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The Effect of β-Alanine Supplementation on Performance, Cognitive Function and Resiliency in Soldiers. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15041039. [PMID: 36839397 PMCID: PMC9961614 DOI: 10.3390/nu15041039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
β-alanine is a nonessential amino acid that combines with the amino acid histidine to form the intracellular dipeptide carnosine, an important intracellular buffer. Evidence has been well established on the ability of β-alanine supplementation to enhance anaerobic skeletal muscle performance. As a result, β-alanine has become one of the more popular supplements used by competitive athletes. These same benefits have also been reported in soldiers. Evidence accumulated over the last few years has suggested that β-alanine can result in carnosine elevations in the brain, which appears to have broadened the potential effects that β-alanine supplementation may have on soldier performance and health. Evidence suggests that β-alanine supplementation can increase resilience to post-traumatic stress disorder, mild traumatic brain injury and heat stress. The evidence regarding cognitive function is inconclusive but may be more of a function of the stressor that is applied during the assessment period. The potential benefits of β-alanine supplementation on soldier resiliency are interesting but require additional research using a human model. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the physiological role of β-alanine and why this nutrient may enhance soldier performance.
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de Salazar L, Segarra I, López-Román FJ, Torregrosa-García A, Pérez-Piñero S, Ávila-Gandía V. Increased Bioavailability of β-Alanine by a Novel Controlled-Release Powder Blend Compared to a Slow-Release Tablet. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1517. [PMID: 34575593 PMCID: PMC8467909 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND β-Alanine is a sport supplement with increasing popularity due to its consistent ability to improve physical performance, with the downside of requiring several weeks of supplementation as imposed to the maximum daily and single dose tolerated without side effects (i.e., paresthesia). To date, the only alternative to overcome this problem has been use of a sustained-release tablet, while powders are the most commonly used format to deliver several grams of amino acids in a single dose. In this study we assessed the bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and paresthesia effect of β-alanine after administration in a novel controlled-released powder blend (test) versus a sustained-release tablet (reference). METHODS Twelve subjects (25.6 ± 3.2 y, 50% female) participated in a randomized, single-blind, crossover study. Each participant was administered orally the test (β-alanine 8 g, l-histidine 300 mg, carnosine 100 mg) or the reference product (10 tablets to reach β-alanine 8 g, Zinc 20 mg) with a 1-week washout period. β-Alanine plasma concentrations (0-8 h) were determined by LC-MS/MS and model-independent pharmacokinetic analysis was carried out. Paresthesia intensity was evaluated using a Visual Analog Score (VAS) and the categorical Intensity Sensory Score (ISS). RESULTS The CMAX and AUC0→∞ increased 1.6- and 2.1-fold (both p < 0.001) in the test product, respectively, which yielded 2.1-fold higher bioavailability; Ka decreased in the test (0.0199 ± 0.0107 min-1) versus the reference (0.0299 ± 0.0121 min-1) product (p = 0.0834) as well as V/F and Cl/F (both p < 0.001); MRT0→last increased in the test (143 ± 19 min) versus reference (128 ± 16 min) formulation (p = 0.0449); t1/2 remained similar (test: 63.5 ± 8.7 min, reference: 68.9 ± 9.8 min). Paresthesia EMAX increased 1.7-fold using the VAS (p = 0.086) and the ISS (p = 0.009). AUEC increased 1.9-fold with the VAS (p = 0.107) and the ISS (p = 0.019) reflecting scale intrinsic differences. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analysis showed a clockwise hysteresis loop without prediction ability between CMAX, AUC0→∞ and EMAX or AUEC. No side effects were reported (except paresthesia). CONCLUSIONS The novel controlled-release powder blend shows 100% higher bioavailability of β-alanine, opening a new paradigm that shifts from chronic to short or mid-term supplementation strategies to increase carnosine stores in sports nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia de Salazar
- Sports Physiology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, 30107 Guadalupe, Spain; (L.d.S.); (S.P.-P.); (V.Á.-G.)
| | - Ignacio Segarra
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, 30107 Guadalupe, Spain;
- Pharmacokinetics, Patient Care and Translational Bioethics Research Group, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, 30107 Guadalupe, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier López-Román
- Health Sciences Department, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, 30107 Guadalupe, Spain;
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Torregrosa-García
- Sports Physiology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, 30107 Guadalupe, Spain; (L.d.S.); (S.P.-P.); (V.Á.-G.)
- Health Sciences PhD Program, Campus de los Jerónimos N° 135, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, 30107 Guadalupe, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Pérez-Piñero
- Sports Physiology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, 30107 Guadalupe, Spain; (L.d.S.); (S.P.-P.); (V.Á.-G.)
| | - Vicente Ávila-Gandía
- Sports Physiology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, 30107 Guadalupe, Spain; (L.d.S.); (S.P.-P.); (V.Á.-G.)
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Effects of Acute Beta-Alanine Ingestion and Immersion-Plus-Exercise on Connectedness to Nature and Perceived Pain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18158134. [PMID: 34360425 PMCID: PMC8346088 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18158134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study examined the effect of induced painful sensation (via acute Beta Alanine (B-ALA) ingestion) on Love and Care of Nature (LCN), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) during outdoor exercise. Twenty participants volunteered on consecutive days to complete a 0.8 km (0.5 mi) up-hill hike after consuming either B-ALA (6.4 g) or placebo. Immediately after consumption participants answered LCN, RPE, and MPQ questionnaires, immersed in a natural environment for 45 min, and then completed a hike as quickly as possible without running. No difference in HR (p = 0.846), or RPE (p = 0.606) were observed between treatments. Total MPQ scores increased with consumption of B-ALA (p = 0.001). An increased LCN score was observed following exercise regardless of condition (p = 0.035). The results demonstrate that acute B-ALA supplementation is effective in increasing perceived pain sensations. The results also demonstrate an increase in LCN in the presence of increased perceptions of pain sensations during exercise.
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Pammi N, Bhukya KK, Lunavath RK, Bhukya B. Bioprospecting of Palmyra Palm ( Borassus flabellifer) Nectar: Unveiling the Probiotic and Therapeutic Potential of the Traditional Rural Drink. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:683996. [PMID: 34262545 PMCID: PMC8274697 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.683996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study investigates the therapeutic and probiotic attributes of traditional Toddy Palm Nectar (TPN). Glucose was found to be the highest with 4.37 mg/ml and arabinose was the least with 2.85 mg/ml. The average ethanol concentration of fresh TPN was found to be 0.3 mg/ml. The nutritional profile of TPN revealed 18 volatile fatty acids, the major one being hexadecenoic acid (M/Z 74). Amino acid profiling showed 26 amino acids, with OH-lysine-2 the highest (12.86%). About 120 morphologically distinct lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from 26 TPN samples, based on differential growth and in vitro probiotic characteristics. After 16S rRNA sequencing, four indigenous LAB strains were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum group OUBN1, Enterococcus faecium OUBN3, Pediococcus acidilactici OUBN4, and Pediococcus pentosaceous OUBN5 and their sequences were deposited to NCBI. Microbiological safety evaluation studies showed the absence of hemolytic, gelatinolytic and proteolytic activity. The bacterial isolate OUBN3 showed a maximum survival rate of 6.91 ± 0.04 log cfu/ml at acidic pH 2.5 and isolate OUBN5 showed 6.94 ± 0.02 log cfu/ml at pH 3.0. Similarly, the isolate OUBN5 showed 7.92 ± 0.03 log cfu/ml to 0.3% ox-bile after 4 h and 8.94 ± 0.03 log cfu/ml to simulated gastric juice after 3 h of treatments. OUBN1 expressed the highest autoaggregation (81.76 ± 1.25%), cell surface hydrophobicity (79.71 ± 3.42%), and displayed the maximum coaggregation with E. coli MTCC452 (76.96%), K. pneumoniae MTCC109 (75.62%), and S. aureus MTCC902 (70.69%). All strains showed significant antibiotic and antimicrobial activity. Isolate OUBN1 displayed hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (68.71 ± 1.0%) with an IC50 value of 75.62 μg/ml and the highest anti-cancer activity (percentage inhibition of 88.55) against HT-29 cells. Based on the characteristics observed, L. plantarum group OUBN1 and P. pentosaceous OUBN5 were found to be potential isolates to employ as probiotic microbiota in food and forage preparations. These findings reinforce the fact that LAB isolated from TPN could be exploited as an alternative means toward potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagamani Pammi
- Centre for Microbial and Fermentation Technology, Department of Microbiology, University College of Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
| | - Kiran Kumar Bhukya
- Centre for Microbial and Fermentation Technology, Department of Microbiology, University College of Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
| | - Ravi Kumar Lunavath
- Centre for Microbial and Fermentation Technology, Department of Microbiology, University College of Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
| | - Bhima Bhukya
- Centre for Microbial and Fermentation Technology, Department of Microbiology, University College of Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
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Wohlgemuth KJ, Arieta LR, Brewer GJ, Hoselton AL, Gould LM, Smith-Ryan AE. Sex differences and considerations for female specific nutritional strategies: a narrative review. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2021; 18:27. [PMID: 33794937 PMCID: PMC8015182 DOI: 10.1186/s12970-021-00422-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there is a plethora of information available regarding the impact of nutrition on exercise performance, many recommendations are based on male needs due to the dominance of male participation in the nutrition and exercise science literature. Female participation in sport and exercise is prevalent, making it vital for guidelines to address the sex-specific nutritional needs. Female hormonal levels, such as estrogen and progesterone, fluctuate throughout the mensural cycle and lifecycle requiring more attention for effective nutritional considerations. Sex-specific nutritional recommendations and guidelines for the active female and female athlete have been lacking to date and warrant further consideration. This review provides a practical overview of key physiological and nutritional considerations for the active female. Available literature regarding sex-specific nutrition and dietary supplement guidelines for women has been synthesized, offering evidenced-based practical information that can be incorporated into the daily lives of women to improve performance, body composition, and overall health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kealey J Wohlgemuth
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Luke R Arieta
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Gabrielle J Brewer
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Andrew L Hoselton
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Lacey M Gould
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Abbie E Smith-Ryan
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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Dolan E, Swinton PA, Painelli VDS, Stephens Hemingway B, Mazzolani B, Infante Smaira F, Saunders B, Artioli GG, Gualano B. A Systematic Risk Assessment and Meta-Analysis on the Use of Oral β-Alanine Supplementation. Adv Nutr 2019; 10:452-463. [PMID: 30980076 PMCID: PMC6520041 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmy115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
β-Alanine supplementation is one of the world's most commonly used sports supplements, and its use as a nutritional strategy in other populations is ever-increasing, due to evidence of pleiotropic ergogenic and therapeutic benefits. Despite its widespread use, there is only limited understanding of potential adverse effects. To address this, a systematic risk assessment and meta-analysis was undertaken. Four databases were searched using keywords and Medical Subject Headings. All human and animal studies that investigated an isolated, oral, β-alanine supplementation strategy were included. Data were extracted according to 5 main outcomes, including 1) side effects reported during longitudinal trials, 2) side effects reported during acute trials, 3) effect of supplementation on circulating health-related biomarkers, 4) effect of supplementation on skeletal muscle taurine and histidine concentration, and 5) outcomes from animal trials. Quality of evidence for outcomes was ascertained using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework, and all quantitative data were meta-analyzed using multilevel models grounded in Bayesian principles. In total, 101 human and 50 animal studies were included. Paraesthesia was the only reported side effect and had an estimated OR of 8.9 [95% credible interval (CrI): 2.2, 32.6] with supplementation relative to placebo. Participants in active treatment groups experienced similar dropout rates to those receiving the placebo treatment. β-Alanine supplementation caused a small increase in circulating alanine aminotransferase concentration (effect size, ES: 0.274, CrI: 0.04, 0.527), although mean data remained well within clinical reference ranges. Meta-analysis of human data showed no main effect of β-alanine supplementation on skeletal muscle taurine (ES: 0.156; 95% CrI: -0.38, 0.72) or histidine (ES: -0.15; 95% CrI: -0.64, 0.33) concentration. A main effect of β-alanine supplementation on taurine concentration was reported for murine models, but only when the daily dose was ≥3% β-alanine in drinking water. The results of this review indicate that β-alanine supplementation within the doses used in the available research designs, does not adversely affect those consuming it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear Dolan
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, Rheumatology Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paul A Swinton
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Vitor de Salles Painelli
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, Rheumatology Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Bruna Mazzolani
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, Rheumatology Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Infante Smaira
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, Rheumatology Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bryan Saunders
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, Rheumatology Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme G Artioli
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, Rheumatology Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Gualano
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, Rheumatology Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Kim KJ, Song HS, Yoon DH, Fukuda DH, Kim SH, Park DH. The effects of 10 weeks of β-alanine supplementation on peak power, power drop, and lactate response in Korean national team boxers. J Exerc Rehabil 2019; 14:985-992. [PMID: 30656159 PMCID: PMC6323321 DOI: 10.12965/jer.1836462.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the effects of β-alanine (BA) supplementation on peak power, power drop, and lactate response in elite male amateur boxers. Nineteen male Korean national team boxers were divided into groups with either BA (n=9) or placebo (PL, n=10) supplementation. BA consumed 4.9–5.4 g/day of BA with training for 10 weeks and PL took PL in a similar manner. Physical fitness and lactate changes in sparring were measured before and after the 10-week intervention. Significant interactions (P<0.05) were shown for lower body peak power (P=0.049) and upper body power drop (P=0.042). Positive effects for the BA group were shown for lower body peak power (Cohen d=0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.09–1.35) and the maintenance of upper body power output (d=−0.91; 95% CI, −1.61 to −0.17). These findings suggest that Korean national amateur boxers who consumed BA demonstrated differential responses following a training intervention in specific physical fitness when compared to boxing athletes who consumed a PL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang-Jun Kim
- Division of Sports Science, Korea Institute of Sport Science, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hong-Sun Song
- Division of Sports Science, Korea Institute of Sport Science, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Yoon
- Institute of Sports Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - David H Fukuda
- Institute of Exercise Physiology and Wellness, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Soon Hee Kim
- Department of Golf, Yongin University, Yongin, Korea
| | - Dong-Ho Park
- Department of Kinesiology, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
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Hoffman JR, Varanoske A, Stout JR. Effects of β-Alanine Supplementation on Carnosine Elevation and Physiological Performance. ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2018; 84:183-206. [PMID: 29555069 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
β-Alanine is one of the more popular sport supplements used by strength/power athletes today. The popularity of β-alanine stems from its ability to enhance intracellular muscle-buffering capacity thereby delaying fatigue during high-intensity exercise by increasing muscle carnosine content. Recent evidence also suggests that elevated carnosine levels may enhance cognitive performance and increase resiliency to stress. These benefits are thought to result from carnosine's potential role as an antioxidant. This review will discuss these new findings including recent investigations examining β-alanine supplementation and increased resiliency to posttraumatic stress and mild traumatic brain injury. This review will focus on the physiology of carnosine, the effect of β-alanine ingestion on carnosine elevations, and the potential ergogenic benefits it has for competitive and tactical athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay R Hoffman
- Institute of Exercise Physiology and Wellness, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States.
| | - Alyssa Varanoske
- Institute of Exercise Physiology and Wellness, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Jeffrey R Stout
- Institute of Exercise Physiology and Wellness, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
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Proteomic profile of the Bradysia odoriphaga in response to the microbial secondary metabolite benzothiazole. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37730. [PMID: 27883048 PMCID: PMC5121901 DOI: 10.1038/srep37730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzothiazole, a microbial secondary metabolite, has been demonstrated to possess fumigant activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Ditylenchus destructor and Bradysia odoriphaga. However, to facilitate the development of novel microbial pesticides, the mode of action of benzothiazole needs to be elucidated. Here, we employed iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics analysis to investigate the effects of benzothiazole on the proteomic expression of B. odoriphaga. In response to benzothiazole, 92 of 863 identified proteins in B. odoriphaga exhibited altered levels of expression, among which 14 proteins were related to the action mechanism of benzothiazole, 11 proteins were involved in stress responses, and 67 proteins were associated with the adaptation of B. odoriphaga to benzothiazole. Further bioinformatics analysis indicated that the reduction in energy metabolism, inhibition of the detoxification process and interference with DNA and RNA synthesis were potentially associated with the mode of action of benzothiazole. The myosin heavy chain, succinyl-CoA synthetase and Ca+-transporting ATPase proteins may be related to the stress response. Increased expression of proteins involved in carbohydrate metabolism, energy production and conversion pathways was responsible for the adaptive response of B. odoriphaga. The results of this study provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms of benzothiazole at a large-scale translation level and will facilitate the elucidation of the mechanism of action of benzothiazole.
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Hoffman JR, Stout JR, Harris RC, Moran DS. β-Alanine supplementation and military performance. Amino Acids 2015; 47:2463-74. [PMID: 26206727 PMCID: PMC4633445 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-2051-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
During sustained high-intensity military training or simulated combat exercises, significant decreases in physical performance measures are often seen. The use of dietary supplements is becoming increasingly popular among military personnel, with more than half of the US soldiers deployed or garrisoned reported to using dietary supplements. β-Alanine is a popular supplement used primarily by strength and power athletes to enhance performance, as well as training aimed at improving muscle growth, strength and power. However, there is limited research examining the efficacy of β-alanine in soldiers conducting operationally relevant tasks. The gains brought about by β-alanine use by selected competitive athletes appears to be relevant also for certain physiological demands common to military personnel during part of their training program. Medical and health personnel within the military are expected to extrapolate and implement relevant knowledge and doctrine from research performed on other population groups. The evidence supporting the use of β-alanine in competitive and recreational athletic populations suggests that similar benefits would also be observed among tactical athletes. However, recent studies in military personnel have provided direct evidence supporting the use of β-alanine supplementation for enhancing combat-specific performance. This appears to be most relevant for high-intensity activities lasting 60-300 s. Further, limited evidence has recently been presented suggesting that β-alanine supplementation may enhance cognitive function and promote resiliency during highly stressful situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay R Hoffman
- Institute of Exercise Physiology and Wellness, Sport and Exercise Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA.
| | - Jeffrey R Stout
- Institute of Exercise Physiology and Wellness, Sport and Exercise Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | | | - Daniel S Moran
- School of Health Science, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Givat Washington College of Education, Givat Washington, Israel
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Trexler ET, Smith-Ryan AE, Stout JR, Hoffman JR, Wilborn CD, Sale C, Kreider RB, Jäger R, Earnest CP, Bannock L, Campbell B, Kalman D, Ziegenfuss TN, Antonio J. International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2015; 12:30. [PMID: 26175657 PMCID: PMC4501114 DOI: 10.1186/s12970-015-0090-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) provides an objective and critical review of the mechanisms and use of beta-alanine supplementation. Based on the current available literature, the conclusions of the ISSN are as follows: 1) Four weeks of beta-alanine supplementation (4-6 g daily) significantly augments muscle carnosine concentrations, thereby acting as an intracellular pH buffer; 2) Beta-alanine supplementation currently appears to be safe in healthy populations at recommended doses; 3) The only reported side effect is paraesthesia (tingling), but studies indicate this can be attenuated by using divided lower doses (1.6 g) or using a sustained-release formula; 4) Daily supplementation with 4 to 6 g of beta-alanine for at least 2 to 4 weeks has been shown to improve exercise performance, with more pronounced effects in open end-point tasks/time trials lasting 1 to 4 min in duration; 5) Beta-alanine attenuates neuromuscular fatigue, particularly in older subjects, and preliminary evidence indicates that beta-alanine may improve tactical performance; 6) Combining beta-alanine with other single or multi-ingredient supplements may be advantageous when supplementation of beta-alanine is high enough (4-6 g daily) and long enough (minimum 4 weeks); 7) More research is needed to determine the effects of beta-alanine on strength, endurance performance beyond 25 min in duration, and other health-related benefits associated with carnosine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric T Trexler
- Applied Physiology Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Abbie E Smith-Ryan
- Applied Physiology Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Jeffrey R Stout
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL USA
| | - Jay R Hoffman
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL USA
| | - Colin D Wilborn
- Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX USA
| | - Craig Sale
- Health and Performance Enhancement Research Centre, Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Richard B Kreider
- Exercise & Sport Nutrition Lab, Department of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Ralf Jäger
- Increnovo LLC, 2138 E Lafayette Pl, Milwaukee, WI USA
| | - Conrad P Earnest
- Exercise & Sport Nutrition Lab, Department of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA.,Nutrabolt International, Bryan, TX USA
| | | | - Bill Campbell
- Performance & Physique Enhancement Laboratory, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL USA
| | - Douglas Kalman
- Department of Nutrition & Endocrinology, Miami Research Associates, QPS-MRA, Miami, FL USA
| | - Tim N Ziegenfuss
- The Center for Applied Health Sciences, 4302 Allen Rd, STE 120 Stow, OH USA
| | - Jose Antonio
- Exercise and Sports Science, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL USA
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Bellinger PM, Minahan CL. Performance effects of acuteβ-alanine induced paresthesia in competitive cyclists. Eur J Sport Sci 2015; 16:88-95. [DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2015.1005696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Abstract
β-alanine supplementation has become a common practice among competitive athletes participating in a range of different sports. Although the mechanism by which chronic β-alanine supplementation could have an ergogenic effect is widely debated, the popular view is that β-alanine supplementation augments intramuscular carnosine content, leading to an increase in muscle buffer capacity, a delay in the onset of muscular fatigue, and a facilitated recovery during repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise. β-alanine supplementation appears to be most effective for exercise tasks that rely heavily on ATP synthesis from anaerobic glycolysis. However, research investigating its efficacy as an ergogenic aid remains equivocal, making it difficult to draw conclusions as to its effectiveness for training and competition. The aim of this review was to update, summarize, and critically evaluate the findings associated with β-alanine supplementation and exercise performance with the most recent research available to allow the development of practical recommendations for coaches and athletes. A critical review of the literature reveals that when significant ergogenic effects have been found, they have been generally shown in untrained individuals performing exercise bouts under laboratory conditions. The body of scientific data available concerning highly trained athletes performing single competition-like exercise tasks indicates that this type of population receives modest but potentially worthwhile performance benefits from β-alanine supplementation. Recent data indicate that athletes may not only be using β-alanine supplementation to enhance sports performance but also as a training aid to augment bouts of high-intensity training. β-alanine supplementation has also been shown to increase resistance training performance and training volume in team-sport athletes, which may allow for greater overload and superior adaptations compared with training alone. The ergogenic potential of β-alanine supplementation for elite athletes performing repeated high-intensity exercise bouts, either during training or during competition in sports which require repeated maximal efforts (e.g., rugby and soccer), needs scientific confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip M Bellinger
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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14
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Pozdnyakova N, Dudarenko M, Yatsenko L, Himmelreich N, Krupko O, Borisova T. Perinatal hypoxia: different effects of the inhibitors of GABA transporters GAT1 and GAT3 on the initial velocity of [3H]GABA uptake by cortical, hippocampal, and thalamic nerve terminals. Croat Med J 2014; 55:250-8. [PMID: 24891283 PMCID: PMC4049216 DOI: 10.3325/cmj.2014.55.250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM. To analyze the effects of highly selective blocker GAT1, NO-711, and substrate inhibitor GAT3, β-alanine, on the initial velocity of [(3)H]GABA uptake by cortical, hippocampal, and thalamic nerve terminals (synaptosomes) after perinatal hypoxia. METHODS. Animals were divided into two groups: control (n=17) and hypoxia (n=12). Rats in the hypoxia group underwent hypoxia and seizures (airtight chamber, 4% O2 and 96% N2) at the age of 10-12 postnatal days and were used in the experiments 8-9 weeks after hypoxia. RESULTS. In cortical synaptosomes, the effects of NO-711 (30 μΜ) and β-alanine (100 μΜ) on [(3)H]GABA uptake were similar in control and hypoxia groups. In hippocampal synaptosomes, NO-711 inhibited 84.3% of the initial velocity of [(3)H]GABA uptake in normal conditions and 80.1% after hypoxia, whereas the effect of β-alanine was increased after hypoxia from 14.4% to 22.1%. In thalamic synaptosomes, the effect of NO-711 was decreased by 79.6% in controls and by 70.9% in hypoxia group, whereas the effect of β-alanine was increased after hypoxia from 20.2% to 30.2%. CONCLUSIONS. The effectiveness of β-alanine to influence GABA uptake was increased in hippocampal and thalamic nerve terminals as a result of perinatal hypoxia and the effectiveness of NO-711 in thalamic nerve terminals was decreased. These results may indicate changes in the ratio of active GAT1/GAT3 expressed in the plasma membrane of nerve terminals after perinatal hypoxia. We showed a possibility to modulate non-GAT1 GABA transporter activity in different brain regions by exogenous and endogenous β-alanine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tatiana Borisova
- Tatiana Borisova, Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, NAS of Ukraine, 9 Leontovicha Street, Kiev, 01601, Ukraine,
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