Beyond muscles: The untapped potential of creatine

Antenatal creatine supplementation reduces persistent fetal lung inflammation and oxidative stress in an ovine model of chorioamnionitis

Chorioamnionitis is a common antecedent of preterm birth and induces inflammation and oxidative stress in the fetal lungs. Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the fetal lungs may improve respiratory outcomes in preterm infants. Creatine is an organic acid with known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of direct fetal creatine supplementation to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in fetal lungs arising from an in utero proinflammatory stimulus. Fetal lambs (n = 51) were instrumented at 90 days gestation to receive a continuous infusion of creatine monohydrate (6 mg·kg-1·h-1) or saline for 17 days. Maternal chorioamnionitis was induced with intra-amniotic lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 mg, O55:H6) or saline 7 days before delivery at 110 days gestation. Tissue creatine content was assessed with capillary electrophoresis, and inflammatory markers were analyzed with Luminex Magpix and immunohistochemistry. Oxidative stress was measured as the level of protein thiol oxidation. The effects of LPS and creatine were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA. Fetal creatine supplementation increased lung creatine content by 149% (PCr < 0.0001) and had no adverse effects on lung morphology. LPS-exposed groups showed increased levels of interleukin-8 in the bronchoalveolar lavage (PLPS < 0.0001) and increased levels of CD45+ leukocytes (PLPS < 0.0001) and MPO+ (PLPS < 0.0001) cells in the lung parenchyma. Creatine supplementation significantly reduced the levels of CD45+ (PCr = 0.045) and MPO+ cells (PCr = 0.012) in the lungs and reduced thiol oxidation in plasma (PCr < 0.01) and lung tissue (PCr = 0.02). In conclusion, fetal creatine supplementation reduced markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in the fetal lungs arising from chorioamnionitis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We evaluated the effect of antenatal creatine supplementation to reduce pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress in the fetal lamb lungs arising from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced chorioamnionitis. Fetal creatine supplementation increased lung creatine content and had no adverse effects on systemic fetal physiology and overall lung architecture. Importantly, fetuses that received creatine had significantly lower levels of inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs, suggesting an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefit of creatine.

Creatine supplementation for optimization of physical function in the patient at risk of functional disability: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of creatine replacement through supplementation for the optimization of physical function in the population at risk of functional disability is unclear.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL from inception to November 2022. Studies included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing creatine supplementation with placebos in older adults and adults with chronic disease. The primary outcome was physical function measured by the sit-to-stand test after pooling data using random-effects modeling. We also performed a Bayesian meta-analysis to describe the treatment effect in probability terms. Secondary outcomes included other measures of physical function, muscle function, and body composition. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.

RESULTS

We identified 33 RCTs, comprising 1076 participants. From six trials reporting the primary outcome, the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) was 0.51 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01-1.00; I2 = 62%; P = 0.04); using weakly informative priors, the posterior probability that creatine supplementation improves physical function was 66.7%. Upper-body muscle strength (SMD: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.06-0.44; I2 = 0%; P = 0.01), handgrip strength (SMD 0.23; 95% CI: 0.01-0.45; I2 = 0%; P = 0.04), and lean tissue mass (MD 1.08 kg; 95% CI: 0.77-1.38; I2 = 26%; P < 0.01) improved with creatine supplementation. The quality of evidence for all outcomes was low or very low because of a high risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

Creatine supplementation improves sit-to-stand performance, muscle function, and lean tissue mass. It is crucial to conduct high-quality prospective RCTs to confirm these hypotheses (PROSPERO number, CRD42023354929).

Precision nutrition to reset virus-induced human metabolic reprogramming and dysregulation (HMRD) in long-COVID

SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, is devoid of any metabolic capacity; therefore, it is critical for the viral pathogen to hijack host cellular metabolic machinery for its replication and propagation. This single-stranded RNA virus with a 29.9 kb genome encodes 14 open reading frames (ORFs) and initiates a plethora of virus-host protein-protein interactions in the human body. These extensive viral protein interactions with host-specific cellular targets could trigger severe human metabolic reprogramming/dysregulation (HMRD), a rewiring of sugar-, amino acid-, lipid-, and nucleotide-metabolism(s), as well as altered or impaired bioenergetics, immune dysfunction, and redox imbalance in the body. In the infectious process, the viral pathogen hijacks two major human receptors, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 and/or neuropilin (NRP)-1, for initial adhesion to cell surface; then utilizes two major host proteases, TMPRSS2 and/or furin, to gain cellular entry; and finally employs an endosomal enzyme, cathepsin L (CTSL) for fusogenic release of its viral genome. The virus-induced HMRD results in 5 possible infectious outcomes: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe to fatal episodes; while the symptomatic acute COVID-19 condition could manifest into 3 clinical phases: (i) hypoxia and hypoxemia (Warburg effect), (ii) hyperferritinemia ('cytokine storm'), and (iii) thrombocytosis (coagulopathy). The mean incubation period for COVID-19 onset was estimated to be 5.1 days, and most cases develop symptoms after 14 days. The mean viral clearance times were 24, 30, and 39 days for acute, severe, and ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients, respectively. However, about 25-70% of virus-free COVID-19 survivors continue to sustain virus-induced HMRD and exhibit a wide range of symptoms that are persistent, exacerbated, or new 'onset' clinical incidents, collectively termed as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or long COVID. PASC patients experience several debilitating clinical condition(s) with >200 different and overlapping symptoms that may last for weeks to months. Chronic PASC is a cumulative outcome of at least 10 different HMRD-related pathophysiological mechanisms involving both virus-derived virulence factors and a multitude of innate host responses. Based on HMRD and virus-free clinical impairments of different human organs/systems, PASC patients can be categorized into 4 different clusters or sub-phenotypes: sub-phenotype-1 (33.8%) with cardiac and renal manifestations; sub-phenotype-2 (32.8%) with respiratory, sleep and anxiety disorders; sub-phenotype-3 (23.4%) with skeleto-muscular and nervous disorders; and sub-phenotype-4 (10.1%) with digestive and pulmonary dysfunctions. This narrative review elucidates the effects of viral hijack on host cellular machinery during SARS-CoV-2 infection, ensuing detrimental effect(s) of virus-induced HMRD on human metabolism, consequential symptomatic clinical implications, and damage to multiple organ systems; as well as chronic pathophysiological sequelae in virus-free PASC patients. We have also provided a few evidence-based, human randomized controlled trial (RCT)-tested, precision nutrients to reset HMRD for health recovery of PASC patients.

Association between dietary creatine and visuospatial short-term memory in older adults

Aims: The purpose was to examine the relationship between habitual dietary creatine intake obtained in food and visuospatial short-term memory (VSSM). Methods: Forty-two participants (32 females, 10 males; > 60 yrs of age) completed a 5-day dietary recall to estimate creatine intake and performed a cognitive assessment which included a visuospatial short-term memory test (forward and reverse corsi block test) and a mini-mental state examination (MMSE). Pearson correlation coefficients were determined. Further, cohorts were derived based on the median creatine intake. Results: There was a significant correlation between the forward Corsi (r  =  0.703, P < 0.001), reverse Corsi (r  =  0.715, P < 0.001), and the memory sub-component of the MMSE (r  =  0.406, P = 0.004). A median creatine intake of 0.382 g/day was found. Participants consuming greater than the median had a significantly higher Corsi (P = 0.005) and reverse Corsi (P < 0.001) scores compared to participants ingesting less than the median. Conclusions: Dietary creatine intake is positively associated with measures of memory in older adults. Clinical Implications: Older adults should consider food sources containing creatine (i.e. red meat, seafood) due to the positive association with visuospatial short-term memory.

The relationships between the plasma metabolome and orthostatic blood pressure responses

Whereas autonomic dysfunction and the metabolic syndrome are clinically associated, the relationships with the plasma metabolome is unknown. We explored the association between orthostatic blood pressure responses and 818 plasma metabolites in middle-aged subjects from the general population. We included 3803 out of 6251 subjects (mean age, 57 years; 52% women) from the Malmö sub-cohort of The Swedish CardioPulmonary bioImage Study with information on smoking habits, diabetes, antihypertensive drug treatment, anthropometrics, hemodynamic measurements and 818 plasma metabolites (mass-spectrometry). The associations between each metabolite and orthostatic systolic blood pressure responses were determined using multivariable linear regression analysis and p values were corrected using the Bonferroni method. Six amino acids, five vitamins, co-factors and carbohydrates, nine lipids and two xenobiotics were associated with orthostatic blood pressure after adjusting for age, gender and systolic blood pressure. After additional adjustments for BMI, diabetes, smoking and antihypertensive treatment, the association remained significant for six lipids, four amino acids and one xenobiotic. Twenty-two out of 818 plasma metabolites were associated with orthostatic blood pressure responses. Eleven metabolites, including lipids in the dihydrosphingomyelin and sphingosine pathways, were independently associated with orthostatic systolic blood pressure responses after additional adjustment for markers of cardio-metabolic disease.

Quest for Biomarkers of Positive Health: A Review

The positive health of a person can be defined as the ability to live long in good health, possibly with no activity limitation. No method is yet available for its objective assessment in individuals, and we propose a framework in this communication that can operationalize this concept. Instead of distal factors, such as diet and lifestyle because these are subjective and difficult to measure, we concentrate on the objectively measurable biomarkers such as immunity level, endorphins, and handgrip strength. The focus is on the major parameters that may protect from diseases and infirmity and can be assessed by noninvasive methods. A combination of such parameters may signify positive health. This may be a novel way to measure positive health at the individual level. In this communication, we briefly review the literature and identify a few major biomarkers that provide a protective shield and could determine the status of positive health at the individual level. This exercise demonstrates that the assessment of the positive health of a person is feasible. A scale based on these and other relevant parameters can be developed later that could quantitatively measure the exact level of positive health. As the exact combination of the parameters that protects from ailments is not fully known yet, a framework such as this may help in identifying the data gaps that require attention in this context. The proposed framework may initiate a discussion on indicators of positive health and characterize the parameters for intervention that could increase a healthy life.

Creatine supplementation in the pediatric and adolescent athlete-- A literature review

Background

An increase in intra-muscular creatine through supplementation has been proposed as a strategy for improving muscle performance and recovery, with studies showing some benefit for adult athletes who rely on short, explosive movements. We reviewed and summarized the current literature on creatine supplementation in a pediatric and adolescent population.

Methods

The databases PubMed and EMBASE were queried to identity articles related to the use of creatine supplementation in a healthy pediatric and adolescent population according to the guidelines established by PRISMA. The abstracts of all articles were reviewed to determine relevancy, with those meeting the pre-defined criteria included in the final review.

Results

A combined total of 9393 articles were identified. Following application of filters and review of abstracts, 13 articles were found to meet criteria and were included in the final review. There was a total of 268 subjects across all studies, with mean age ranging from 11.5 to 18.2 years. More than 75% of the studies were randomized-controlled trials, and 85% involved either soccer players or swimmers. The overall quality of the studies was poor, and there were no consistent findings regarding creatine supplementation and improvements in athletic performance. No studies were designed to address the topic of safety.

Conclusions

There is a gap in the study of the safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in adolescents. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the effects of alterations in muscle composition on the growth, development, and performance of the developing athlete. Orthopedic providers should counsel their pediatric and adolescent patients on the current limitations in trying to assess the true risk and benefit of creatine supplementation for the aspiring athlete.

Level of evidence

Review, III.

Creatine Supplementation to Improve Sarcopenia in Chronic Liver Disease: Facts and Perspectives

Creatine supplementation has been one of the most studied and useful ergogenic nutritional support for athletes to improve performance, strength, and muscular mass. Over time creatine has shown beneficial effects in several human disease conditions. This review aims to summarise the current evidence for creatine supplementation in advanced chronic liver disease and its complications, primarily in sarcopenic cirrhotic patients, because this condition is known to be associated with poor prognosis and outcomes. Although creatine supplementation in chronic liver disease seems to be barely investigated and not studied in human patients, its potential efficacy on chronic liver disease is indirectly highlighted in animal models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, bringing beneficial effects in the fatty liver. Similarly, encephalopathy and fatigue seem to have beneficial effects. Creatine supplementation has demonstrated effects in sarcopenia in the elderly with and without resistance training suggesting a potential role in improving this condition in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. Creatine supplementation could address several critical points of chronic liver disease and its complications. Further studies are needed to support the clinical burden of this hypothesis.

Creatine in the fetal brain: A regional investigation of acute global hypoxia and creatine supplementation in a translational fetal sheep model

Background

Creatine supplementation during pregnancy is a promising prophylactic treatment for perinatal hypoxic brain injury. Previously, in near-term sheep we have shown that fetal creatine supplementation reduces cerebral metabolic and oxidative stress induced by acute global hypoxia. This study investigated the effects of acute hypoxia with or without fetal creatine supplementation on neuropathology in multiple brain regions.

Methods

Near-term fetal sheep were administered continuous intravenous infusion of either creatine (6 mg kg^-1 h^-1) or isovolumetric saline from 122 to 134 days gestational age (dGA; term is approx. 145 dGA). At 131 dGA, global hypoxia was induced by a 10 min umbilical cord occlusion (UCO). Fetuses were then recovered for 72 h at which time (134 dGA) cerebral tissue was collected for either RT-qPCR or immunohistochemistry analyses.

Results

UCO resulted in mild injury to the cortical gray matter, thalamus and hippocampus, with increased cell death and astrogliosis and downregulation of genes involved in regulating injury responses, vasculature development and mitochondrial integrity. Creatine supplementation reduced astrogliosis within the corpus callosum but did not ameliorate any other gene expression or histopathological changes induced by hypoxia. Of importance, effects of creatine supplementation on gene expression irrespective of hypoxia, including increased expression of anti-apoptotic (BCL-2) and pro-inflammatory (e.g., MPO, TNFa, IL-6, IL-1β) genes, particularly in the gray matter, hippocampus, and striatum were identified. Creatine treatment also effected oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination in white matter regions.

Conclusion

While supplementation did not rescue mild neuropathology caused by UCO, creatine did result in gene expression changes that may influence in utero cerebral development.

Creatine consumption and liver disease manifestations in individuals aged 12 years and over

Despite the overwhelming safety evidence concerning creatine intake in various settings, there is still incomplete information whether dietary creatine affects liver health at the population level. The main aim of this cross-sectional population-based study was to evaluate the association between creatine intake through regular diet and liver disease manifestations, including liver fibrosis and hepatic steatosis, among individuals aged 12 years and over, using open-source data from the 2017-2018 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 9254 male and female participants of all ages were included in the 2017-2018 NHANES round. We extracted data from the total sample population for participants who provided dietary data for individual foods via dietary interviews and examination data from liver ultrasound transient elastography. The final study sample consisted of 5957 participants (mean age 44.7 ± 21.0 years; 50.1% women), and the mean dietary creatine intake across the study population was 0.88 ± 0.71 g/day. Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis were diagnosed in 1703 (28.7%) and 288 (4.8%) participants, respectively; hepatic steatosis was identified in 2595 (43.7%) individuals. Binary logistic regression with multivariable model adjusted for age, gender, family income to poverty ratio, body mass index, total energy intake, and alcohol consumption showed that consuming more creatine (≥2 g/day) did not significantly increase the risk of liver fibrosis (OR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.70-1.21, p = .57), cirrhosis (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.53-1.65, p = .82), or hepatic steatosis (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.59-1.02, p = .07), as compared to participants who ingested <1 g of creatine daily. Dietary exposure to creatine through a regular diet is not associated with an increase in disease manifestations in individuals 12 years and over; further research is warranted to address the effects of excessive creatine intake (≥5 g/day) through a regular diet on liver health at the population level.

Could dietary creatine intake modulate overweight elderly's selective attention and inhibitory function?

Aims: There is evidence that both aging and increased adiposity may impact creatine levels in the brain, and brain creatine levels are important for cognition. The aim of this study was to assess correlation between dietary creatine intake and cognition in in elderly women with overweight. Methods: Twenty seven overweight women over 60 years of age who were part of a larger study participated in an Eriksen Flanker Task (EFT) to asssess cognitive performance. Additionally, diet was assessed over 5 days via daily diary nutritional recalls and the estimate of the daily amount of creatine was calculated. Results: In the EFT when incongruente stimulus were presented there was a significant diferences between those with low and high intake of creatine (-35.3 ± 5.84; p < 0.001). Similarly, reaction time to answer incongruent stimulus (r = -0.383; p = 0.004) and the percent of correct answers (r = 0.743; p < 0.001) showed weak to strong correlations with self-reported daily creatine intake. Conclusions: In conclusion, our results suggest that in elderly women with overweight that dietary intake of creatine may influence cognitive ability. Clinical Implications: Our findings support the idea that intake of dietary creatine may be an important factor for cognition in older adults.

Creatine supplementation for older adults: Focus on sarcopenia, osteoporosis, frailty and Cachexia

Sarcopenia refers to the age-related reduction in strength, muscle mass and functionality which increases the risk for falls, injuries and fractures. Sarcopenia is associated with other age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, frailty and cachexia. Identifying treatments to overcome sarcopenia and associated conditions is important from a global health perspective. There is evidence that creatine monohydrate supplementation, primarily when combined with resistance training, has favorable effects on indices of aging muscle and bone. These musculoskeletal benefits provide some rationale for creatine being a potential intervention for treating frailty and cachexia. The purposes of this narrative review are to update the collective body of research pertaining to the effects of creatine supplementation on indices of aging muscle and bone (including bone turnover markers) and present possible justification and rationale for its utilization in the treatment of frailty and cachexia in older adults.

Exercise and Creatine Supplementation to Augment the Adaptation of Exercise Training Among Breast Cancer Survivors Completing Chemotherapy: Protocol for an Open-label Randomized Controlled Trial (the THRIVE Study)

BACKGROUND

In breast cancer survivors, chemotherapy-induced muscle loss has been shown to be attenuated with structured resistance exercise. Creatine supplementation can increase bioenergetics in skeletal muscle, which helps to improve overall strength and endurance and reduce muscular fatigue. Therefore, we hypothesize that adding creatinine supplementation to exercise training will accelerate improvements in strength, endurance, and bioenergetics in breast cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective is to determine the effects of combining creatine supplementation with exercise on modulating strength and physical function in breast cancer survivors by comparing these effects to those of exercise alone. The secondary objectives are to determine if creatine supplementation and exercise can increase the intramuscular storage of creatine and improve body composition by comparing this intervention to exercise alone.

METHODS

We aim to test our hypothesis by conducting an open-label randomized controlled trial of 30 breast cancer survivors who have completed chemotherapy within 6 months of enrollment. Eligible participants will be equally randomized (1:1) to either a creatine and exercise group or an exercise-only group for this 12-week intervention. Individuals who are randomized to receive creatine will be initially dosed at 20 g per day for 7 days to boost the availability of creatine systemically. Thereafter, the dose will be reduced to 5 g per day for maintenance throughout the duration of the 12-week protocol. All participants will engage in 3 center-based exercise sessions, which will involve completing 3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions on chest press, leg press, seated row, shoulder press, leg extension, and leg curl machines. The primary outcomes will include changes in strength, body composition, and physical function in breast cancer survivors. The secondary outcomes will be intramuscular concentrations of creatine and adenosine triphosphate in the vastus lateralis, midthigh cross-sectional area, and quality of life.

RESULTS

As of October 2021, a total of 9 patients have been enrolled into the study. No unexpected adverse events have been reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Creatine is being studied as a potential agent for improving strength, endurance, and bioenergetics in breast cancer survivors following chemotherapy. The findings from our trial may have future implications for supporting breast cancer survivors in reversing the muscle loss experienced during chemotherapy and improving their physical function and quality of life.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04207359; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04207359.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/26827.

Renal, hepatic and muscle effects of creatine supplementation in an older adults experimental model

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Creatine is a dietary supplement with potential capacity to stimulate the phosphocreatine pathway and protein synthesis, through the stimulation of the PI3-K/AKT and mTOR cascade, its use in populations with reduced muscle preservation capacity (such as the older adults) can be an interesting and low-cost alternative. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the morphological, stereological and morphometric effects of the use of creatine monohydrate for 8 weeks on the renal, hepatic and muscular tissues of 26-month-old Wistar rats.

METHODS

Twelve Wistar rats were divided into two groups of six animals each. Group 1 was not supplemented with creatine and received a standard diet consisting of water and chow. Group 2 received the same diet, but was supplemented with creatine monohydrate at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg of body weight diluted in 200 ml of drinking water for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

Supplementation reduced muscle mass loss as indicated by the perimeter of the perimysium (group 1: 114.6 μm; group 2: 65.2 μm) and endomysium (group 1: 41,239.3 μm; group 2: 12,437.6 μm) compared to the non-supplemented group. In addition, a larger cross-sectional area was observed in group 2. No significant kidney or liver damage was observed in the supplemented group.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of creatine is considered safe in the animal model used, as this amine does not cause glomerular reductions or hepatic degeneration.

Role of Creatine Supplementation in Conditions Involving Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Narrative Review

Creatine monohydrate (CrM) is one of the most widely used nutritional supplements among active individuals and athletes to improve high-intensity exercise performance and training adaptations. However, research suggests that CrM supplementation may also serve as a therapeutic tool in the management of some chronic and traumatic diseases. Creatine supplementation has been reported to improve high-energy phosphate availability as well as have antioxidative, neuroprotective, anti-lactatic, and calcium-homoeostatic effects. These characteristics may have a direct impact on mitochondrion's survival and health particularly during stressful conditions such as ischemia and injury. This narrative review discusses current scientific evidence for use or supplemental CrM as a therapeutic agent during conditions associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Based on this analysis, it appears that CrM supplementation may have a role in improving cellular bioenergetics in several mitochondrial dysfunction-related diseases, ischemic conditions, and injury pathology and thereby could provide therapeutic benefit in the management of these conditions. However, larger clinical trials are needed to explore these potential therapeutic applications before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

MFGM components promote gut Bifidobacterium growth in infant and in vitro

PURPOSE

Infant gut microbiota which plays an important role in long-term health is mainly shaped by early life nutrition. However, the effect of nutrients on infants gut microbiota is less researched. Here, we present a study aiming to investigate in vitro a modified formula that is supplemented with milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) that were missing in common formulas when compared with human milk and to assess the impact of feeding scheme on microbiota and metabolism.

METHODS

A total of 44 infants including 16 from breast milk feeding, 13 from common formula feeding and 15 from modified formula feeding were analyzed, and A cross-sectional sampling of fecal and urine was done at 1 month-of-age. Stool microbiota composition was characterized using high-throughput DNA sequencing, and urinary metabolome was profiled by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). In vitro growth experiment of Bifidobacterium with key components from MFGM was performed and analyzed by both DNA and RNA.

RESULTS

Stool samples from the infants who were breastfed had a higher relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and a lower relative abundance of Escherichia than the formula-fed infants. The stool microbiome shifts were associated with urine metabolites changes. Three substances including lactadherin, sialic acid and phospholipid, key components of MFGM were significantly positively correlated to Bifidobacterium of stool samples from infants, and stimulated the growth rate of Bifidobacterium significantly by provided energy in vitro growth experiment with RNA analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the key components from MFGM could improve infants' health by modulating the gut microbiome, and possibly supporting the growth of Bifidobacterium.

REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02658500 (registered on January 20, 2016).

A Convergent Functional Genomics Analysis to Identify Biological Regulators Mediating Effects of Creatine Supplementation

Creatine (Cr) and phosphocreatine (PCr) are physiologically essential molecules for life, given they serve as rapid and localized support of energy- and mechanical-dependent processes. This evolutionary advantage is based on the action of creatine kinase (CK) isozymes that connect places of ATP synthesis with sites of ATP consumption (the CK/PCr system). Supplementation with creatine monohydrate (CrM) can enhance this system, resulting in well-known ergogenic effects and potential health or therapeutic benefits. In spite of our vast knowledge about these molecules, no integrative analysis of molecular mechanisms under a systems biology approach has been performed to date; thus, we aimed to perform for the first time a convergent functional genomics analysis to identify biological regulators mediating the effects of Cr supplementation in health and disease. A total of 35 differentially expressed genes were analyzed. We identified top-ranked pathways and biological processes mediating the effects of Cr supplementation. The impact of CrM on miRNAs merits more research. We also cautiously suggest two dose-response functional pathways (kinase- and ubiquitin-driven) for the regulation of the Cr uptake. Our functional enrichment analysis, the knowledge-based pathway reconstruction, and the identification of hub nodes provide meaningful information for future studies. This work contributes to a better understanding of the well-reported benefits of Cr in sports and its potential in health and disease conditions, although further clinical research is needed to validate the proposed mechanisms.

Effects of guanidinoacetic acid supplementation on nitrogen retention and methionine flux in cattle

Creatine stores high-energy phosphate bonds in muscle and is synthesized in the liver through methylation of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA). Supplementation of GAA may therefore increase methyl group requirements, and this may affect methyl group utilization. Our experiment evaluated the metabolic responses of growing cattle to postruminal supplementation of GAA, in a model where methionine (Met) was deficient, with and without Met supplementation. Seven ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (161 kg initial body weight [BW]) were limit-fed a soybean hull-based diet (2.7 kg/d dry matter) and received continuous abomasal infusions of an essential amino acid (AA) mixture devoid of Met to ensure that no AA besides Met limited animal performance. To provide energy without increasing the microbial protein supply, all steers received ruminal infusions of 200 g/d acetic acid, 200 g/d propionic acid, and 50 g/d butyric acid, as well as abomasal infusions of 300 g/d glucose. Treatments, provided abomasally, were arranged as a 2 × 3 factorial in a split-plot design, and included 0 or 6 g/d of l-Met and 0, 7.5, and 15 g/d of GAA. The experiment included six 10-d periods. Whole body Met flux was measured using continuous jugular infusion of 1-13C-l-Met and methyl-2H3-l-Met. Nitrogen retention was elevated by Met supplementation (P < 0.01). Supplementation with GAA tended to increase N retention when it was supplemented along with Met, but not when it was supplemented without Met. Supplementing GAA linearly increased plasma concentrations of GAA and creatine (P < 0.001), but treatments did not affect urinary excretion of GAA, creatine, or creatinine. Supplementation with Met decreased plasma homocysteine (P < 0.01). Supplementation of GAA tended (P = 0.10) to increase plasma homocysteine when no Met was supplemented, but not when 6 g/d Met was provided. Protein synthesis and protein degradation were both increased by GAA supplementation when no Met was supplemented, but decreased by GAA supplementation when 6 g/d Met were provided. Loss of Met through transsulfuration was increased by Met supplementation, whereas synthesis of Met from remethylation of homocysteine was decreased by Met supplementation. No differences in transmethylation, transsulfuration, or remethylation reactions were observed in response to GAA supplementation. The administration of GAA, when methyl groups are not limiting, has the potential to improve lean tissue deposition and cattle growth.

Circulating amino acids and amino acid-related metabolites and risk of breast cancer among predominantly premenopausal women

Known modifiable risk factors account for a small fraction of premenopausal breast cancers. We investigated associations between pre-diagnostic circulating amino acid and amino acid-related metabolites (N = 207) and risk of breast cancer among predominantly premenopausal women of the Nurses' Health Study II using conditional logistic regression (1057 cases, 1057 controls) and multivariable analyses evaluating all metabolites jointly. Eleven metabolites were associated with breast cancer risk (q-value < 0.2). Seven metabolites remained associated after adjustment for established risk factors (p-value < 0.05) and were selected by at least one multivariable modeling approach: higher levels of 2-aminohippuric acid, kynurenic acid, piperine (all three with q-value < 0.2), DMGV and phenylacetylglutamine were associated with lower breast cancer risk (e.g., piperine: ORadjusted (95%CI) = 0.84 (0.77-0.92)) while higher levels of creatine and C40:7 phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) plasmalogen were associated with increased breast cancer risk (e.g., C40:7 PE plasmalogen: ORadjusted (95%CI) = 1.11 (1.01-1.22)). Five amino acids and amino acid-related metabolites (2-aminohippuric acid, DMGV, kynurenic acid, phenylacetylglutamine, and piperine) were inversely associated, while one amino acid and a phospholipid (creatine and C40:7 PE plasmalogen) were positively associated with breast cancer risk among predominately premenopausal women, independent of established breast cancer risk factors.

Creatine in T Cell Antitumor Immunity and Cancer Immunotherapy

Creatine is a broadly used dietary supplement that has been extensively studied for its benefit on the musculoskeletal system. Yet, there is limited knowledge regarding the metabolic regulation of creatine in cells beyond the muscle. New insights concerning various regulatory functions for creatine in other physiological systems are developing. Here, we highlight the latest advances in understanding creatine regulation of T cell antitumor immunity, a topic that has previously gained little attention in the creatine research field. Creatine has been identified as an important metabolic regulator conserving bioenergy to power CD8 T cell antitumor reactivity in a tumor microenvironment; creatine supplementation has been shown to enhance antitumor T cell immunity in multiple preclinical mouse tumor models and, importantly, to synergize with other cancer immunotherapy modalities, such as the PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy, to improve antitumor efficacy. The potential application of creatine supplementation for cancer immunotherapy and the relevant considerations are discussed.

Creatine Levels in Patients with Phenylketonuria and Mild Hyperphenylalaninemia: A Pilot Study

Background: Creatine (Cr) levels are strongly dependent on diets, including animal-derived proteins. Cr is an important metabolite as it represents a source of stored energy to support physical performance and potentially sustain positive effects such as improving memory or intelligence. This study was planned to assess Cr levels in PKU children adhering to a diet low in phenylalanine (Phe) content and compared with those of children with mild hyperphenylalaninemia (MHP) on a free diet. Methods: This retrospective pilot study analyzed Cr levels from Guthrie cards in 25 PKU and 35 MHP subjects. Anthropomorphic and nutritional data of the study populations were assessed, compared and correlated. Results: Cr levels of PKU subjects were significantly lower than those of MHP subjects and correlated to the low intake of animal proteins. Although no deficiencies in PKU subjects were identified, PKU subjects were found to have a 26-fold higher risk of displaying Cr levels <25° percentile than MHP counterparts. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that Cr levels might be concerningly low in PKU children adhering to a low-Phe diet. Confirmatory studies are needed in PKU patients of different age groups to assess Cr levels and the potential benefits on physical and intellectual performance of Cr supplementation.

Analyses of peripheral blood dendritic cells and magnetic resonance spectroscopy support dysfunctional neuro-immune crosstalk in Tourette syndrome

BACKGROUND

Evidence supports that neurodevelopmental diseases, such as Tourette syndrome (TS), may involve dysfunctional neural-immune crosstalk. This could lead to altered brain maturation and differences in immune and stress responses. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a major role in immunity as professional antigen-presenting cells; changes in their frequency have been observed in several autoimmune conditions.

METHODS

In 18 TS patients (15 on stable pharmacological treatment, three unmedicated) and 18 age-matched healthy volunteers (HVs), we explored circulating blood-derived DCs and their relationship with clinical variables and brain metabolites, measured via proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). DC subsets, including plasmacytoid and myeloid type 1 and 2 dendritic cells (MDC1, MDC2), were studied with flow cytometry. 1H-MRS was used to measure total choline, glutamate plus glutamine, total creatine (tCr), and total N-acetylaspartate and N-acetylaspartyl-glutamate levels in frontal white matter (FWM) and the putamen.

RESULTS

We did not observe differences in absolute concentrations of DC subsets or brain inflammatory metabolites between patients and HVs. However, TS patients manifesting anxiety showed a significant increase in MDC1s compared to TS patients without anxiety (p = 0.01). We also found a strong negative correlation between MDC1 frequency and tCr in the FWM of patients with TS (p = 0.0015), but not of HVs.

CONCLUSION

Elevated frequencies of the MDC1 subset in TS patients manifesting anxiety may reflect a proinflammatory status, potentially facilitating altered neuro-immune crosstalk. Furthermore, the strong inverse correlation between brain tCr levels and MDC1 subset frequency in TS patients suggests a potential association between proinflammatory status and metabolic changes in sensitive brain regions.

Neuroinflammatory Response to TNFα and IL1β Cytokines Is Accompanied by an Increase in Glycolysis in Human Astrocytes In Vitro

Astrogliosis has been abundantly studied in rodents but relatively poorly in human cells due to limited access to the brain. Astrocytes play important roles in cerebral energy metabolism, and are also key players in neuroinflammation. Astroglial metabolic and inflammatory changes as a function of age have been reported, leading to the hypothesis that mitochondrial metabolism and inflammatory responses are interconnected in supporting a functional switch of astrocytes from neurotrophic to neurotoxic. This study aimed to explore the metabolic changes occurring in astrocytes during their activation. Astrocytes were derived from human ReN cell neural progenitors and characterized. They were activated by exposure to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) or interleukin 1β (IL1β) for 24 h. Astrocyte reaction and associated energy metabolic changes were assessed by immunostaining, gene expression, proteomics, metabolomics and extracellular flux analyses. ReN-derived astrocytes reactivity was observed by the modifications of genes and proteins linked to inflammation (cytokines, nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB), signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs)) and immune pathways (major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I). Increased NFκB1, NFκB2 and STAT1 expression, together with decreased STAT3 expression, suggest an activation towards the detrimental pathway. Strong modifications of astrocyte cytoskeleton were observed, including a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) decrease. Astrogliosis was accompanied by changes in energy metabolism characterized by increased glycolysis and lactate release. Increased glycolysis is reported for the first time during human astrocyte activation. Astrocyte activation is strongly tied to energy metabolism, and a possible association between NFκB signaling and/or MHC class I pathway and glycolysis is suggested.

Current Evidence and Possible Future Applications of Creatine Supplementation for Older Adults

Sarcopenia, defined as age-related reduction in muscle mass, strength, and physical performance, is associated with other age-related health conditions such as osteoporosis, osteosarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, physical frailty, and cachexia. From a healthy aging perspective, lifestyle interventions that may help overcome characteristics and associated comorbidities of sarcopenia are clinically important. One possible intervention is creatine supplementation (CR). Accumulating research over the past few decades shows that CR, primarily when combined with resistance training (RT), has favourable effects on aging muscle, bone and fat mass, muscle and bone strength, and tasks of physical performance in healthy older adults. However, research is very limited regarding the efficacy of CR in older adults with sarcopenia or osteoporosis and no research exists in older adults with osteosarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, physical frailty, or cachexia. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review is (1) to evaluate and summarize current research involving CR, with and without RT, on properties of muscle and bone in older adults and (2) to provide a rationale and justification for future research involving CR in older adults with osteosarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, physical frailty, or cachexia.

Creatine Supplementation in Children and Adolescents

Creatine is a popular ergogenic aid among athletic populations with consistent evidence indicating that creatine supplementation also continues to be commonly used among adolescent populations. In addition, the evidence base supporting the therapeutic benefits of creatine supplementation for a plethora of clinical applications in both adults and children continues to grow. Among pediatric populations, a strong rationale exists for creatine to afford therapeutic benefits pertaining to multiple neuromuscular and metabolic disorders, with preliminary evidence for other subsets of clinical populations as well. Despite the strong evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of creatine supplementation among adult populations, less is known as to whether similar physiological benefits extend to children and adolescent populations, and in particular those adolescent populations who are regularly participating in high-intensity exercise training. While limited in scope, studies involving creatine supplementation and exercise performance in adolescent athletes generally report improvements in several ergogenic outcomes with limited evidence of ergolytic properties and consistent reports indicating no adverse events associated with supplementation. The purpose of this article is to summarize the rationale, prevalence of use, performance benefits, clinical applications, and safety of creatine use in children and adolescents.

Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?

Supplementing with creatine is very popular amongst athletes and exercising individuals for improving muscle mass, performance and recovery. Accumulating evidence also suggests that creatine supplementation produces a variety of beneficial effects in older and patient populations. Furthermore, evidence-based research shows that creatine supplementation is relatively well tolerated, especially at recommended dosages (i.e. 3-5 g/day or 0.1 g/kg of body mass/day). Although there are over 500 peer-refereed publications involving creatine supplementation, it is somewhat surprising that questions regarding the efficacy and safety of creatine still remain. These include, but are not limited to: 1. Does creatine lead to water retention? 2. Is creatine an anabolic steroid? 3. Does creatine cause kidney damage/renal dysfunction? 4. Does creatine cause hair loss / baldness? 5. Does creatine lead to dehydration and muscle cramping? 6. Is creatine harmful for children and adolescents? 7. Does creatine increase fat mass? 8. Is a creatine 'loading-phase' required? 9. Is creatine beneficial for older adults? 10. Is creatine only useful for resistance / power type activities? 11. Is creatine only effective for males? 12. Are other forms of creatine similar or superior to monohydrate and is creatine stable in solutions/beverages? To answer these questions, an internationally renowned team of research experts was formed to perform an evidence-based scientific evaluation of the literature regarding creatine supplementation.

Diagnostic and Pharmacological Potency of Creatine in Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome

Post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) is a widespread chronic neurological disease with no definite etiological factor(s), no actual diagnostic test, and no approved pharmacological treatment, therapy, or cure. Among other features, PVFS could be accompanied by various irregularities in creatine metabolism, perturbing either tissue levels of creatine in the brain, the rates of phosphocreatine resynthesis in the skeletal muscle, or the concentrations of the enzyme creatine kinase in the blood. Furthermore, supplemental creatine and related guanidino compounds appear to impact both patient- and clinician-reported outcomes in syndromes and maladies with chronic fatigue. This paper critically overviews the most common disturbances in creatine metabolism in various PVFS populations, summarizes human trials on dietary creatine and creatine analogs in the syndrome, and discusses new frontiers and open questions for using creatine in a post-COVID-19 world.

Creatine in Health and Disease

Although creatine has been mostly studied as an ergogenic aid for exercise, training, and sport, several health and potential therapeutic benefits have been reported. This is because creatine plays a critical role in cellular metabolism, particularly during metabolically stressed states, and limitations in the ability to transport and/or store creatine can impair metabolism. Moreover, increasing availability of creatine in tissue may enhance cellular metabolism and thereby lessen the severity of injury and/or disease conditions, particularly when oxygen availability is compromised. This systematic review assesses the peer-reviewed scientific and medical evidence related to creatine's role in promoting general health as we age and how creatine supplementation has been used as a nutritional strategy to help individuals recover from injury and/or manage chronic disease. Additionally, it provides reasonable conclusions about the role of creatine on health and disease based on current scientific evidence. Based on this analysis, it can be concluded that creatine supplementation has several health and therapeutic benefits throughout the lifespan.

Predictive Value of Estimated Lean Body Mass for Neurological Outcomes after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Background: Postcardiac arrest patients with a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) are critically ill, and high body mass index (BMI) is ascertained to be associated with good prognosis in patients with a critically ill condition. However, the exact mechanism has been unknown. To assess the effectiveness of skeletal muscles in reducing neuronal injury after the initial damage owing to cardiac arrest, we investigated the relationship between estimated lean body mass (LBM) and the prognosis of postcardiac arrest patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with ROSC after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from January 2015 to March 2020. The enrolled patients were allocated into good- and poor-outcome groups (cerebral performance category (CPC) scores 1–2 and 3–5, respectively). Estimated LBM was categorized into quartiles. Multivariate regression models were used to evaluate the association between LBM and a good CPC score. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was assessed. Results: In total, 155 patients were analyzed (CPC score 1–2 vs. 3–5, n = 70 vs. n = 85). Patients’ age, first monitored rhythm, no-flow time, presumed cause of arrest, BMI, and LBM were different (p < 0.05). Fourth-quartile LBM (≥48.98 kg) was associated with good neurological outcome of postcardiac arrest patients (odds ratio = 4.81, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10–25.55, p = 0.04). Initial high LBM was also a predictor of good neurological outcomes (AUROC of multivariate regression model including LBM: 0.918). Conclusions: Initial LBM above 48.98kg is a feasible prognostic factor for good neurological outcomes in postcardiac arrest patients.

Enteral Bioactive Factor Supplementation in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review

Feeding preterm infants with mother’s own milk is associated with a reduction in postnatal complications and an improved neurocognitive outcome. Therefore, the bioactive factor composition of human milk has been used as a tool for the development of nutritional supplements with a potential prophylactic or therapeutic effect. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview on bioactive factors which have been studied as supplement to enteral nutrition in randomized controlled trials, and to provide an overview of ongoing trials. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and clinical trial registers were searched. Studies on the antimicrobial protein lactoferrin were excluded as these were summarized very recently in three separate systematic reviews. Studies on vitamins D, K and iron were also excluded as they are already incorporated in most international guidelines. We identified 17 different bioactive factors, which were investigated in 26 studies. Despite the encouraging potential effects of several bioactive factors, more high-quality studies with a sufficient number of preterm infants are required before a certain factor may be implemented into clinical practice. Three large trials (n > 500) that investigate the effects of either enteral insulin or vitamin A are currently ongoing and could provide more definite answers on these specific supplements.

Creatine metabolism: energy homeostasis, immunity and cancer biology

Perturbations in metabolic processes are associated with diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, certain infections and some cancers. A resurgence of interest in creatine biology is developing, with new insights into a diverse set of regulatory functions for creatine. This resurgence is primarily driven by technological advances in genetic engineering and metabolism as well as by the realization that this metabolite has key roles in cells beyond the muscle and brain. Herein, we highlight the latest advances in creatine biology in tissues and cell types that have historically received little attention in the field. In adipose tissue, creatine controls thermogenic respiration and loss of this metabolite impairs whole-body energy expenditure, leading to obesity. We also cover the various roles that creatine metabolism has in cancer cell survival and the function of the immune system. Renewed interest in this area has begun to showcase the therapeutic potential that lies in understanding how changes in creatine metabolism lead to metabolic disease.

Creatine supplementation does not promote additional effects on inflammation and insulin resistance in older adults: A pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

A chronic, low-grade inflammation is commonly present in older adults and has been associated with the onset of age-related chronic diseases. Resistance training (RT) and creatine (CR) supplementation emerged as promising strategies to reduce circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CR supplementation combined with RT on markers of inflammation and insulin resistance in community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

In a pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, participants were allocated to one of the following groups: 1) Creatine supplementation and resistance training (CR + RT, n = 13); 2) Placebo and resistance training (PL + RT, n = 14). While engaged in a 12-week RT program, participants from CR + RT group received 5 g/day of CR monohydrate and participants from PL + RT group received the same dose of maltodextrin. At baseline and at week 12, blood samples were collected for glucose, insulin, adiponectin, leptin, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 and C-reactive protein analysis.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks of intervention, there were no differences between groups in any of the variables analyzed. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was reduced in both groups (CR + RT: -55.66 ± 48.93 pg/mL, p < 0.01, dz = 1.13; PL + RT: -46.52 ± 55.21 pg/mL, p < 0.01, dz = 0.84).

CONCLUSION

Resistance training, regardless of CR supplementation, decreased MCP-1 concentration in older adults.

The effect of short-term creatine intake on blood lactic acid and muscle fatigue measured by accelerometer-based tremor response to acute resistance exercise

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short-term creatine intake on muscle fatigue induced by resistance exercise in healthy adolescent men, i.e., lactic acid concentration and wrist and head tremor measured by an accelerometer.

METHODS

Twelve healthy adolescent men who had no experience with creatine intake were included. The subjects were randomly assigned to the creatine group and the placebo group, followed by 5 days of creatine and placebo intake, and 5 times of 5 sets of leg press, leg extension, bench press, and arm curl exercises at 70% repetition maximum (RM). The lactic acid concentration before and after exercising, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and accelerometer-based wrist tremor and head tremor during exercise were measured. Subsequently, after 7 days to allow for creatine washout, the same exercise treatment and measurement were performed in each group after switching drug and placebo between the groups.

RESULTS

The level of lactic acid before and after the acute resistance exercise trial was significantly lower in the creatine group than in the placebo group (P <0.05). The mean RPE during the resistance exercise was significantly lower in the creatine group than in the placebo group (P <0.05). There was no difference between the two groups in the mean wrist tremor during resistance exercise, but the mean head tremor values were significantly lower in the creatine group than in the placebo group in the arm curl, the last event of the exercise trials (P <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Short-term creatine intake reduces the blood fatigue factor increased by resistance exercise, and is thought to suppress fatigue, especially in the latter half of resistance exercise. Therefore, these findings indicate that short-term creatine intake can have an improved effect on anaerobic exercise performance.

NMR assignment of the in vivo daphnia magna metabolome

Daphnia (freshwater fleas) are among the most widely used organisms in regulatory aquatic toxicology/ecology, while their recent listing as an NIH model organism is stimulating research for understanding human diseases and processes.

Metabolomic Profiles of Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells Stimulated by Lipopolysaccharide

Bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs) are the main cells of the dairy cow mammary gland. In addition to their role in milk production, they are effector cells of mammary immunity. However, there is little information about changes in metabolites of bMECs when stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This study describes a metabolomics analysis of the LPS-stimulated bMECs to provide a basis for the identification of potential diagnostic screening biomarkers and possible treatments for bovine mammary gland inflammation. In the present study, bMECs were challenged with 500 ng/mL LPS and samples were taken at 0 h, 12 h and 24 h post stimulation. Metabolic changes were investigated using high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF MS) with univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. Clustering and metabolic pathway changes were established by MetaboAnalyst. Sixty-three differential metabolites were identified, including glycerophosphocholine, glycerol-3-phosphate, L-carnitine, L-aspartate, glutathione, prostaglandin G2, α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. They were mainly involved in eight pathways, including D-glutamine and D-glutamic acid metabolism; linoleic acid metabolism; α-linolenic metabolism; and phospholipid metabolism. The results suggest that bMECs are able to regulate pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidation and energy-producing related metabolites through lipid, antioxidation and energy metabolism in response to inflammatory stimuli.

Enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis is associated with the ameliorative action of creatine supplementation in rat soleus and cardiac muscles

The current study focused on the effect of creatine supplementation with/without exercise on the expression of genes controlling mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal and cardiac muscles, as well as its safety profile on the liver and kidney. A total of 40 male Wister rats were included in the present study. Two unexercised groups: The control sedentary group and the sedentary creatine-treated group (n=10) were treated daily with oral creatine (0.5 g/kg per day). Two exercised groups performed swimming exercise training 5 days/week for a period of 5 weeks; The Exercise training group, and exercise training and creatine (0.5 g/kg per day) treated group. After sacrifice, blood samples, cardiac and soleus muscles were collected for assessment of mtDNA copy number, gene expression analysis and nuclear extraction for the assay of PGC-1α. The results of the current study demonstrated that, physical activity with short-term creatine supplementation increased all factors of mitochondrial biogenesis, an effect that is devoid of any kidney or liver adverse effects. Further studies are still required to explore the potential of creatine supplementation in ameliorating mitochondrial diseases, including epilepsy, skeletal and cardiac myopathies, hepatopathies and nephropathies.

Creatine uptake regulates CD8 T cell antitumor immunity

Di Biase et al. show for the first time that creatine acts as a “molecular battery” conserving bioenergy to power CD8 T cell activities; that creatine uptake is critical in supporting antitumor T cell immunity; and that creatine supplementation holds promise for improving cancer immunotherapy.

T cells demand massive energy to combat cancer; however, the metabolic regulators controlling antitumor T cell immunity have just begun to be unveiled. When studying nutrient usage of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in mice, we detected a sharp increase of the expression of a CrT (Slc6a8) gene, which encodes a surface transporter controlling the uptake of creatine into a cell. Using CrT knockout mice, we showed that creatine uptake deficiency severely impaired antitumor T cell immunity. Supplementing creatine to WT mice significantly suppressed tumor growth in multiple mouse tumor models, and the combination of creatine supplementation with a PD-1/PD-L1 blockade treatment showed synergistic tumor suppression efficacy. We further demonstrated that creatine acts as a “molecular battery” conserving bioenergy to power T cell activities. Therefore, our results have identified creatine as an important metabolic regulator controlling antitumor T cell immunity, underscoring the potential of creatine supplementation to improve T cell–based cancer immunotherapies.

Cross-talk between guanidinoacetate neurotoxicity, memory and possible neuroprotective role of creatine

Guanidinoacetate Methyltransferase deficiency is an inborn error of metabolism that results in decreased creatine and increased guanidinoacetate (GAA) levels. Patients present neurological symptoms whose mechanisms are unclear. We investigated the effects of an intrastriatal administration of 10 μM of GAA (0.02 nmol/striatum) on energy metabolism, redox state, inflammation, glutamate homeostasis, and activities/immunocontents of acetylcholinesterase and Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase, as well as on memory acquisition. The neuroprotective role of creatine was also investigated. Male Wistar rats were pretreated with creatine (50 mg/kg) or saline for 7 days underwenting stereotactic surgery. Forty-eight hours after surgery, the animals (then sixty-days-old) were divided into groups: Control, GAA, GAA + Creatine, and Creatine. Experiments were performed 30 min after intrastriatal infusion. GAA decreased SDH, complexes II and IV activities, and ATP levels, but had no effect on mitochondrial mass/membrane potential. Creatine totally prevented SDH and complex II, and partially prevented COX and ATP alterations. GAA increased dichlorofluorescein levels and decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Creatine only prevented catalase and dichlorofluorescein alterations. GAA increased cytokines, nitrites levels and acetylcholinesterase activity, but not its immunocontent. Creatine prevented such effects, except nitrite levels. GAA decreased glutamate uptake, but had no effect on the immunocontent of its transporters. GAA decreased Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity and increased the immunocontent of its α3 subunit. The performance on the novel object recognition task was also impaired. Creatine partially prevented the changes in glutamate uptake and Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity, and completely prevented the memory impairment. This study helps to elucidate the protective effects of creatine against the damage caused by GAA.

Nutritional properties of organic and conventional beef meat at retail

BACKGROUND

Consumers perceive that organic meat has superior nutritional properties compared to conventional meat, although the available evidence from commercial samples is very scarce. The present study compared the nutritional composition of organic and conventional beef meat sold at retail, including, for the first time, the bioactive compounds coenzyme Q₁₀ , carnosine, anserine, creatine and taurine. Sampling comprised two muscles: longissimus thoracis and supraspinatus.

RESULTS

Organic beef had 17% less cholesterol, 32% less fat, 16% less fatty acids, 24% less monounsaturated fatty acids, 170% more α-linolenic acid, 24% more α-tocopherol, 53% more β-carotene, 34% more coenzyme Q₁₀ and 72% more taurine than conventional beef. Differences between organic and conventional samples were clearly dependent on the muscle because longissimus thoracis and supraspinatus showed different patterns of compound accumulation.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, a higher amount of bioactive compounds in organic beef meat is reported for the first time in the present study. Retail organic beef had a higher nutritional value than retail conventional beef, which resulted from better-balanced lipid and bioactive compound contents. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Creatine as a Neuroprotector: an Actor that Can Play Many Parts

Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid that plays a central role as an energy buffer in high energy demanding systems, including the muscular and the central nervous system. It can be acquired from diet or synthesized endogenously, and its main destination is the system creatine/phosphocreatine that strengthens cellular energetics via a temporal and spatial energy buffer that can restore cellular ATP without a reliance on oxygen. This compound has been proposed to possess secondary roles, such as direct and indirect antioxidant, immunomodulatory agent, and possible neuromodulator. However, these effects may be associated with its bioenergetic role in the mitochondria. Given the fundamental roles that creatine plays in the CNS, several preclinical and clinical studies have tested the potential that creatine has to treat degenerative disorders. However, although in vitro and in vivo animal models are highly encouraging, most clinical trials fail to reproduce positive results suggesting that the prophylactic use for neuroprotection in at-risk populations or patients is the most promising field. Nonetheless, the only clearly positive data of the creatine supplementation in human beings are related to the (rare) creatine deficiency syndromes. It seems critical that future studies must establish the best dosage regime to increase brain creatine in a way that can relate to animal studies, provide new ways for creatine to reach the brain, and seek larger experimental groups with biomarkers for prediction of efficacy.

The potential therapeutic effects of creatine supplementation on body composition and muscle function in cancer

Low muscle mass in individuals with cancer has a profound impact on quality of life and independence and is associated with greater treatment toxicity and poorer prognosis. Exercise interventions are regularly being investigated as a means to ameliorate treatment-related adverse effects, and nutritional/supplementation strategies to augment adaptations to exercise are highly valuable. Creatine (Cr) is a naturally-occurring substance in the human body that plays a critical role in energy provision during muscle contraction. Given the beneficial effects of Cr supplementation on lean body mass, strength, and physical function in a variety of clinical populations, there is therapeutic potential in individuals with cancer at heightened risk for muscle loss. Here, we provide an overview of Cr physiology, summarize the evidence on the use of Cr supplementation in various aging/clinical populations, explore mechanisms of action, and provide perspectives on the potential therapeutic role of Cr in the exercise oncology setting.

Subchronic administration of creatine produces antidepressant-like effect by modulating hippocampal signaling pathway mediated by FNDC5/BDNF/Akt in mice

Creatine has been shown to play a significant role in the pathophysiology and treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in preclinical and clinical studies. However, the biological mechanisms underlying its antidepressant effect is still not fully elucidated. This study investigated the effect of creatine (p.o.) administered for 21 days in the behavior of mice submitted to tail suspension test (TST), a predictive test of antidepressant activity. Creatine reduced the immobility time in the TST (1-10 mg/kg), without affecting locomotor activity, a finding consistent with an antidepressant profile. Creatine administration increased the ubiquitous creatine kinase (uCK) and creatine kinase brain isoform (CK-B) mRNA in the hippocampus of mice. Taking into account that PGC-1α induces FNDC5/irisin expression mediating BDNF-dependent neuroplasticity, the effect of creatine administration (1 mg/kg, p. o.) on the hippocampal PGC-1α, FNDC5 and BDNF gene expression was investigated. Creatine treatment increased PGC-1α, FNDC5 and BDNF mRNA in the hippocampus as well as BDNF immunocontent. The involvement of BDNF downstream intracellular signaling pathway mediated by Akt, proapoptotic proteins BAX and BAD and antiapoptotic proteins Bcl2 and Bcl-xL was also investigated following creatine treatment. Creatine increased Akt phosphorylation (Ser 473), and Bcl2 mRNA and protein levels, and Bcl-xL mRNA, whereas BAD mRNA was decreased following creatine administration in the hippocampus. Altogether these results indicate that creatine antidepressant-like effect may be dependent on Akt activation and increased expression of the neuroprotective proteins in the hippocampus of mice. The obtained data reinforce the antidepressant property of creatine and highlight the role of these molecular targets in the pathophysiology of MDD.

Metabolomic Profiles Reveal Potential Factors that Correlate with Lactation Performance in Sow Milk

Sow milk contains necessary nutrients for piglets; however, the relationship between the levels of metabolites in sow milk and lactation performance has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. In this study, we analysed the metabolites in sow milk from Yorkshire sows with high lactation (HL) or low lactation (LL) performance; these categories were assigned based on the weight gain of piglets during the entire lactation period (D1 to D21). The concentration of milk fat in the colostrum tended to be higher in the HL group (P = 0.05), the level of mannitol was significantly lower in the HL group (P < 0.05) and the level of glucuronic acid lactone was significantly higher in the HL group (P < 0.05) compared to those in LL group. In mature milk, the levels of lactose, creatine, glutamine, glutamate, 4-hydroxyproline, alanine, asparagine, and glycine were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the HL group than those in LL group. The level of fatty acids showed no significant difference between the two groups in both the colostrum and mature milk. This study suggested that lactation performance may be associated with the levels of lactose and several amino acids in sow milk, and these results can be used to develop new feed additives to improve lactation performance in sows.

Serum creatine is not a reliable marker of muscular fitness in young adults

PURPOSE

Elevated serum creatine and higher handgrip strength are individually associated with better health profiles yet the link between two variables remains unknown. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated serum creatine levels in relation to handgrip strength in a cohort of 130 young healthy adults (61 women and 69 men; age 23.3 ± 2.6 years), while controlling for age, gender, fat-free mass and biomarkers of creatine metabolism as effect modifiers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum creatine, creatinine and guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) levels were measured with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy, while handgrip strength was assessed with a hydraulic hand dynamometer.

RESULTS

Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that our model as a whole explained 79.9% of the variance in handgrip strength (p < 0.001). However, the evaluation of the contribution of each independent variable revealed that gender and free-fat mass make significant contributions (45.4 and 31.8%, respectively) to our model (p < 0.05), while neither age (0.9%) nor serum creatine (4.5%) or any other lab markers made significant contributions to the model (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Having higher blood creatine appears to be unrelated with better physical performance in young healthy adults. Serum creatine was not a reliable marker of muscular fitness in this population.

International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine

Creatine is one of the most popular nutritional ergogenic aids for athletes. Studies have consistently shown that creatine supplementation increases intramuscular creatine concentrations which may help explain the observed improvements in high intensity exercise performance leading to greater training adaptations. In addition to athletic and exercise improvement, research has shown that creatine supplementation may enhance post-exercise recovery, injury prevention, thermoregulation, rehabilitation, and concussion and/or spinal cord neuroprotection. Additionally, a number of clinical applications of creatine supplementation have been studied involving neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's, Huntington's disease), diabetes, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, aging, brain and heart ischemia, adolescent depression, and pregnancy. These studies provide a large body of evidence that creatine can not only improve exercise performance, but can play a role in preventing and/or reducing the severity of injury, enhancing rehabilitation from injuries, and helping athletes tolerate heavy training loads. Additionally, researchers have identified a number of potentially beneficial clinical uses of creatine supplementation. These studies show that short and long-term supplementation (up to 30 g/day for 5 years) is safe and well-tolerated in healthy individuals and in a number of patient populations ranging from infants to the elderly. Moreover, significant health benefits may be provided by ensuring habitual low dietary creatine ingestion (e.g., 3 g/day) throughout the lifespan. The purpose of this review is to provide an update to the current literature regarding the role and safety of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine and to update the position stand of International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN).

Potential for use of creatine supplementation following mild traumatic brain injury

There is significant overlap between the neuropathology of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and the cellular role of creatine, as well as evidence of neural creatine alterations after mTBI. Creatine supplementation has not been researched in mTBI, but shows some potential as a neuroprotective when administered prior to or after TBI. Consistent with creatine’s cellular role, supplementation reduced neuronal damage, protected against the effects of cellular energy crisis and improved cognitive and somatic symptoms. A variety of factors influencing the efficacy of creatine supplementation are highlighted, as well as avenues for future research into the potential of supplementation as an intervention for mTBI. In particular, the slow neural uptake of creatine may mean that greater effects are achieved by pre-emptive supplementation in at-risk groups.