Combination of amylopectin and chromium form improves energy storage and reduces muscle fatigue in rats during exhaustive exercise

Authors: MEHMET IRMAK, NURHAN ŞAHİN, CEMAL ORHAN, MEHMET TUZCU, PATRICK BRICE DEFO DEEH, MELTEM YARDIM, ARMAĞAN HAYIRLI, JAMES KOMOROWSKI, KAZİM ŞAHİN

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.

Keywords: Amylopectin, chromium picolinate, chromium histidinate, exercise, muscle fatigue

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