunoassayable albumin and IGF-I accumulation in daily changes of medium were sustained for 3-5 days, and all studies were performed within this period. Cellular viability and content of DNA were unaffected by deprivation of the essential amino acids lysine or tryptophan and the nonessential amino acids cysteine and/or cystine. However, deletion of tryptophan or lysine from the culture medium led to 63 and 76% declines in IGF-I release, respectively (both P less than 0.001 vs. complete medium), although omission of cysteine or cysteine plus cystine produced no significant change. Over 5 days of culture, release of albumin was maintained in complete medium, but omission of tryptophan depressed albumin release over days 2-5 (P less than 0.001). In complete medium, IGF-I release rose for 3 days and then declined. In tryptophan-deficient medium, IGF-I levels were comparable to control values after 24 h but did not rise at 48 h and then fell rapidly after 72 h in culture, with values significantly below levels in complete medium (all P less than 0.005).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Article
Skeletal muscle satellite cells were cultured from mature rats and were treated in vitro with various combinations of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). In serum-free defined medium the following observations were made: TGF-beta depressed proliferation and inhibited differentiation; FGF stimulated proliferation and depressed differentiation; IGF-I stimulated proliferation to a small degree but demonstrated a more pronounced stimulation of differentiation. In evaluating combinations of these three factors, the differentiation inhibiting effect of TGF-beta could not be counteracted by any combination of IGF-I or FGF. The proliferation-depressing activity of TGF-beta, however, could not inhibit the mitogenic activity of FGF. Maximum stimulation of proliferation was observed in the presence of both FGF and IGF-I. The highest percentage fusion was also observed under these conditions, but differentiation with minimal proliferation resulted from treatment with IGF-I, alone. By altering the concentrations of TGF-beta, FGF, and IGF-I, satellite cells can be induced to proliferate, differentiate, or to remain quiescent.
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Plasma somatomedin-C (Sm-C)/insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) concentrations have been shown to reflect changes in nitrogen balance induced by manipulation of nutrient intake. To assess the Sm-C/IGF-I response to refeeding a protein restricted diet in which the nitrogen source was supplemented with essential amino acids, six normal adults were fasted for five days, then refed for nine days diets consisting of 35 kcals/kg and 0.48 g protein/kg body weight. In one diet, 80% of the nitrogen was supplied as essential amino acids, and in the other, 80% was supplied as nonessential amino acids. Following the first fast/refeed cycle, a control diet was eaten for two weeks before the fast was repeated and the other test diet was ingested. The refeeding diets were given a random order. Plasma Sm-C/IGF-I fell from a pre-fast mean of 1.64 +/- 0.24 U/mL (mean +/- 1 SEM) to 0.67 +/- 0.18 (P less than 0.001) following fasting, and rose to 1.41 +/- 0.19 U/mL (P less than 0.001) following ingestion of the diet with supplemental essential amino acids. In contrast, when the same subjects were refed a diet in which 80% of the nitrogen was in the form of nonessential amino acids, the plasma Sm-C/IGF-I concentrations rose from 0.74 +/- 0.17 to 1.15 +/- 0.15 U/mL (P less than 0.01). This increase was significantly less than that observed after ingestion of the essential amino acid supplemented diet (0.74 +/- 0.10 U/mL v 0.40 +/- 0.11 U/mL; P less than 0.02).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Article
Several lines of evidence indicate that in the human, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is nutritionally regulated. Both energy and protein availability are required for maintenance of IGF-I. Measurements of serum IGF-I constitute a sensitive means for monitoring the response of acutely ill patients to nutritional intervention. Serum IGF-I may also serve as a marker for evaluation of nutritional status. Our findings and those of others in animal models suggest that nutrients influence synthesis and action of IGF-I and its binding proteins (IGFBPs) at multiple levels. In fasting, liver growth hormone (GH) binding is decreased, providing one explanation for decreased IGF-I. In protein restriction, GH receptors are maintained, but there is evidence for a postreceptor defects. The latter results from pretranslational and translational defects. Amino acid availability to the hepatocytes is essential for IGF-I gene expression. Protein malnutrition not only decreases IGF-I production rate, but also enhances its serum clearance and degradation. Finally, there is evidence for selective organ resistance to the growth-promoting effects of IGF-I in protein-restricted rats.
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Increased load on a muscle (synergistic overload or stretch) results in muscle hypertrophy. The expression of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) mRNA in rat skeletal muscle is increased during synergistic overload-induced hypertrophy. Although it has also been established that fasting animals lose muscle protein, it has been shown that compensatory muscle hypertrophy occurs in adult fasting rats that are undergoing a net loss of body weight. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether a relationship exists between IGF-I mRNA levels and muscle growth and regression. This was accomplished by examining whether IGF-I mRNA levels were altered during muscle hypertrophy after stretch and regression and the effect of fasting on IGF-I mRNA levels during stretch-induced hypertrophy. Patagialis (PAT) muscle weights increased 13 and 44% at 2 and 11 days of stretch, respectively. However, after removal of the stretch stimulus on day 11, PAT weights began to decrease, reaching control weights by 18 days. During the first time point (2 days), PAT muscle IGF-I mRNA remained constant. IGF-I mRNA abundance was threefold greater than contralateral control levels by 11 days of stretch. IGF-I mRNA levels decreased but remained significantly above control levels throughout the regression of hypertrophy (13, 18, and 25 days). Fasting did not alter PAT muscle response to stretch. After 11 days of stretch, PAT muscle weight increased 60% compared with contralateral control muscles and IGF-I mRNA levels increased three-fold. This study supports a role for IGF-I in muscle hypertrophy but not muscle atrophy.