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.

Combined oral supplementation of chromium picolinate, docosahexaenoic acid, and boron enhances neuroprotection in rats fed a high-fat diet

Background/aim: A novel complex of a nutritional supplement (CDB) contains chromium picolinate (CrPic), phosphatidylserine (PS), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and boron (B). The present study aimed to investigate the effects of CDB on the metabolic profile and memory acquisition in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups and received either a regular diet or HFD supplemented with or without different levels of CDB (0, 11, or 22 mg/kg BW). Results: Rats fed the HFD had greater glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and serum malondialdehyde concentrations, but lower serotonin and tryptophan in the serum and brain and lower Cr concentrations in serum, kidney, brain, and liver (P < 0.0001). CDB complex supplementation reversed all the effects, and the reversal effect was more pronounced with HFD for some parameters. Latency was less (P < 0.05) but probe was greater (P < 0.0001) for rats fed a regular diet. Increasing CDB complex levels in the diets resulted in a linear decrease in latency (P < 0.0002) but a linear increase in probe (P < 0.0002). Conclusion: Findings of the present work indicate that the CDB complex could be considered as an alternative treatment for preventing certain metabolic diseases and improving neurological functions, such as learning and memory.

Anti-diabetic potential of chromium histidinate in diabetic retinopathy rats.

BACKGROUND: Chromium (Cr) is commonly used as a complementary medicine for diabetes mellitus. Several studies suggest that Cr intakes may improve glucose metabolism and decrease oxidative stress. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effects of chromium histidinate (CrHis) supplementation using a range of reliable biomarkers of oxidative damage and histopathological changes in rats with diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin [(STZ), 55 mg/kg] by intraperitoneal injection in male Long-Evans rats. Three weeks after STZ injection, rats were divided into four groups, namely, untreated normal controls, normal rats receiving CrHis (110 µg/kg/day); untreated diabetics and diabetics treated with CrHis (110 µg/kg/day) orally for 12 weeks. RESULTS: In the untreated diabetic group, levels of serum glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC) and retina malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased, while expressions of retina insulin, and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT 1) and glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3) and level of serum insulin were decreased. CrHis supplementation was found to reduce the levels of glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol and MDA and to improve the GLUT1, GLUT3 and insulin expressions in STZ-induced diabetic rats. CrHis prevents the changes in the expressions of GLUT1, GLUT3 and insulin and the level of MDA in the retina tissue, confirming the protective effect of CrHis supplementation against the retinopathy caused by STZ. Histopathologic findings suggest that the CrHis-treated diabetic group had normal retinal tissue appearance compared with the untreated diabetic group. CONCLUSIONS: These results verify that CrHis has critical beneficial effects against retinal complications. Although detailed studies are required for the evaluation of the exact mechanism of the ameliorative effects of CrHis against diabetic complications, these preliminary experimental findings demonstrate that CrHis exhibits antidiabetic effects in a rat model of diabetic retinopathy by regulating the glucose metabolism and suppressing retinal tissue damage.

Effects of Whey Protein Combined with Amylopectin/Chromium on the Muscle Protein Synthesis and mTOR Phosphorylation in Exercised Rats.

This study aimed to examine the impact of varying doses of whey protein (WP) and amylopectin/chromium complex (ACr) supplementation on muscle protein synthesis (MPS), amino acid and insulin levels, and the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways in exercised rats. A total of 72 rats were randomly divided into nine groups: (1) Exercise (Ex), (2) Ex + WPI to (5) Ex + WPIV with various oral doses of whey protein (0.465, 1.55, 2.33, and 3.1 g/kg) and (6) Ex + WPI + ACr to (9) Ex + WPIV + ACr with various doses of whey protein combined with 0.155 g/kg ACr. On the day of single-dose administration, the products were given by oral gavage after exercise. To measure the protein fractional synthesis rate (FSR), a bolus dose of deuterium-labeled phenylalanine was given, and its effects were evaluated 1 h after supplementation. Rats that received 3.1 g/kg of whey protein (WP) combined with ACr exhibited the most significant increase in muscle protein synthesis (MPS) compared to the Ex group (115.7%, p < 0.0001). In comparison to rats that received the same dose of WP alone, those given the combination of WP and ACr at the same dosage showed a 14.3% increase in MPS (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the WP (3.1 g/kg) + ACr group exhibited the highest elevation in serum insulin levels when compared to the Ex group (111.9%, p < 0.0001). Among the different groups, the WP (2.33 g/kg) + ACr group demonstrated the greatest increase in mTOR levels (224.2%, p < 0.0001). Additionally, the combination of WP (2.33 g/kg) and ACr resulted in a 169.8% increase in 4E-BP1 levels (p < 0.0001), while S6K1 levels rose by 141.2% in the WP (2.33 g/kg) + ACr group (p < 0.0001). Overall, supplementation with various doses of WP combined with ACr increased MPS and enhanced the mTOR signaling pathway compared to WP alone and the Ex group.

Anti-diabetic activity of chromium picolinate and biotin in rats with type 2 diabetes induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate anti-diabetic effects of chromium picolinate (CrPic) and biotin supplementations in type 2 diabetic rats. The type 2 diabetic rat model was induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and low-dose streptozotocin. The rats were divided into five groups as follows: (1) non-diabetic rats fed a regular diet; (2) diabetic rats fed a HFD; (3) diabetic rats fed a HFD and supplemented with CrPic (80 µg/kg body weight (BW) per d); (4) diabetic rats fed a HFD and supplemented with biotin (300 µg/kg BW per d); (5) diabetic rats fed a HFD and supplemented with both CrPic and biotin. Circulating glucose, cortisol, total cholesterol, TAG, NEFA and malondialdehyde concentrations decreased (P< 0·05), but serum insulin concentrations increased (P< 0·05) in diabetic rats treated with biotin and CrPic, particularly with a combination of the supplements. Feeding a HFD to diabetic rats decreased PPAR-γ expression in adipose tissue and phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1 (p-IRS-1) expression of liver, kidney and muscle tissues, while the supplements increased (P< 0·001) PPAR-γ and p-IRS-1 expressions in relevant tissues. Expression of NF-κB in the liver and kidney was greater in diabetic rats fed a HFD, as compared with rats fed a regular diet (P< 0·01). The supplements decreased the expression of NF-κB in diabetic rats (P< 0·05). Results of the present study revealed that supplementing CrPic and biotin alone or in a combination exerts anti-diabetic activities, probably through modulation of PPAR-γ, IRS-1 and NF-κB proteins.

Nicotinamide Riboside and Phycocyanin Oligopeptides Affect Stress Susceptibility in Chronic Corticosterone-Exposed Rats.

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is an NAD+ precursor capable of regulating mammalian cellular metabolism. Phycocyanin oligopeptide (PC), a phytonutrient found in blue-green algae, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study explored the effects of NR, PC, and their combination on the telomere length as well as inflammatory and antioxidant status of rats under chronic stress conditions (CS). Forty-nine rats were allocated into seven groups: control, chronic stress (CS), CS with NR (26.44 mg/kg), a low dose of 2.64 mg/kg of PC (PC-LD), or a high dose of 26.44 mg/kg PC (PC-HD), NR + PC-LD, and NR + PC-HF. The rats were given daily corticosterone injections (40 mg/kg) to induce stress conditions, or NR and PC were orally administered for 21 days. NR and PC supplementation, particularly NR plus PC, increased the serum antioxidant enzyme activities, hepatic nicotinamide adenine (NAD+) content, and telomere length (p < 0.001 for all) compared to the CS group. The levels of serum malondialdehyde (MDA), liver interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), IL-1ß, and IL-8 were reduced under the CS condition (p < 0.001). In addition, CS decreased the levels of hepatic telomere-related proteins and sirtuins (SIRT1 and 3), whereas administration of NR and PC or their combination to CS-exposed rats increased the levels of telomere-related proteins (e.g., POT1b, TRF1 and TRF2), SIRT3 and NAMPT (p < 0.05). In conclusion, NR and PC, especially their combination, can alleviate metabolic abnormalities by enhancing hepatic cytokines, SIRT3, NAMPT, and NAD+ levels in CS-exposed rats. More research is needed to further elucidate the potential health effects of the combination of NR and PC in humans.

A novel nutritional supplement containing chromium picolinate, phosphatidylserine, docosahexaenoic acid, and boron activates the antioxidant pathway Nrf2/HO-1 and protects the brain against oxidative stress in high-fat-fed rats.

AIMS: A novel nutritional supplement complex (N21 #125) composed of four well-known compounds (chromium picolinate, phosphatidylserine, docosahexaenoic acid, and boron) was designed to improve memory function and maintain brain health. The present study evaluated the complex's potential mechanism of action and its role in reducing oxidative stress in the brain of obese rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n = 40, 8-week-old) were divided into four groups. Group I was fed a standard diet; Group II was fed a standard diet and supplemented with N21 } Group III was fed an HFD; and Group IV was fed an HFD and supplemented with N21 #125 for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Rats fed HFD had greater serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and brain malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations than rats fed the control diet. Supplementation of N21 #125 decreased CRP, TNF-α, and MDA concentration in rats fed HFD. The levels of brain nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase, extracellular signal-regulated kinases and protein kinase B were lower in rats fed the control diet than for rats fed the HFD. These parameters were increased by supplementation of N21 #125. DISCUSSION: The data indicate that N21 #125 protected the brain from oxidative damage and inflammation induced by the HFD. This effect may be through up-regulation of the transcription factor Nrf2 expression.

Maca could improve endurance capacity possibly by increasing mitochondrial biogenesis pathways and antioxidant response in exercised rats.

The objective of this study was to shed light on the effect of a novel Lepidium peruvianum (Maca) blend on anti-fatigue capacities in exercised rats. Twenty-eight male albino rats were allocated into four groups (n = 7) at random: (i) Control (vehicle), (ii) Maca: (40 mg/kg/BW), (iii) WL-FST: weight-loaded forced swimming test group, and (iv) WL-FST + Maca group. Maca supplementation increased swimming time to exhaustion (p < .01), while decreased serum lactate and liver glycogen concentrations. Maca addition resulted in lower levels of serum, liver, and muscle MDA (p < .05). Muscle GPx activity increased in both Maca groups (p < .001). Moreover, NF-κB levels were less in the WL-FST + Maca compared to the WL-FST group (p < .001). Nrf1, Nrf2, PGC-1α, SIRT1, and TFAM levels were augmented in the WL-FST + Maca compared to the WL-FST (p < .05). Consequently, our Maca blend increased endurance capacity and prevented exercise-induced oxidative stress and lactic acid buildup. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The brassica species Lepidium peruvianum (maca) has been consumed in Peru for centuries to enhance mood, libido, and energy. Although the positive effects of this plant on energy metabolism are accredited, the underlying molecular mechanisms of these effects have not been sufficiently elucidated. The current study's findings suggest that this innovative, exclusive maca powder blend can boost endurance while preventing oxidative stress and lactic acid buildup during acute exercise. The mechanism of this efficacy is thought to be caused by maca's regulatory properties on energy metabolism signaling receptors and strong antioxidant scavenging effects on the free radicals that are produced by prolonged exhaustive exercise periods.

Effects of magnesium picolinate, zinc picolinate, and selenomethionine co-supplementation on reproductive hormones, and glucose and lipid metabolism-related protein expressions in male rats fed a high-fat diet.

This study aimed to examine the impacts of the magnesium picolinate (MgPic), zinc picolinate (ZnPic), and selenomethionine (SeMet) alone or as a combination on blood metabolites, oxidative enzymes, reproductive hormones, and glucose and lipid metabolism-related protein expressions in Wistar rats fed a high-fed diet (HFD). The rats were fed either a control, HFD, or HFD supplemented with a single (MgPic, ZnPic, SeMet) or two or three organic mineral combinations. Body weights, visceral fat, serum glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, leptin, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as well as liver sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) levels increased, while serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) concentrations along with liver nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) levels declined in HFD rats (P < 0.05). Supplementing each organic mineral, but particularly the combination of HFD + MgPic + ZnPic + SeMet reversed the responses with various degrees. None of the organic elements alone or as a combination of two exerted a prominent effect on parameters measured. Although not additive or synergistic, the combination of all organic minerals added to HFD (HFD + MgPic + ZnPic + SeMet) provided the greatest responses.

Effects of a Novel Magnesium Complex on Metabolic and Cognitive Functions and the Expression of Synapse-Associated Proteins in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet.

This study was conducted to compare the effects of a novel form of magnesium, Mg picolinate (MgPic), to magnesium oxide (MgO) on metabolic and cognitive functions and the expression of genes associated with these functions in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Forty-two Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control, MgO, MgPic, HFD, HFD + MgO, and HFD + MgPic. Mg was supplemented at 500 mg of elemental Mg/kg diet for 8 weeks. MgPic and MgO supplementation decreased visceral fat, serum glucose, insulin, leptin, TC, TG, FFA, testosterone, FSH, LH, SHBG, IGF-1, and MDA levels, but increased brain SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities in HFD rats. Inflammation and cognitive-related markers (presynaptic synapsin PSD95, postsynaptic PSD93, postsynaptic GluR1, and GluR2) were improved in HFD rats administered Mg, with more significant effects seen in the MgPic group. MgPic also decreased brain NF-κB but elevated brain Nrf2 levels, compared with the HFD group. The phosphorylation levels of Akt (Thr308), Akt (Ser473), PI3K try 458/199, and Ser9-GSK-3 in the brain were improved after Mg treatment in HFD rats, with more potent effects seen from MgPic supplementation. MgPic has a higher bioavailability and is more effective in improving metabolic parameters and enhancing memory than MgO. The pro-cognitive effects of MgO and MgPic could be mediated via modulation of the AMPA-type glutamate receptor and activation of the PI3K-Akt-GSK-3ß signaling pathway. These findings further support the use of MgPic in the management of metabolic and cognitive disorders.

Therapeutic Effects of a Novel Form of Biotin on Propionic Acid-Induced Autistic Features in Rats.

Magnesium biotinate (MgB) is a novel biotin complex with superior absorption and anti-inflammatory effects in the brain than D-Biotin. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different doses of MgB on social behavior deficits, learning and memory alteration, and inflammatory markers in propionic acid (PPA)-exposed rats. In this case, 35 Wistar rats (3 weeks old) were distributed into five groups: 1, Control; 2, PPA treated group; 3, PPA+MgBI (10 mg, HED); 4, PPA+MgBII (100 mg, HED); 5, PPA+MgBIII (500 mg, HED). PPA was given subcutaneously at 500 mg/kg/day for five days, followed by MgB for two weeks. PPA-exposed rats showed poor sociability and a high level of anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive impairments (p < 0.001). In a dose-dependent manner, behavioral and learning-memory disorders were significantly improved by MgB supplementation (p < 0.05). PPA decreased both the numbers and the sizes of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. However, MgB administration increased the sizes and the densities of Purkinje cells. MgB improved the brain and serum Mg, biotin, serotonin, and dopamine concentrations, as well as antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GPx, and GSH) (p < 0.05). In addition, MgB treatment significantly regulated the neurotoxicity-related cytokines and neurotransmission-related markers. For instance, MgB significantly decreased the expression level of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, CCL-3, CCL-5, and CXCL-16 in the brain, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). These data demonstrate that MgB may ameliorate dysfunctions in social behavior, learning and memory and reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation indexes of the brain in a rat model.

Effects of supplementing different chromium histidinate complexes on glucose and lipid metabolism and related protein expressions in rats fed a high-fat diet.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different chromium histidinate (CrHis) complexes added to the diet of rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD) on body weight changes, glucose and lipid metabolism parameters, and changes in biomarkers such as PPAR-γ, IRS-1, GLUTs, and NF-κB proteins. METHODS: Forty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided equally into six groups and fed either a control, an HFD, or an HFD supplemented with either CrHis1, CrHis2, CrHis3, or a combination of the CrHis complexes as CrHisM. RESULTS: Feeding an HFD to rats increased body weights, HOMA-IR values, fasting serum glucose, insulin, leptin, free fatty acid, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and MDA concentrations as well as AST activities, and decreased serum and brain serotonin concentrations compared with rats fed a control diet (P < 0.0001). The levels of the PPAR-γ, IRS-1, and GLUTs in the liver and brain decreased, while NF-κB level increased, with feeding an HFD (P < 0.05). Although all the CrHis supplements reversed the negative effects of feeding an HFD (P < 0.05), the CrHis1 complex was most effective in changing the protein levels, while CrHisM was most effective in influencing certain parameters such as body weight and serum metabolites. CONCLUSION: The results of the present work suggest that the CrHis1 complex is most potent for alleviating the negative effects of feeding an HFD. The efficacy of CrHisM is likely due to the presence of the CrHis1 complex.

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.

The addition of an amylopectin/chromium complex to branched-chain amino acids enhances muscle protein synthesis in rat skeletal muscle.

BACKGROUND: A previous clinical study reported that the addition of an amylopectin/chromium complex (ACr; Velositol®) to 6 g of whey protein (WP) significantly enhanced muscle protein synthesis (MPS). Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are also well-known to enhance MPS. The aim of this study was to determine if the addition of ACr to BCAAs can enhance MPS and activate expression of the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway compared to BCAAs and exercise alone in exercise-trained rats. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8 per group): (I) Exercise control, (II) Exercise plus BCAAs (0.465 g/kg BW, a 6 g human equivalent dose (HED)), and (III) Exercise plus BCAAs (0.465 g/kg BW) and ACr (0.155 g/kg BW, a 2 g HED). All animals were trained with treadmill exercise for 10 days. On the day of the single-dose experiment, rats were exercised at 26 m/min for 2 h and then fed, via oral gavage, study product. One hour after the consumption of study product, rats were injected with a bolus dose (250 mg/kg BW, 25 g/L) of phenylalanine labeled with deuterium to measure the fractional rate of protein synthesis (FSR). Ten minutes later, muscle tissue samples were taken to determine MPS measured by FSR and the phosphorylation of proteins involved in the mTOR pathway including mTOR, S6K1, and 4E-BP1. RESULTS: ACr combined with BCAAs increased MPS by 71% compared to the exercise control group, while BCAAs alone increased MPS by 57% over control (p < 0.05). ACr plus BCAAs significantly enhanced phosphorylation of mTOR, S6K1 and 4E-BP1 compared to exercise control rats (p < 0.05). The addition of ACr to BCAAs enhanced insulin levels, mTOR and S6K1 phosphorylation compared to BCAAs alone (p < 0.05). Serum insulin concentration was positively correlated with the levels of mTOR, (r = 0.923), S6K1 (r = 0.814) and 4E-BP1 (r = 0.953). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the results of this study provide evidence that the addition of ACr to BCAAs significantly enhances exercise-induced MPS, and the phosphorylation of mTOR signaling proteins, compared to BCAAs and exercise alone.

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.

Effect of supplementing chromium histidinate and picolinate complexes along with biotin on insulin sensitivity and related metabolic indices in rats fed a high-fat diet.

SCOPE: To investigate the effects of chromium histidinate (CrHis) and chromium picolinate (CrPic) complex along with biotin to a high-fat diet (HFD) fed to rats on the insulin sensitivity and the anti-obesity properties. METHODS: Forty-two Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into six groups. The rats were fed either (a): a standard diet (Control) or (b): a HFD or (c): a HFD with biotin (HFD+B) or (d): a combination of HFD and biotin along with CrPic (HFD + B + CrPic) or (e): a combination of HFD and biotin along with CrHis (HFD + B + CrHis) or (f): a combination of HFD and biotin along with CrHis and CrPic (HFD + B + CrHis + CrPic). RESULTS: Adding biotin with chromium to HFD improved the glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, leptin, lipid profile, with HFD+B+CrHis treatment being the most effective (p = 0.0001). Serum, liver, and brain tissue Cr concentrations increased upon Cr supplementations (p = 0.0001). Supplementing CrHis along with biotin to a HFD (HFD + B + CrHis) provided the greatest levels of GLUT-1, GLUT-3, PPAR-γ, and IRS-1, but the lowest level of NF-κB in the brain and liver tissues. CONCLUSION: Biotin supplementation with chromium complexes, CrHis in particular, to a HFD pose to be a potential therapeutic feature for the treatment of insulin resistance.

Organic Chromium Form Alleviates the Detrimental Effects of Heat Stress on Nutrient Digestibility and Nutrient Transporters in Laying Hens.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of chromium-picolinate (CrPic) and chromium-histidinate (CrHis) on nutrient digestibility and nutrient transporters in laying hens exposed to heat stress (HS). Hens (n = 1800; 16 weeks old) were kept in cages in temperature-controlled rooms at either 22 ± 2 °C for 24 h/day (thermoneutral (TN)) or 34 ± 2 °C for 8 h/day, from 08:00 to 17:00, followed by 22 °C for 16 h (HS) for 12 weeks. Hens reared under both environmental conditions were fed one of three diets: a basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with either 1.600 mg of CrPic (12.43% Cr) or 0.788 mg of CrHis (25.22% Cr) per kg of diet, delivering 200 µg elemental Cr per kg of diet. HS impaired the nutrient digestibility and nutrient transports in laying hens (P < 0.001). However, both Cr sources increased digestibility of dry matter (DM; P < 0.001), organic matter (OM; P < 0.05), crude protein (CP; P < 0.001), and crude fat (CF; P < 0.001). Both Cr sources partially alleviated detrimental effects of HS on fatty acid-binding and transport protein1 (FABP1, FATP1), glucose (SGLT1, GLUT1, GLUT10), protein (PepT1, PepT2), and amino acid transporters (ASCT1, bo,+AT1, CAT1, EAAT1, LAT1) of the ileum (P < 0.0001). The efficacy of Cr as CrHis was more notable than Cr as CrPic, which could be attributed to higher bioavailability. Finally, the detrimental effects of HS on nutrient digestibility and nutrient transporters were alleviated by CrPic and CrHis. These findings may justify the use of CrPic and CrHis in poultry.

Combination of Soy Protein, Amylopectin, and Chromium Stimulates Muscle Protein Synthesis by Regulation of Ubiquitin-Proteasome Proteolysis Pathway after Exercise.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of the combination of soy protein, amylopectin, and chromium (SAC) on muscle protein synthesis and signal transduction pathways involved in protein synthesis (mTOR pathways, IGF-1, and AktSer473) and proteolysis (FOXO1Ser256; MURF1, MAFbx) after exercise. Thirty-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: (1) control (C); (2) exercise (E); (3) exercise + soy protein (3.1 g/kg/day) (E + S); (4) exercise + soy protein + chromium (E + S + Cr); (5) exercise + soy protein + amylopectin + chromium (E + S + A + Cr). Post-exercise ingestion of SAC significantly increased the fractional rate of protein synthesis (FSR), insulin, glycogen, and amino acid levels with the highest effect observed in E + S + A + Cr group (P Ë‚ 0.05). However, SAC supplementation decreased the lactic acid concentration (P Ë‚ 0.05). A reduction in forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) and forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3) (regulators of ubiquitin-related proteolysis) and muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx) levels was noted after treatment with SAC (P < 0.05). Insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1) level was increased in the E + S, E + S + Cr, and E + S + A + Cr groups (P < 0.05). While the phosphorylation of 4E-BP1Thr37/46, AktSer473, mTORSer2448, and S6K1Thr389 levels increased after SAC supplementation, phosphorylated muscle ring finger 1 (MuRF-1, an E3-ubiquitin ligase gene) was found to be significantly lower compared with the E group (P Ë‚ 0.05). These results indicate that SAC supplementation improves FSR, insulin, and glycogen levels after exercise. SAC improves protein synthesis by inhibiting the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and inducing anabolic metabolism.

Effect of inositol -stabilized arginine silicate on arthritis in a rat model.

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of arginine-silicate-inositol complex (ASI), compared to a combination of the individual ingredients (A+S+I) of the ASI, on inflammatory markers and joint health in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model. A total of 28 Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (i) Control; (ii) Arthritic group, rats subjected to CIA induction by injection of bovine collagen type II (A); (iii) Arthritic group treated with equivalent doses of the separate components of the ASI complex (arginine hydrochloride, silicon, and inositol) (A+S+I); (iv) Arthritic group treated with the ASI complex. The ASI complex treatment showed improved inflammation scores and markers over the arthritic control and the A+S+I group. ASI group had also greater levels of serum and joint-tissue arginine and silicon than the A+S+I group. Joint tissue IL-6, NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α, p38 MAPK, WISP-1, and ß-Catenin levels were lower in the ASI group compared to the other groups (P < 0.05 for all). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the ASI complex may be effective in reducing markers of inflammation associated with joint health and that the ASI complex is more effective than a combination of the individual ingredients.

Chromium picolinate does not produce chromosome damage.

Chromium picolinate (CrPic) is used as a dietary supplement and has beneficial effects in reducing diabetes risk factors. The present study evaluated the cytogenetic effects of CrPic in bone marrow cells of Sprague-Dawley rats (5 animals/sex/group). Test animals were dosed orally with 33, 250 or 2000 mg/kg of CrPic, which corresponded to doses of 4.1, 30.8 and 246 mg/kg of chromium. The lowest dose of CrPic, 33 mg/kg is estimated to be the human equivalent for a 50 kg person (200 mcg Cr). The animals were dosed once, and sacrificed either 18 or 42 hours (h) later. The mitotic index was determined for each rat. Metaphase cells (50 or 100/rats) were examined for interstitial deletions, chromatid and chromosome gap, breaks or other anomalies. The average percentage of damaged cells at 18 h in vehicle treated males and females were 1.2% and 0.6%, respectively. The mean values at 18 h for doses of 33, 250 and 2000 mg/kg, were 0.4%, 0.8%, 0.4% for males and 0.6%, 0.2% and 0.6% for females, respectively. At 42 h, the mean values for vehicle treated males and females were 0.4% and 0.2%, respectively. For doses of 33, 250 and 2000 mg/kg at 42 h the average percent damage was 14%, 0.8% and 0.4% for males and 0.2%, 0.2% and 0.0% for females, respectively. None of these values were statistically increased compared to the vehicle controls. The positive control Cyclophosphamide (CPM) induced a significant increase in chromosomal damage at 18 h averaging 30% in males and 37% in females, respectively (p<0.001). In the current study CrPic did not induce chromosomal damage in bone marrow cells at single doses of 33, 250 and 2000 mg/kg of body weight and thus there was no indication of any toxicity of CrPic.