Effects of swimming on the pharmacokinetics and glucose tolerance of metformin in insulin-resistant rats.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of swimming on the pharmacokinetic and insulin sensitivity of metformin in insulin resistant rats. Rats with fructose-induced insulin resistance were assigned into four groups: control group (C, n=8), metformin group (M, n=8), swimming group (S, n=8) and metformin with swimming group (MS, n=8). After 12 h of fasting, the S and MS group swam for 45 min, while the M and C groups were placed in 4 cm deep water for the same time period. The first blood samples were withdrawn from the tail 60 min after the four groups had left the water. An oral glucose loading was performed in all groups and metformin was administered to the M and MS groups after the first blood sample. Blood samples were collected at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h. The results showed that the MS group increased the time to the maximum concentration, the time to half-life concentration and enhanced insulin sensitivity. This study suggests that swimming before administration of metformin significantly improved insulin sensitivity and the rate of metformin absorption.

Effects of postexercise supplementation of chicken essence on the elimination of exercise-induced plasma lactate and ammonia.

We investigated the effects of chicken essence (CE) supplementation on exercise-induced changes of lactate and ammonia during recovery. In this randomized, double blind, crossover study, twelve healthy subjects performed a single bout of exercise to exhaustion, and then consumed either a placebo or CE within 5-min of the exercise cessation. Blood samples were collected before exercise, at exhaustion (0 minute), and 20, 40, 60, and 120 minutes, respectively during the recovery period. There were no differences in plasma glucose, creatine kinase, or heart rate responses between treatments. The exercise exhaustion significantly increased the levels of lactate and ammonia, and both measured values gradually declined during the recovery period. Ammonia levels at 40, 60, and 120 min. of the recovery period were observed lower significantly in the CE group, as compared to those in the placebo group. Additionally, lactate concentrations at 60 and 120 min were lower in the CE group, as compared to those in the placebo group. In conclusion, the main finding of this study was that CE supplementation after exercise reduces plasma lactate and ammonia levels. The results indicated that CE supplementation after an exhaustive exercise could enhance physiological recovery in humans.