Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of amylopectin (A) and chromium (Cr) forms alone or in combination on energy storage, muscle fatigue-related biochemical markers, and expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR-γ) and glucose transporter-2 and -4 (GLUT-2 and GLUT-4) in rats during exhaustive exercise. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 7) as follows: 1) exhaustive exercise (E); 2) E+A; 3) E+A+chromium picolinate (CrPic); 4) E+A+chromium histidinate (CrHis), and 5) E+A+CrPic+CrHis. Rats received 0.0316 g of amylopectin and 11.06 µg of elemental Cr kg$^{-1}$ body weight given as CrPic and CrHis per day. The mean duration of exercise differed (55 ± 1.15 vs. 76 ± 1.91) between groups (P < 0.05). Blood glucose level was significantly reduced in the E+A+CrPic+CrHis group compared to the E group. The E+A+CrPic+CrHis group was superior in terms of increasing muscle and liver glycogen contents and blood insulin concentration and of decreasing serum lactate concentration (P < 0.05 for all). However, A and Cr did not alter GLUT-2, GLUT-4, and PPAR-γ expressions. In conclusion, A in combination with supplemental Cr enhanced energy-yielding nutrient conservation and reduced muscle fatigue in exercised rats. They can also help prevent racehorse performance and disability problems.
Highlights
Carbohydrates, the most efficient fuel source and the only source of energy for certain vital cells such as brain cells and blood cells, are stored in the form of glycogen, mostly in the liver and muscles [1,2]
Experimental design and period Thirty-five rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 7 rats each and treated as follows: Group 1 (E), rats fed on standard diet and submitted to exhaustive exercise on treadmill; Group 2 (E+A), exhaustively exercised rats receiving amylopectin; Group 3 (E+A+CrPic), exhaustively exercised rats receiving amylopectin + CrPic; Group 4 (E+A+CrHis), exhaustively exercised rats receiving amylopectin + CrHis; Group 5 (E+A+CrPic+CrHis), exhaustively exercised rats receiving simultaneously amylopectin, CrPic, and CrHis
The highest endurance time was found in the E+A+CrHis and E+A+CrPic+CrHis groups, while the lowest value was found in the E group (P < 0.05)
Summary
Carbohydrates, the most efficient fuel source and the only source of energy for certain vital cells such as brain cells and blood cells, are stored in the form of glycogen, mostly in the liver and muscles [1,2]. During high-intensity exercise or overnight fasting, no quick supply of simple sugars is available in the body. Carbohydrate stores (glycogen) are crucial for supplying the energy necessary for homeostasis [3]. If the exercise continues for more than 2 h, the body carbohydrate stores are exhausted and metabolism will be shaped by fatigue as a reflection of the accumulation of lactate [4,5]. Individuals who do not routinely exercise face a fatigue experience known as end-of-exercise muscle fatigue. This situation is especially more evident when a sedentary lifestyle moves to sudden and intense exercise [6].
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