Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that the leucine metabolite HMB can increase gains in strength and lean mass. The other effect of HMB observed, besides that of muscle metabolism, was a consistent lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). However, it is unknow if similar results could be obtained in patients with hypercholesterolemia. The objective of this study was to determine if HMB would be beneficial in patients with hypercholesterolemia by decreasing LDL-c and increasing both lean mass and muscle strength. Twelve males between the ages of 50 and 72 years with total cholesterol and HDL-c correlation greater than 4.5 were randomly assigned in the double blind study to either placebo capsules or capsules containing HMB (3g/day) for 4-week study. Patients performed exercise training program five times a week (3 times/aerobic exercises, and 2 times/resistance training) during 4 weeks. Blood samples, one repetition maximum (RM) test, body fat and lean mass (skin fold thickness/ISAK) were measured at the beginning and at the end of 4 weeks of study. The results showed significant differences (p = 0.01) between pre and post test for LDL-c - 172 ± 11.7 mg/dl and 123 ± 9.1 mg/dl - respectively, and that there was an increasing of 6% in lean mass (35.3 ± 1.98 kg and 37.68 ± 2.42 kg) on HMB group. In addition, strength also showed significant increasing (p < 0.05) in all three tested exercises: (a) leg press (7 ± 1.2 kg and 8.8 ± 1.4 kg); (b) rear lat pulldown (5.5 ± 0.1 and 7 ± 0.9 kg), and (c) biceps curl (5.5 ± 1 and 7 ± 1) with HMB supplementation. The placebo group showed no significant differences on LDL-c and lean mass, but showed significant difference between pre and post test for two exercises: (a) leg press (6.5 ± 0.7 kg and 7.8 ± 0.9 kg); (b) rear lat pulldown (4.3 ± 0.4 and 6.1 ± 0.6 kg). In conclusion, HMB supplementation in combination with exercise training program provided a greater reduction in LDL-c and significant gains in both muscular strength and lean mass. The present data, if confirmed with large sample and long-term training programs, has potential clinical implications in therapeutic approach of patients with hypercholesterolemia. Partial financial support from CAPES.
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