Creatine Content Research Articles

Serum biochemical profile in buffalo endometritis and impact of treatment with PGF2α and intrauterine gentamicin infusion on postpartum reproductive performance.

Improving reproductive performance of repeat breeder buffalo cows due to clinical endometritis is crucial in overcoming infertility problems in buffalo cows. The aim of the present study was to use PGF2α and/or gentamicin 10% for treatment of endometritis and to determine biochemical parameters in serum that could be used to diagnose endometritis in buffalo cows. A total of 64 anestrous buffalo cows were assigned into one of five treatment groups: group one (n = 9) buffalo cows were physiological normal cows and served as a control group; group 2 buffalo cows had endometritis, but were not treated (n = 10); group 3 buffalo cows had endometritis and were treated with intrauterine delivery of 100ml of a 10% gentamicin sulfate solution in three times within 1week (n = 15); group 4 buffalo cows received two I.M. doses of PGF2α (2ml Estrumate IM) at the time of corpus luteum dominance (n = 15) (treatment 4 does not make sense as you stated that the cows were in anestrus) on the ovary; group 5 buffalo cows received two IM doses of PGF2α at an 11day interval and the 10% gentamicin solution as described for group 3. Serum samples were collected from control, pre-treated, and post-treated buffalo cows with endometritis to evaluate the diagnostic biochemical parameters. The days to first estrus (DFE), number of services per conception (S/C), days open (DO), and pregnancy rate (Preg) were the measures for determining reproductive performance for the buffalo cows. The buffalo cows treated by gentamicin and PGF2 exhibited their first estrus earlier than cows in the other four groups of cows. The number of days open for control cows was greater (P < 0.05) than for the other groups and the control cows, as were the number of services per conception (P < 0.05) and pregnancy rate (30%: P < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify biochemical parameters in serum to predict endometritis. Creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and concentrations of total bilirubin and immunoglobulins in serum were greater (P < 0.05), while serum albumin values were lower (P < 0.05) in serum of buffalo cows with endometritis. From the ROC analyses, CK was the most predictable biomarker for endometritis with an area under the curve of 0.889, sensitivity of 80%, and specificity of 100% (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the use of gentamicin and PGF2 for treatment of endometritis improves the reproductive performance of buffalo cows, and concentrations of CK serve as an aid for diagnosing endometritis.Graphical abstract.

Performance and immune response of steers Nellore finished in feedlot and fed diets containing dry leaves of Baccharis dracunculifolia

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of addition Baccharis dracunculifolia leaves in nature on animal performance, feed intake, ingestive behavior, and blood parameters of Nellore steers finished in feedlot on high-grain diets. A total of 40 Nellore steers, with an average body weight of 412.9 ± 22.0 kg were distributed in individual pens, equipped with automatic drinkers and masonry feeders. The steers were randomly assigned to one of four studied diets, therefore the CONT – basal diet; BAC05 – basal diet and inclusion of B. dracunculifolia leaves in natura (5 g/animal/day); BAC10 – basal diet and inclusion of B. dracunculifolia leaves in natura (10 g/animal/day); and BAC15 – basal diet and inclusion of B. dracunculifolia leaves in natura (15 g/animal/day). The use of plants in nature did not affect final body weight, average daily gain, dry matter intake, or feed efficiency. Neither on ingestive behavior activities and plasma concentrations of urea, creatine, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and creatine kinase no effects were detected between diets. The inclusion of plants in nature in steer’s diet did not negatively impact performance and health. However, further field studies with beef cattle are needed for greater clarification of its effects and dosages.

Myosin Heavy Chain Composition, Creatine Analogues, and the Relationship of Muscle Creatine Content and Fast-Twitch Proportion to Wilks Coefficient in Powerlifters.

Machek, SB, Hwang, PS, Cardaci, TD, Wilburn, DT, Bagley, JR, Blake, DT, Galpin, AJ, and Willoughby, DS. Myosin heavy chain composition, creatine analogues, and the relationship of muscle creatine content and fast-twitch proportion to Wilks coefficient in powerlifters. J Strength Cond Res 34(11): 3022-3030, 2020-Little data exist on powerlifting-specific skeletal muscle adaptations, and none elucidate sex differences in powerlifters. Powerlifters tend to display higher fast-twitch fiber content and phosphagen system dependence. Nevertheless, it is unknown whether fast-twitch fiber or muscle creatine content are predictive of competitive powerlifting performance (via Wilks coefficient). Twelve actively competing powerlifters (PL; n = 6M/6F; age = 21.3 ± 1.0; 3.0 ± 1.8 year competing; 7.3 ± 6.6 meets attended) and 10 sedentary controls (CON; n = 5M/5F; age = 19.4 ± 2.0 year) underwent vastus lateralis muscle biopsies and venipuncture to compare the myosin heavy chain (MHC) fiber type and creatine analogue profiles between groups of both sexes, and determine whether MHC IIa and muscle total creatine (MTC) composition predict powerlifting performance. Samples were analyzed for specific MHC isoform (I, IIa, and IIx) content via mixed homogenate SDS-PAGE, and creatine analogues (MTC, muscle creatine transporter [SLC6A8], serum total creatine [STC], and serum creatinine [CRT]). Furthermore, MHC IIa and MTC content were compared with Wilks coefficient using Pearson correlation coefficients. Male PL MHC content was 50 ± 6% I, 45 ± 6% IIa, and 5 ± 11% IIx, versus 46 ± 6% I, 53 ± 6 IIa, and 0% IIx in female PL. Conversely, male CON MHC content was 33 ± 5% I, 38 ± 7% IIa, and 30 ± 8% IIx, vs. 35 ± 9% I, 44 ± 8% IIa, and 21 ± 17% IIx in female CON. Muscle total creatine, SLC6A8, STC, and CRT did not significantly differ between groups nor sexes. Finally, neither MHC IIa content (r = -0.288; p = 0.364) nor MTC (r = 0.488; p = 0.108) significantly predicted Wilks coefficient, suggesting these characteristics alone do not determine powerlifting skill variation.

Relative bioavailability of guanidinoacetic acid delivered ruminally or abomasally to cattle.

This study assessed the relative bioavailability of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) in cattle. Seven ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (initial body weight of 280 kg) were used in an experiment with a 5 × 5 Latin square design; the two additional steers received a treatment sequence identical to two steers in the Latin square. Treatments were: control (no GAA, water infusion), ruminal infusion of 10 or 20 g/d GAA, and abomasal infusion of 10 or 20 g/d GAA, with all infusions delivered continuously. Periods were 7 d in length, and on day 7, blood and urine samples were collected to determine the concentrations of GAA and its associated metabolites. Plasma creatine concentrations increased linearly (P < 0.01) with GAA infusion to the abomasum and tended to increase linearly (P = 0.06) when GAA was infused ruminally. Urinary creatine concentrations increased linearly with increasing amounts of GAA infused in the abomasum (P < 0.01) and the rumen (P < 0.05). There were no significant effects of GAA infusion to either the abomasum or rumen on plasma or urinary concentrations of GAA. Plasma creatinine concentrations were not affected by GAA infusion to the abomasum or rumen. Urinary creatinine concentrations decreased when GAA was infused abomasally (P < 0.05). Because plasma and urinary creatine concentrations yielded the statistically strongest linear responses, they were selected as the primary response criteria for quantifying ruminal escape of GAA. Calculated by slope-ratio methodology, estimates for the ruminal escape of GAA based on plasma creatine and urinary creatine concentrations were 47% and 49%, respectively. Ruminally infused GAA was about half as effective as abomasally infused GAA in elevating plasma and urinary concentrations of creatine.

Investigation of the methylglyoxal scavenging kinetics of different food matrices under simulated intestinal conditions

This study aimed to evaluate the potential roles of different foods to scavenge exogenous dicarbonyl compounds under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Four food groups having different arginine, creatine, thiol, and flavonoid contents were subjected to simulated gastric and intestinal conditions together with methylglyoxal. In comparison to control, foods from group 1 (chicken, beef and egg), group 2 (walnut, hazelnut, and kidney bean) and group 3 (broccoli, onion, garlic, and cauliflower) caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the concentration of methylglyoxal under gastric conditions. Egg was found as the most efficient methylglyoxal scavenger food under gastric conditions. Changes in the concentration of methylglyoxal were monitored kinetically during the intestinal phase. All foods caused significant (p < 0.05) decreases in the concentration of methylglyoxal under intestinal conditions. Chicken, beef, and broccoli were found to scavenge more than 80% of methylglyoxal during 2 h of intestinal digestion. The reaction of methylglyoxal with scavenging compounds in foods was evaluated using an irreversible bimolecular reaction model. Reaction rate constants and initial reaction rates were calculated for each food. The highest reaction rate constant was estimated as 26.6 ± 1.38 L/mol min for egg, while the highest initial reaction rate was 3.6 ± 0.42 mM/min for chicken. Foods were ranked according to their methylglyoxal scavenging rates under intestinal conditions and their scavenging potential was associated with their scavenging content.

Recovery kinetics of creatine in mild plantar flexion exercise using 3D creatine CEST imaging at 7 Tesla.

Two-dimensional creatine CEST (2D-CrCEST), with a slice thickness of 10-20 mm and temporal resolution (τRes ) of about 30 seconds, has previously been shown to capture the creatine-recovery kinetics in healthy controls and in patients with abnormal creatine-kinase kinetics following the mild plantar flexion exercise. Since the distribution of disease burden may vary across the muscle length for many musculoskeletal disorders, there is a need to increase coverage in the slice-encoding direction. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of 3D-CrCEST with τRes of about 30 seconds, and propose an improved voxel-wise -calibration approach for CrCEST. The current 7T study with enrollment of 5 volunteers involved collecting the baseline CrCEST imaging for the first 2 minutes, followed by 2 minutes of plantar flexion exercise and then 8 minutes of postexercise CrCEST imaging, to detect the temporal evolution of creatine concentration following exercise. Very good repeatability of 3D-CrCEST findings for activated muscle groups on an intraday and interday basis was established, with coefficient of variance of creatine recovery constants (τCr ) being 7%-15.7%, 7.5%, and 5.8% for lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, and peroneus longus, respectively. We also established a good intraday and interday scan repeatability for 3D-CrCEST and also showed good correspondence between τCr measurements using 2D-CrCEST and 3D-CrCEST acquisitions. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time the feasibility and the repeatability of the 3D-CrCEST method in calf muscle with improved correction to measure creatine-recovery kinetics within a large 3D volume of calf muscle.

Quantifying the fractional concentrations and exchange rates of small-linewidth CEST agents using the QUCESOP method under multi-solute conditions in MRI signals.

To develop a novel method for quantifying the fractional concentration (fb ) and the exchange rate (kb ) of a specific small-linewidth chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) solute in the presence of other unknown CEST solutes. A simplified R1ρ model was proposed assuming a small linewidth of the specific solute and a linear approximation of the other solutes' contribution to R1ρ . Two modes of CEST data acquisition, using various saturation offsets and various saturation powers, were used. The fb and kb of the specific solute could be fitted using the proposed model. In MRI experiments, using either single-solute or multi-solute phantoms with various creatine concentrations and pHs, the fb and kb values of creatine were calculated for each phantom; the fb and kb values of phosphocreatine in rats' skeletal muscles were also evaluated. The fitted fb value of creatine from the phantoms were in excellent agreement. The fitted kb value of creatine from the phantoms coincides with that from the literature, as do the fb and kb values of phosphocreatine in skeletal muscles. The proposed approach enables us to quantify the fb and kb values of a specific small-linewidth solute in the presence of other unknown solutes.

Subacute Changes in N-Acetylaspartate (NAA) Following Ischemic Stroke: A Serial MR Spectroscopy Pilot Study.

Preservation of neuronal tissue is crucial for recovery after stroke, but studies suggest that prolonged neuronal loss occurs following acute ischaemia. This study assessed the temporal pattern of neuronal loss in subacute ischemic stroke patients using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy, in parallel with functional recovery at 2, 6 and 12 weeks after stroke. Specifically, we measured N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline, myoinositol, creatine and lactate concentrations in the ipsilesional and contralesional thalamus of 15 first-ever acute ischaemic stroke patients and 15 control participants and correlated MRS concentrations with motor recovery, measured at 12 weeks using the Fugl–Meyer scale. NAA in the ipsilesional thalamus fell significantly between 2 and 12 weeks (10.0 to 7.97 mmol/L, p = 0.003), while choline, myoinositol and lactate concentrations increased (p = 0.025, p = 0.031, p = 0.001, respectively). Higher NAA concentrations in the ipsilesional thalamus at 2 and 12 weeks correlated with higher Fugl Meyer scores at 12 weeks (p = 0.004 and p = 0.006, respectively). While these results should be considered preliminary given the modest sample size, the progressive fall in NAA and late increases in choline, myoinositol and lactate may indicate progressive non-ischaemic neuronal loss, metabolically depressed neurons and/or diaschisis effects, which have a detrimental effect on motor recovery. Interventions that can potentially limit this ongoing subacute tissue damage may improve stroke recovery.

Short-term GAA loading: Responders versus nonresponders analysis.

Dietary guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) has been suggested to be advantageous for favorable changes in tissue bioenergetics in terms of responder versus nonresponder performance, yet no studies so far explored the proportion of two distinct populations following short‐term GAA intervention. A secondary analysis of previously completed guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) trials has been carried out in aim to classify individuals into responders and nonresponders using cut‐off criteria for an increase in intramuscular creatine. A total of 30 individuals (mean age = 34.5 years, women 66.7%) who were supplemented with up to 3 g/day of GAA for at least 28 days with total muscle creatine evaluated using 1.5 T magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies were included in this examination. Pre–post measures included total creatine content (creatine plus phosphocreatine) determined from the quadriceps muscle, with participants were classified by arbitrary cut‐off points in three categories, including responders (>10% increase in total creatine content at follow‐up), quasi‐responders (5%–10% increase), and nonresponders (<5% increase in total intramuscular creatine at postadministration). An average change in total creatine content after GAA supplementation was 22.9%, with 13.3% participants were categorized as nonresponders, 6.6% as quasi‐responders, and 80.0% as responders (p < .001). A fairly high prevalence of individuals sensitive to dietary GAA advances this innovative agent as a rather effective tool to improve muscle creatine levels for at least 10% or more during 28‐day loading.

Serum Metabolic Signatures of Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is characterized by the atherosclerotic narrowing of lower limb vessels, leading to ischemic muscle pain in older persons. Some patients experience progression to advanced chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) with poor long-term survivorship. Herein, we performed serum metabolomics to reveal the mechanisms of PAD pathophysiology that may improve its diagnosis and prognosis to CLTI complementary to the ankle–brachial index (ABI) and clinical presentations. Non-targeted metabolite profiling of serum was performed by multisegment injection–capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry (MSI–CE–MS) from age and sex-matched, non-diabetic, PAD participants who were recruited and clinically stratified based on the Rutherford classification into CLTI (n = 18) and intermittent claudication (IC, n = 20). Compared to the non-PAD controls (n = 20), PAD patients had lower serum concentrations of creatine, histidine, lysine, oxoproline, monomethylarginine, as well as higher circulating phenylacetylglutamine (p < 0.05). Importantly, CLTI cases exhibited higher serum concentrations of carnitine, creatinine, cystine and trimethylamine-N-oxide along with lower circulating fatty acids relative to well matched IC patients. Most serum metabolites associated with PAD progression were also correlated with ABI (r = ±0.24−0.59, p < 0.05), whereas the ratio of stearic acid to carnitine, and arginine to propionylcarnitine differentiated CLTI from IC with good accuracy (AUC = 0.87, p = 4.0 × 10−5). This work provides new biochemical insights into PAD progression for the early detection and surveillance of high-risk patients who may require peripheral vascular intervention to prevent amputation and premature death.

Serum Metabolomic Profile of Critical Limb-Threatening Ischemia Patients

Despite a high prevalence of 10% to 20% in the elderly population, peripheral artery disease (PAD) is often undiagnosed in the primary care setting as over 50% of patients are asymptomatic. Some patients experience variable and unpredicTable progression to the severe, end-stage form known as critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). A better understanding of this progression can reduce delays in surgical interventions, reduce amputations and decrease mortality. With the help of metabolomics, we aim to investigate PAD and CLTI at the metabolites level. Non-PAD, PAD, and CLTI patients were recruited for this study (ethics application number REB #16-375). Patients with diabetes, history of cancer, deep vein thrombosis, and acute coronary syndrome were excluded. Nontargeted metabolite screening of serum was conducted using three operation modes of multisegment injection-capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry with full-scan data acquisition, where a total of 90 authentic metabolites were consistently detected in the majority of samples after a stringent process of data filtering and quality control. A total of 60 patients were recruited and stratified based on the Rutherford Classification for chronic limb ischemia into CLTI (n = 20), PAD (n = 20) and non-PAD controls (n = 20). Compared with controls, patients with CLTI showed lower serum concentrations of creatine, lysine, histidine, linoleic and eicosadienoic acids, as well as higher concentrations of creatinine and phenylacetylglutamine that satisfied a false discovery rate adjustment (q < 0.05) (Figure). All identified serum metabolites were also correlated with the ankle-brachial index (r = ± 0.35 – 0.44; P = .01-.0001). Reduced creatine/creatinine ratios in circulation likely indicates a perturbation in energy metabolism within skeletal muscle, which may be specific to CLTI as compared to coronary artery disease. Lower serum levels of linoleic acid is indicative of increased atherosclerotic processes in CLTI patients, whereas phenylacetylglutamine is a uremic toxin that is an independent risk factor for overall mortality and cardiovascular disease. Also, decreased serum levels of the antioxidant histidine in the diseased state can contribute to reduced protection of vascular tissue from increased free radical production in CLTI patients. This work provides novel biochemical insights into the pathophysiology of CLTI and offers a new foundation for possible metabolic markers that can be used for PAD and CLTI screening and monitoring.

Fenestrated repair improves perioperative outcomes but lacks a hospital volume association for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms

BackgroundComplex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) have traditionally been treated with an open surgical repair (OSR). During the past decade, fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) has emerged as a viable option. Hospital procedural volume to outcome relationship for OSR of complex AAAs has been well established, but the impact of procedural volume on FEVAR outcomes remains undefined. This study investigated the outcomes of OSR and FEVAR for the treatment of complex AAAs and examined the hospital volume-outcome relationship for these procedures. MethodsA retrospective review of a statewide vascular surgery registry was queried for all patients between 2012 and 2018 who underwent elective repair of a juxtarenal/pararenal AAA with FEVAR or OSR. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality, myocardial infarction, and new dialysis. Secondary end points included postoperative pneumonia, renal dysfunction (creatine concentration increase of >2 mg/dL from preoperative baseline), major bleeding, early procedural complications, length of stay, and need for reintervention. To evaluate procedural volume-outcomes relationship, hospitals were stratified into low- and high-volume aortic centers based on a FEVAR annual procedural volume. To account for baseline differences, we calculated propensity scores and employed inverse probability of treatment weighting in comparing outcomes between treatment groups. ResultsA total of 589 patients underwent FEVAR (n = 186) or OSR (n = 403) for a complex AAA. After adjustment, OSR was associated with higher rates of 30-day mortality (10.7% vs 2.9%; P < .001) and need for dialysis (11.3% vs 1.8; P < .001). Postoperative pneumonia (6.8% vs 0.3%; P < .001) and need for transfusion (39.4% vs 10.4%; P < .001) were also significantly higher in the OSR cohort. The median length of stay for OSR and FEVAR was 9 days and 3 days, respectively. For those who underwent FEVAR, endoleaks were present in 12.1% of patients at 30 days and 6.1% of patients at 1 year, with the majority being type II. With a median follow-up period of 331 days (229-378 days), 1% of FEVAR patients required a secondary procedure, and there were no FEVAR conversions to an open aortic repair. Hospitals were divided into low- and high-volume aortic centers based on their annual FEVAR volume of complex AAAs. After adjustment, hospital FEVAR procedural volume was not associated with 30-day mortality or myocardial infarction. ConclusionsFEVAR was associated with lower perioperative morbidity and mortality compared with OSR for the management of complex AAAs. Procedural FEVAR volume outcome analysis suggests limited differences in 30-day morbidity, although long-term durability warrants further research.

Guanidinoacetic acid loading for improved location-specific brain creatine.

We conducted here a secondary analysis of previously completed guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) loading trials categorizing participants into responders and non-responders using cut-off points for an increase in the location-specific levels of brain creatine (e.g. thalamus, cerebellum, white and grey matter). A total of 19 healthy men (mean age=24.8 years) who were supplemented with 3g/d of GAA for 4 weeks, with total brain creatine evaluated using 1.5T magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) were included in this report. An average elevation in total creatine content after 28-day GAA loading was 17.3% in the cerebellum (95% confidence interval [CI] from 9.7 to 24.9), 12.1% in the white matter (95% CI from 5.1 to 19.1), and 8.9% in the grey matter (95% CI from 5.2 to 12.6), while total creatine actually dropped in the thalamus at a follow-up for 9.1% (95% CI from 6.8 to 11.4). The prevalence of responders was the highest for the cerebellum (73.6%), followed by the white matter (47.3%) and the grey matter (42.1%), while only two individuals (10.5%) experienced a relevant rise in the thalamus creatine content at 28-day follow-up (P<0.001). This aftermath evaluation of previously published data suggests a relatively favorable (and location-specific) response rate to short-term GAA loading in healthy young men. A somewhat contrasting location-dependent pattern for GAA and creatine to positively affect brain creatine may be of great interest to the scientific community by dispensing different interventions to tackle poor bioenergetics in distinct brain regions.

Effects of Renshenjian Decoction on blood and urine metabonomics in type 2 diabetes rats based on ~1H-NMR

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance(~1H-NMR) is used to investigate the effect of Renshenjian Decoction on serum and urine metabolism of type 2 diabetic rats with insulin resistance induced by high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with low-dose streptozotocin(STZ). After the successful establishment of the insulin resistance model of type 2 diabetes, administration for 35 days, the serum and urine of rats were taken. Once the ~1H-NMR data have been collected and processed, PCA and OPLS-DA were used to analyze them. The results show that: compared with the blank group, the contents of methionine, taurine, α-glucose and β-glucose in the serum of the model group increased significantly(P&lt;0.001), while the contents of 3-hydroxybutyric acid, lactic acid and unsaturated fatty acids decreased significantly(P&lt;0.01). In the model group, the contents of trimethylamine oxide, glycine, α-glucose, β-glucose, taurine and phosphocholine in urine increased significantly(P&lt;0.05), while the contents of creatine, lactic acid, acetic acid and citric acid decreased significantly(P&lt;0.05). Compared with the model group, the contents of 3-hydroxybutyric acid and unsaturated fatty acids in serum of rats in the treatment group increased significantly(P&lt;0.05), while the contents of taurine, α-glucose and β-glucose decreased significantly(P&lt;0.01). In the treatment group, the contents of lactic acid, taurine and creatine in urine increased significantly(P&lt;0.05), while the contents of trimethylamine oxide, glycine, α-glucose, β-glucose and phosphocholine decreased significantly(P&lt;0.01). The results show that Renshenjian Decoction can regulate metabolic disorder and promote the metabolic phenotype to return to the normal range. It displayed therapeutic effect on type 2 diabetic rats with insulin resistance and provided a certain scientific basis for the biological basic research of Renshenjian Decoction by improving insulin resistance in diabetes mellitus.

Insular Cell Integrity Markers Linked to Weight Concern in Anorexia Nervosa-An MR-Spectroscopy Study.

Objective: An insular involvement in the pathogenesis of anorexia nervosa (AN) has been suggested in many structural and functional neuroimaging studies. This magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) study is the first to investigate metabolic signals in the anterior insular cortex in patients with AN and recovered individuals (REC). Method: The MR spectra of 32 adult women with AN, 21 REC subjects and 33 healthy controls (HC) were quantified for absolute N-acetylaspartate (NAA), glutamate + glutamine (Glx), total choline, myo-inositol, creatine concentrations (mM/L). After adjusting the metabolite concentrations for age and partial gray/white matter volume, group differences were tested using one-way multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA). Post-hoc analyses of variance were applied to identify those metabolites that showed significant group effects. Correlations were tested for associations with psychometric measures (eating disorder examination), duration of illness, and body mass index. Results: The MANOVA exhibited a significant group effect. The NAA signal was reduced in the AN group compared to the HC group. The REC and the HC groups did not differ in metabolite concentrations. In the AN group, lower NAA and Glx signals were related to increased weight concern. Discussion: We interpret the decreased NAA availability in the anterior insula as a signal of impaired neuronal integrity or density. The association of weight concern, which is a core feature of AN, with decreased NAA and Glx indicates that disturbances of glutamatergic neurotransmission might be related to core psychopathology in AN. The absence of significant metabolic differences between the REC and HC subjects suggests that metabolic alterations in AN represent a state rather than a trait phenomenon.

Benefits of Creatine Supplementation for Vegetarians Compared to Omnivorous Athletes: A Systematic Review.

Background: Creatine monohydrate is a nutritional supplement often consumed by athletes in anaerobic sports. Creatine is naturally found in most meat products; therefore, vegetarians have reduced creatine stores and may benefit from supplementation. Objective: to determine the effects of creatine supplementation on vegetarians. Data sources: PubMed and SPORTDiscus. Eligibility criteria: Randomized controlled trials (parallel group, cross-over studies) or prospective studies. Participants: Vegetarians. Intervention: Creatine supplementation. Study appraisal and synthesis: A total of 64 records were identified, and eleven full-text articles (covering nine studies) were included in this systematic review. Results: Creatine supplementation in vegetarians increased total creatine, creatine, and phosphocreatine concentrations in vastus lateralis and gastrocnemius muscle, plasma, and red blood cells, often to levels greater than omnivores. Creatine supplementation had no effect on brain levels of phosphocreatine. Creatine supplementation increased lean tissue mass, type II fiber area, insulin-like growth factor-1, muscular strength, muscular endurance, Wingate mean power output, and brain function (memory and intelligence) in vegetarian participants. Studies were mixed on whether creatine supplementation improved exercise performance in vegetarians to a greater extent compared to omnivores. Limitations: Studies that were reviewed had moderate–high risk of bias. Conclusions: Overall, it appears vegetarian athletes are likely to benefit from creatine supplementation.

From broiler breeder hen feed to the egg and embryo: The molecular effects of guanidinoacetate supplementation on creatine transport and synthesis

Supplementation of broiler breeder hens with beneficial additives bears great potential for affecting nutrient deposition into the fertile egg. Guanidinoacetate (GAA) is the endogenous precursor of creatine that is used as a feed additive for improving cellular energy metabolism in animal nutrition. In the present study, we have investigated whether GAA supplementation in broiler breeder feed affects creatine deposition into the hatching egg and molecular mechanisms of creatine transport and synthesis within hens and their progeny. For this, broiler breeder hens of 47 wk of age were supplemented with 0.15% GAA for 15 wk, and samples from their tissues, hatching eggs and progeny were compared with those of control, nonsupplemented hens. A significant increase in creatine content was found within the yolk and albumen of hatching eggs obtained from the GAA group, compared with the control group. The GAA group exhibited a significant increased creatine transporter gene expression compared with the control group in their small intestines and oviduct. In GAA group progeny, a significant decrease in creatine transporter expression at embryonic day 19 and day of hatch was found, compared with control group progeny. At the day of hatch, creatine synthesis genes (arginine glycine amidinotransferase and guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase) exhibited significant decrease in expression in the GAA group progeny compared with control group progeny. These results indicate that GAA supplementation in broiler breeder feed increases its absorbance and deposition into hatching eggs, subsequently affecting GAA and creatine absorbance and synthesis within broiler progeny.

A biochemical comparison of the lung, colonic, brain, renal, and ovarian cancer cell lines using 1H-NMR spectroscopy.

Cancer cell lines are often used for cancer research. However, continuous genetic instability-induced heterogeneity of cell lines can hinder the reproducibility of cancer research. Molecular profiling approaches including transcriptomics, chromatin modification profiling, and proteomics are used to evaluate the phenotypic characteristics of cell lines. However, these do not reflect the metabolic function at the molecular level. Metabolic phenotyping is a powerful tool to profile the biochemical composition of cell lines. In the present study, 1H-NMR spectroscopy-based metabolic phenotyping was used to detect metabolic differences among five cancer cell lines, namely, lung (A549), colonic (Caco2), brain (H4), renal (RCC), and ovarian (SKOV3) cancer cells. The concentrations of choline, creatine, lactate, alanine, fumarate and succinate varied remarkably among different cell types. The significantly higher intracellular concentrations of glutathione, myo-inositol, and phosphocholine were found in the SKOV3 cell line relative to other cell lines. The concentration of glutamate was higher in both SKOV3 and RCC cells compared with other cell lines. For cell culture media analysis, isopropanol was found to be the highest in RCC media, followed by A549 and SKOV3 media, while acetone was the highest in A549, followed by RCC and SKOV3. These results demonstrated that 1H-NMR-based metabolic phenotyping approach allows us to characterize specific metabolic signatures of cancer cell lines and provides phenotypical information of cellular metabolism.

A preliminary study of the biochemical environment of infertile testes with clinical varicocele

PurposeTo investigate the role of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.(1H-MRS) in the assessment of the biochemical environment of testes in infertile men with clinical varicocele. MethodsIn this prospective IRB approved study, 13 infertile men with clinical varicocele and 11 age-matched controls were assessed. 1H-MRS was performed using a single voxel point-resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) sequence with TR/TE: 2000/25 ms. Normalized metabolite concentrations, defined as ratios of the calculated metabolite concentrations relative to total creatine (tCr) concentration were compared between infertile testes with clinical varicocele and normal testes using nonparametric statistical tests. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the most significant predictor for the diagnosis of varicocele. ResultsSeveral metabolic peaks were found in both infertile testes with clinical varicocele and normal testes. Most prominent peaks were the following: total choline (tCho), tCr, myo-inositol (mI), Glx, and total lipids and macromolecules resonating at 0.9 ppm (TLM09), 1.3 ppm (TLM13) and 2.0 ppm (TLM20). Lower normalized concentrations of tCho (P = 0.001), mI (P = 0.012), Glx (P = 0.011), TLM09 (P = 0.027), TLM13 (P = 0.035) and TLM20 (P = 0.021) were found in infertile testes with clinical varicocele compared with normal men. Total Cho proved the most significant predictor for the diagnosis of clinical varicocele (P = 0.001). Conclusions1H-MR spectra of infertile testes with clinical varicocele showed decrease in normalized concentrations of tChol, ml, Glx and lipids. 1H-MRS of the testes might be used as a noninvasive marker of deranged spermatogenesis in infertile men with clinical varicocele.

Hypothalamic and brain stem neurochemical profile in anorectic rats after peripheral administration of kisspeptin-10 using 1 H-nmr spectroscopy in vivo.

Although anorexia nervosa is classified as a psychiatric disorder associated with socio-environmental and psychological factors, a deeper insight into the dominant neurobiological basis is needed to develop a more effective approach of treatment. Given the high contribution of genetic predisposition and the underlying pathophysiology of neurohormonal circuits, it seems that pharmacological targeting of these mechanisms may provide us with better therapeutic outcomes. 1 H-NMR spectroscopy was used to measure concentrations of the hypothalamus and brain stem metabolites in an activity-based rodent model (ABA) after subcutaneous administration of kisspeptin-10. Because anorexia mainly affects young women and often leads to hypogonadotropic-hypogonadism, we investigated the influence of this neuropeptide, which is involved in reproductive function by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, on the ABA model development. Kisspeptin reinforced food consumption in an activity-based rodent model of anorexia changing a pattern of weight loss. 1 H-NMR spectroscopy of the hypothalamus and brain stem of ABA rats revealed a statistically significant change in the concentration of creatine (Cr; decreased, P = 0.030), phosphocreatine (PCr; increased, P = 0.030), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA; decreased, P = 0.011), glutathione (GSH; increased, P = 0.011) and inositol (INS; increased, P = 0.047) compared to the control group. Subcutaneous administration of kisspeptin reversed the decrease in GABA (P = 0.018) and Cr (P = 0.030) levels in the hypothalamus as well as restored glutamate (GLU; P = 0.040) level in the brain stem. We suspect that kisspeptin through modulation of hypothalamic GABAergic signaling increases food intake, and thus positively alters brain metabolism.