Impact of a Novel Valerian Extract on Sleep Quality, Relaxation, and GABA/Serotonin Receptor Activity in a Murine Model.

Insomnia is a major global health issue, highlighting the need for treatments that are both effective and safe. Valerian extract, a traditional remedy for sleep problems, offers potential therapeutic options. This research examined the potential sleep-enhancing effects of VA (Valerian Pdr%2) in mice. The study evaluated sleep quality by comparing the impact of the VA extract against melatonin on brain activity, using electrocorticography (ECoG) to assess changes in brain waves. For this purpose, the study utilized two experimental models on BALB/c mice to explore the effects of caffeine-induced insomnia and pentobarbital-induced sleep. In the first model, 25 mice were assigned to five groups to test the effects of caffeine (caffeine, 7.5 mg/kg i.p) alone, caffeine with melatonin (2 mg/kg), or caffeine with different doses of valerian extract (100 or 300 mg/kg) given orally on brain activity, assessed via electrocorticography (ECoG) and further analyses on the receptor proteins and neurotransmitters. In the second model, a different set of 25 mice were divided into five groups to examine the impact of pentobarbital (42 mg/kg) alone, with melatonin, or with the valerian extract on sleep induction, observing the effects 45 min after administration. The study found that ECoG frequencies were lower in groups treated with melatonin and two doses of valerian extract (100 and 300 mg/kg), with 300 mg/kg showing the most significant effect in reducing frequencies compared to the caffeine control group, indicating enhanced sleep quality (p < 0.05). This was supported by increased levels of serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine and higher levels of certain brain receptors in the melatonin and valerian extract groups (p < 0.05). Modulatory efficacy for the apoptotic markers in the brain was also noted (p < 0.05). Additionally, melatonin and both doses of VA increased sleep duration and reduced sleep onset time compared to the pentobarbital control, which was particularly notable with high doses. In conclusion, the findings suggest that high doses (300 mg/kg) of valerian extract enhance both the quantity and quality of sleep through the GABAergic pathway and effectively increase sleep duration while reducing the time to fall asleep in a pentobarbital-induced sleep model in mice.

Evaluation of pea/rice and amylopectin/chromium as an alternative protein source to improve muscle protein synthesis in rats.

BACKGROUND: A preclinical study reported that the combination of an amylopectin/chromium complex (ACr) of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) significantly enhanced muscle protein synthesis (MPS). This study was conducted to determine the effects of the addition of ACr complex to a pea/rice (PR) protein on MPS, insulin, muslin levels, and the mTOR pathway in exercised rats. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: (i) exercise (Ex); (ii) Ex + PR 1:1 blend (0.465 g/kg BW); (iii) Ex + PR + ACr (0.155 g/kg BW). On the day of single-dose administration, after the animals were exercised at 26/m/min for 2 h, the supplement was given by oral gavage. The rats were injected with a bolus dose (250 mg/kg BW, 25 g/L) of deuterium-labeled phenylalanine to determine the protein fractional synthesis rate (FSR) one h after consuming the study product. RESULTS: The combination of PR and ACr enhanced MPS by 42.55% compared to the Ex group, while Ex + PR alone increased MPS by 30.2% over the Ex group (p < 0.0001) in exercised rats. Ex + PR plus ACr significantly enhanced phosphorylation of mTOR and S6K1 (p < 0.0001), and 4E-BP1 (p < 0.001) compared to the Ex (p < 0.0001). PR to ACr also significantly increased insulin and musclin levels (p < 0.0001) in exercised rats. Additionally, compared to Ex + PR alone, Ex + PR + ACr enhanced mTOR (p < 0.0001) and S6K1 (p < 0.0001) levels. CONCLUSION: These data suggested that PR + ACr may provide an alternative to animal proteins for remodeling and repairing muscle by stimulating MPS and mTOR signaling pathways in post-exercised rats. More preclinical and clinical human studies on combining pea/rice and amylopectin/chromium complex are required.

Effects of a Combination of Arginine Silicate Inositol Complex and a Novel Form of Biotin on Hair and Nail Growth in a Rodent Model.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a combination of inositol-stabilized arginine silicate complex (ASI) and magnesium biotinate (MgB) on hair and nail growth in an animal model. Twenty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks old) were randomized into one of the following groups: (i) group (control), shaved; (ii) group (ASI), shaved + ASI (4.14 mg/rat/day); (iii) group (ASI + MgB I), shaved + ASI (4.14 mg/rat/day) + MgB (48.7 µg/rat/day); and (iv) group (ASI + MgB II), shaved + ASI (4.14 mg/rat/day) + MgB (325 µg/rat/day). On day 42, compared with the control group, while hair density (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.0001, respectively) and anagen ratio (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001) increased in the ASI, ASI + MgB I, and ASI + MgB II groups, telogen ratio decreased (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively). In the molecular analysis, VEGF, HGF, and KGF-2 increased in the ASI (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively), ASI + MgB I (p < 0.0001 for all), and ASI + MgB II (p < 0.0001 for all) groups when compared to the control group. FGF-2 (p < 0.01) and IGF-1 (p < 0.001) were found to be increased in the ASI + MgB I and ASI + MgB II groups. SIRT-1 and ß-catenin increased in the ASI (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01), ASI + MgB I (p < 0.001 for both), and ASI + MgB II (p < 0.0001 for both) groups. Wnt-1 increased in the ASI + MgB I (p < 0.001) and ASI + MgB II (p < 0.0001) groups. In conclusion, the combination of ASI and MgB could promote hair growth by regulating IGF-1, FGF, KGF, HGF, VEGF, SIRT-1, Wnt, and ß-catenin signal pathways. It was also established that ASI did not affect nail growth, whereas the MgB combination was effective using a higher dose of biotin.

Combination of Phycocyanin, Zinc, and Selenium Improves Survival Rate and Inflammation in the Lipopolysaccharide-Galactosamine Mouse Model.

Sepsis is related to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, the primary causes of death in intensive care units. Severe functional abnormalities in numerous organs can arise due to sepsis, with acute lung damage being the most common and significant morbidity. Spirulina, blue-green algae with high protein, vitamins, phycocyanin, and antioxidant content, shows anti-inflammatory properties by decreasing the release of cytokines. In addition, zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) act as an antioxidant by inhibiting the oxidation of macromolecules, as well as the inhibition of the inflammatory response. The current study aimed to examine the combined properties of Zn, Se, and phycocyanin oligopeptides (ZnSePO) against lipopolysaccharide-D-galactosamine (LPS-GalN)-induced septic lung injury through survival rate, inflammatory, and histopathological changes in Balb/c mice. A total of 30 mice were allocated into three groups: normal control, LPS-GalN (100 ng of LPS plus 8 mg of D-galactosamine), LPS-GalN + ZnSePO (ZnPic, 52.5 µg/mL; SeMet, 0.02 µg/mL; and phycocyanin oligopeptide (PO), 2.00 mg/mL; at 1 h before the injection of LPS-GalN). Lung tissue from mice revealed noticeable inflammatory reactions and typical interstitial fibrosis after the LPS-GalN challenge. LPS-GalN-induced increased mortality rate and levels of IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-ß, TNF-α, and NF-κB in lung tissue. Moreover, treatment of septic mice LPS-GalN + ZnSePO reduced mortality rates and inflammatory responses. ZnSePO considerably influenced tissue cytokine levels, contributing to its capacity to minimize acute lung injury (ALI) and pulmonary inflammation and prevent pulmonary edema formation in LPS-GalN-injected mice. In conclusion, ZnSePO treatment enhanced the survival rate of endotoxemia mice via improving inflammation and oxidative stress, indicating a possible therapeutic effect for patients with septic infections.

Effect of boron element on photoaging in rats.

BACKGROUND: The present study further assessed the effects of oral and topical applications of boron, which is known to have antiinflammatory and wound healing effects, on photoaging. METHODS: A total of 49 eight-week-old female Wistar albino rats randomly divided into seven groups (control, shaved control, shaved+UVB, topical dermabor 2% (D2), and %5 (D5), systemic sodium perborate tetrahydrate (SPT) 2% (SPT2) and 4% (SPT4). To induce an experimental photoaging, the rats were exposed to UVB at an emission spectrum of 290-320 nm. Biochemical, molecular, skin, histological, and collagen content analyzes were made at the end of the study. RESULTS: Increased skin inflammatory parameters (COX-2, IL-8, NF-KB, IL-6, and TNF-α) levels in UVB-exposed groups were inhibited in all treatment groups. The tissue level of hydroxyproline and elastase was found to decrease in all UVB-exposed group. The level of hydroxyproline was significantly higher in the D2 and D5 groups than in the SPT2 and SPT4 groups. The level of elastase was significantly lower in the D2 and D5 groups than in the SPT2 and SPT4 groups. CONCLUSIONS: In future, boron may be developed as a functionally protective treatment against photoaging caused by UVB, and may be included in sun protection systems.

Protective Effect of Allyl Isothiocyanate in an Experimentally Induced Rat Model for Dry Eye Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Growing evidence emphasizes the role of inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES). Concordantly, the importance of agents targeting the inflammatory cascade and oxidative stress in the treatment is also progressively increasing. Herein, the study has investigated the protective effects and underlying mechanism of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) on the ocular surface in a benzalkonium chloride (BAC)-induced dry eye rat model. METHODS: A total of twenty-one Wistar albino rats were used to form the following three groups: Control, BAC, BAC + AITC. DES was established by topical application of BAC (four times daily for two weeks) in two groups, of which one group was treated with AITC (10 mg/kg BW daily oral dosage) for four weeks. Rats were monitored by dry eye diagnostic tests during the study period, and eventually, corneal tissues were used to evaluate for histopathologic analyzes and inflammatory and oxidative status. RESULTS: A significant improvement was observed in various histopathologic and ophthalmologic findings, including tear volume, tear film integrity, ocular surface damage, ocular inflammatory signs, corneal thickness, and edema through AITC supplementation. AITC prominently balanced the inflammatory status and oxidative stress by lowering key proinflammatory mediators (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8) and increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH-Px). Also, levels of protective tear proteins, including Muc1, Muc4, and Muc5 were recovered with AITC supplementation. CONCLUSION: AITC alleviates clinical and histopathologic signs related to DES. Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of AITC play a significant role in the mechanism of action.

Next-Generation Ultrasol Curcumin Boosts Muscle Endurance and Reduces Muscle Damage in Treadmill-Exhausted Rats.

Curcumin positively affects performance during exercise and subsequent recovery. However, curcumin has limited bioavailability unless consumed in larger doses. In the current study, we examined the impact of a new formulation of curcumin, Next-Generation Ultrasol Curcumin (NGUC), which is relatively more bioavailable than natural curcumin on exhaustion time, grip strength, muscle damage parameters, and serum and muscle proteins. A total of 28 rats were randomly grouped as control (C, non-supplemented), exercise (E, non-supplemented), E+NGUC100 (supplemented with 100 mg/kg BW NGUC), and E+NGUC200 (supplemented with 200 mg/kg NGUC). Grip strength and exhaustion time were increased with NGUC supplementation (p < 0.0001). Creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lactic acid (LA), myoglobin, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were reduced in serum, and muscle tissue in NGUC supplemented groups (p < 0.05). In contrast, NGUC supplementation elevated the antioxidant enzyme levels compared to the non-supplemented exercise group (p < 0.01). Additionally, inflammatory cytokines were inhibited with NGUC administration (p < 0.05). NGUC decreased PGC-1α, p-4E-BP1, p-mTOR, MAFbx, and MuRF1 proteins in muscle tissue (p < 0.05). These results indicate that NGUC boosts exercise performance while reducing muscle damage by targeting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and muscle mass regulatory pathways.

Effects of maca (Lepidium meyenii) on nutrient digestibility and major nutrient transporters in rats fed a high-fat diet.

SCOPE: This study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of a new combination of root extracts of the Lepidium meyenii (maca) plant, known for its nutritional and energizing features as well as its antioxidant properties, on nutrient digestibility and nutrient transporters expression. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 28 Sprague-Dawley rats (8-week-old) were divided into four groups: (i) control, (ii) Lepidium m., (iii) high-fat diet (HFD), and (iv) HFD+Lepidium m. Maca was given to the rats as a powdered combination of the plant roots with a daily dose of 40 mg per kg BW. Maca administration significantly increased the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE), and some nutrient transporter (Pept1/2, Fatp1, Glut1/2, and Sglt1)-expressions compared with non-treated control and HFD groups in the jejunum and ileum tissues (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Maca supplementation improved the digestibility of nutrients and expressions of nutrient transporters in the small intestine of the rats. These results indicate the positive communication between maca consumption and nutrient absorption in the small intestines of the animals.

Effects of Exercise Combined with Undenatured Type II Collagen on Endurance Capacity, Antioxidant Status, Muscle Lipogenic Genes and E3 Ubiquitin Ligases in Rats.

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise combined with undenatured type II collagen (UCII) administration on endurance capacity, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and antioxidant status in rats. Twenty-one male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups as follows: (1) Sedentary control, (2) Exercise (E), (3) Exercise + UCII (4 mg/kg BW/day; E + UCII). The findings showed that the exhaustive running time in the UCII group was significantly prolonged compared to that of the non-supplemented group (p < 0.001). When compared to the control group, total serum cholesterol (TC, p < 0.05) and triglyceride (TG, p < 0.05) levels decreased, while creatinine kinase (CK) levels increased in the E group (p < 0.001). Serum creatinine kinase levels were reduced in the E + UCII group compared to the E group (p < 0.01). Serum lactate, myoglobin (p < 0.01), and osteocalcin levels (p < 0.01) increased significantly in exercised rats compared to sedentary control rats, while serum lactate (p < 0.01) and myoglobin (p < 0.0001) levels decreased in the E + UCII group compared to control. Additionally, UCII supplementation caused significant increases in antioxidant enzyme activities [SOD (p < 0.01) and GSH-Px (p < 0.05)] and decreases in malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels (p < 0.001). Muscle lipogenic protein (SREBP-1c, ACLY, LXR, and FAS) levels were lower in the E + UCII group than in other groups. In addition, UCII supplementation decreased muscle MAFbx, MuRF-1, myostatin and increased MyoD levels in exercised rats. Moreover, the E + UCII group had lower muscle inflammatory markers [TNF-α (p < 0.0001) and IL-1ß (p < 0.01)] than the control group. These results suggest exercise combined with UCII (4 mg/kg BW/day) modulates lipid, muscle, and antioxidant status in rats.

Lutein/zeaxanthin isomers regulate neurotrophic factors and synaptic plasticity in trained rats

Background/aim: This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of lutein/zeaxanthin isomers (L/Zi) on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, NF-κB/Nrf2 pathways, and synaptic plasticity proteins in trained rats. Materials and methods: Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: 1) control, 2) L/Zi: rats received L/Zi at the dose of 100 mg/kg by oral gavage, 3) exercise, 4) exercise+L/Zi: rats exercised and received L/Zi (100 mg/kg) by oral gavage. The duration of the study was eight weeks. Results: Exercise combined with L/Zi reduced lipid peroxidation and improved antioxidant enzyme activities of muscle and cerebral cortex in rats (p < 0.001). In the Exercise + L/Zi group, muscle and cerebral cortex Nrf2 and HO-1 levels increased, while NF-κB levels decreased (p <0.001). Also, L/Zi improved BDNF, synapsin I, SYP, and GAP-43 levels of the cerebral cortex of trained rats (p < 0.001). The highest levels of BDNF, synapsin SYP, and GAP-43 in the cerebral cortex were determined in the Exercise+L/Zi group. Conclusion: These results suggested that exercise combined with L/Zi supplementation might be effective to reduce neurodegeneration via improving neurotrophic factors and synaptic proteins, and oxidative capacity in the cerebral cortex.

A Next Generation Formulation of Curcumin Ameliorates Experimentally Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats via Regulation of Inflammatory Mediators.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and debilitating disease of the knee joint. OA of the knee is initiated by physical damage and accumulated oxidative stress, followed by an exaggerated inflammation leading to cartilage damage. Currently, no effective and safe therapeutic option capable of restoring articular cartilage tissue and joint architecture is available. We here report a novel and highly bioavailable formulation of curcumin, labeled as Next Generation Ultrasol Curcumin (NGUC), which was 64.7 times more bioavailable than natural 95% curcumin extract as demonstrated in rat bioavailability studies. We further investigated the protective effect of NGUC against monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced knee OA in rats. Analysis of X-ray and histopathological images revealed that NGUC supplementation restored joint architecture and reduced swelling of joints induced by MIA. NGUC treatment caused a significant reduction in the levels of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, COMP, and CRP, and expressions of MMP-3, 5-LOX, COX-2, and NFκB in synovial tissue of rats with MIA-induced OA. NGUC also decreased serum MDA level and increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and GPX. Thus, our results indicate that a novel formulation of curcumin with enhanced bioavailability effectively ameliorates the pathophysiology of OA.

Genistein suppresses the inflammation and GSK-3 pathway in an animal model of spontaneous ovarian cancer

Background/aim: Numerous studies show that cancer risk is reduced by consumption of soy-based foods containing genistein, but its effects on the glycogen synthase kinase-3 pathway (GSK-3) in ovarian cancer is unknown. Therefore, we tested the properties of genistein on inflammatory biomarkers and GSK-3 signaling pathways in the ovaries of old laying hens with ovarian cancer. Materials and methods: A total of 300 laying hens were distributed into three groups as follows: group 1, animals fed a standard diet (comprising 22.39 mg of genistein/kg of diet); groups 2 and 3, animals fed a standard diet reconstituted with supplementation of 400 mg or 800 mg of genistein/kg of diet, respectively. Results: Genistein modulated the inflammatory biomarkers by decreasing serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL- 6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) compared with control (p < 0.001). Moreover, it upregulated insulin receptor substrate-1 (p-IRS-1) and protein kinase B (p-AKT), but downregulated GSK-3α and ß after treatment. It acts in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Genistein exhibited an anticancer effect by reducing proinflammatory biomarkers levels and inhibiting GSK-3 expression in the ovaries of old laying hens. It is a potential candidate in the chemoprevention and/or treatment of ovarian cancer.

Different Sources of Dietary Magnesium Supplementation Reduces Oxidative Stress by Regulation Nrf2 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways in High-Fat Diet Rats.

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral required for many physiological processes, including ionic balances in ocular tissues. We compared the effects of different Mg-chelates (Mg oxide, MgO vs. Mg picolinate, MgPic) on retinal function in a high-fat diet (HFD) rats. Forty-two rats were divided into six groups and treated orally for 8 weeks as follows: Control, MgO, MgPic, HFD, HFD + MgO, and HFD + MgPic. Mg was administered at 500 mg of elemental Mg/kg of diet. HFD intake increased the levels of retinal MDA and NF-κB, INOS, ICAM, and VEGF but downregulated Nrf2. However, in rats supplemented with MgO and MgPic, the retinal MDA level was decreased, compared with the control and HFD rats. Activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) were increased in HFD animals given Mg-chelates (p < 0.001), MgPic being the most effective. Mg supplementation significantly decreased the expression levels of NF-κB, INOS, ICAM, and VEGF in HFD rats while increasing the level of Nrf2 (p < 0.001). Mg supplementation significantly decreased the levels of NF-κB, INOS, ICAM, and VEGF and increased Nrf2 level in HFD rats (p < 0.001), with stronger effects seen from MgPic. Mg attenuated retinal oxidative stress and neuronal inflammation and could be considered as an effective treatment for ocular diseases.

Salacia chinensis exerts its antidiabetic effect by modulating glucose-regulated proteins and transcription factors in high-fat diet fed-streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats.

This study aimed to investigate the properties of Salacia chinensis (Celastraceae, SC) and its molecular mechanism in the type 2 diabetic rats. Forty-two Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 7): control, SC (100 mg/kg, per os), high-fat diet (HFD), HFD + SC (100 mg/kg), HFD + streptozotocin (STZ, 40 mg/kg, i.p.), and HFD + STZ+SC. SC decreased serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides, free fatty acid, and malondialdehyde levels, but increased serum total antioxidant capacity (0.33 ± 0.02 versus. 0.79 ± 0.03), compared with the untreated group (p < .001). Additionally, SC elevated the expression of glucose-regulated proteins GLUT2, PPAR-É£, p-IRS, and Nrf2, but downregulated NF-κB in the liver and kidney (p < .001). In conclusion, SC could improve insulin resistance by modulation of glucose-regulated proteins and transcription factors in diabetic rats. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Present data has contributed to the current ethnomedicinal benefits of SC, through which the SC intake regulated the carbohydrate metabolism and increased the antioxidant capacity. The balance of transcription factors can mediate these efficacies partially and various key proteins involved in energy metabolism, along with oxidative stress and insulin sensitivity.

A Dose-Dependent Effect of Carnipure® Tartrate Supplementation on Endurance Capacity, Recovery, and Body Composition in an Exercise Rat Model.

The objective of this work is to investigate the effects of Carnipure® Tartrate (CT) supplementation with or without exercise on endurance capacity, recovery, and fatigue by assessing time to exhaustion as well as body weight and composition in rats. In addition, antioxidant capacity has been evaluated by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; glutathioneperoxidase; GSHPx) activities. Fifty-six male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups including seven rats each. A control group did not receive CT nor exercise. Another control group received 200 mg/kg CT without exercise. The other six groups of rats went through an exercise regimen consisting of a 5-day training period with incremental exercise capacity, which was followed by 6 weeks of the run at 25 m/min for 45 min every day. CT was supplemented at 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg per day during the 6 weeks. Rats submitted to exercise and supplemented with CT had a significant and dose-dependent increase in time to exhaustion and this effect seems to be independent of exercise (p < 0.05). Additionally, recovery and fatigue were improved, as shown by a significant and dose-dependent decrease in myoglobin and lactic acid plasma levels, which are two markers of muscle recovery. CT supplementation led to a dose-response decrease in body weight and visceral fat. These effects become significant at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses (p < 0.05). Additionally, the antioxidant capacity was improved, as shown by a significant and dose-dependent increase in SOD, CAT, and GSHPx. Serum MDA concentrations decreased in exercising rats with CT supplementation. CT supplementation led to a decrease in serum glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol concentrations with the lowest levels observed at 400 mg/kg dose (p < 0.05). These effects correlated with a significant dose-dependent increase in serum total L-carnitine, free L-carnitine, and acetyl-carnitine, which linked the observed efficacy to CT supplementation. These results demonstrate that CT supplementation during exercise provides benefits on exercise performance, recovery, and fatigue as well as improved the lipid profile and antioxidant capacity. The lowest dose leads to some of these effects seen in rats where 25 mg/kg corresponds to 250 mg/day as a human equivalent.

The effects of chromium picolinate on glucose and lipid metabolism in running rats.

BACKGROUND: Chromium picolinate (CrPic) is commonly used to reduce muscle fatigue after exercise. We aimed to elucidate the effects of CrPic on glucose and lipid metabolism and the expression of glucose transporters in exercised rats. METHODS: Forty-two male Wistar rats (8-week-old) were distributed into six groups (n = 7) as follows: Control, CrPic, Chronic Exercise (CEx), CEx + CrPic, Acute Exercise (AEx), and AEx + CrPic. CEx consists of 30 m/min, 30 min/day, and 5 days/week for 6 weeks. CrPic was supplemented at 400 µg elemental Cr/kg of diet for 6 weeks. In the AEx groups, animals were run on the treadmill at 30 m/min until exhaustion. RESULTS: CEx significantly lowered blood glucose (BG), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels, but elevated insulin concentration (IC), compared with control (P < 0.05). CEx significantly decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum, liver, and muscle while AEx elevated it (P < 0.001 for all). CrPic significantly decreased BG, TC, TG levels, and increased IC with a remarkable effect in CEx rats (P < 0.01). CrPic also significantly reduced serum, liver, and muscle MDA levels (P < 0.001). Both AEx and CEx increased the expression of liver glucose transporter 2 (GLUT-2) and muscle GLUT-4 with the highest level in CEx rats (P < 0.05). Moreover, CrPic supplementation significantly elevated GLUT-2 and GLUT-4 expressions in the liver and muscle of sedentary and exercise-treated rats (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CrPic improves various metabolic parameters and reduces oxidative stress in CEx and AEx rats by decreasing BG, TC, TG, MDA levels in serum and elevating GLUT-2 and GLUT-4 expression in the liver and muscle samples. The efficacy of CrPic was more pronounced in CEx rats.

The effects of coenzyme Q10 on oxidative stress and heat shock proteins in rats subjected to acute and chronic exercise.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of dietary CoQ10 on serum biochemical parameters, lipid peroxidation, and HSP expression in the liver and slow-twitch muscles (soleus and gastronemius deep portion) of exercise-trained rats. METHODS: A total of 42 Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups: 1) Control, 2) Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), 3) Chronic Exercise (CE), 4) CE + CoQ10, 5) Acute Exercise (AE), and 6) AE + CoQ10. The rats were subjected to the running test 5 days a week for 6 weeks after which CoQ10 was administered via the diet. AE (running on the treadmill until the rats were exhausted) was done on the last day. RESULTS: The results showed no significant difference in serum glucose and liver functions in any of the groups. However, CoQ10 and exercise treatment were found to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Serum and muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were found to be lower in the CE and CE + CoQ10 groups compared to the control group. The highest levels of HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 in liver and muscle were found in the AE group, and the lowest levels were found in CE + CoQ10 group. CoQ10 supplementation reduced HSP expression in both CE- and AE-trained rats (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that CoQ10 supplementation could reduce MDA levels, protect against oxidative damage, and regulate HSP expression in CE- and AE-trained rats. CE and CoQ10 were shown to reduce oxidative stress synergistically.

L-Carnitine supplementation increases expression of PPAR-γ and glucose transporters in skeletal muscle of chronically and acutely exercised rats.

In this study, the effects of L-Carnitine supplementation on the lipid peroxidation and expression of PPAR-γ and glucose transporters in the liver and muscles of chronically and acutely exercised rats were investigated. A total of 42 male Wistar Albino rats (8-week-old) were divided into six groups as follows: Control, L-Carnitine, Chronic Exercise (CE), Chronic Exercise + L-Carnitine, Acute Exercise (AE) and L-Carnitine + Acute Exercise. Chronic exercise consists of 30 m/min, 30 min/day, and 5 days/week for 6 weeks. Rats in the acute exercise groups were run on the treadmill at 30 m/min until exhaustion. L-Carnitine was given at the level of 300 mg per kilogram of diet for 6 weeks. There was no significant difference in the levels of serum ALT, AST, urea, creatinine and glucose levels between the exercise and L-Carnitine groups (P > 0.05). Cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased by L- carnitine supplementation and chronic exercise in control groups but increased in the AE groups compared to the control group without reinforcement (P < 0.05). Serum, muscle, heart, and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were lower in CE and higher in the AE groups (P < 0.001). However, L-Carnitine supplementation reduced MDA levels (P < 0.05). Liver and muscle PPAR-γ, liver GLUT-2 and muscle GLUT-4 mRNA expressions were lower in AE group than in all other groups (P < 0.001). Both chronic exercise and supplemental L-Carnitine increased liver and muscle PPAR-γ, GLUT-2 and GLUT-4 mRNA expression (P <0.05). As a result, although acute exercise increased oxidative stress, chronic exercise reduced oxidative stress by lowering lipid peroxidation level. L-Carnitine supplementation decreased oxidative stress and improved glucose and lipid metabolism by regulation of PPAR-γ, GLUT-2 and GLUT-4 mRNA expression in rats.