CREATINE SUPPLEMENTATION AND PHYSICAL TRAINING: EFFECTS ON THE MORPHO-FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of the creatine supplementation on the hepatic, renal and muscular functional parameters and the morphologic parameters of the fat tissue.  METHODS:  Male Wistar rats were submitted to physical training on treadmill for 8 weeks and supplemented with monohydrate creatine (2g/kg of ration) for 4 weeks. The groups were divided in four groups:  sedentary controls (S), creatine sedentary (SCr), training controls (T) and creatine training (TCr). At the end of the protocol, samples of blood, urine and hepatic, muscular and fat tissues were collected. The biochemical dosages were accomplished by colorimeter methods and the adipocytes isolation by the method of Rodbell. RESULTS:  There was no difference in the body weight, food intake and water consumption among the groups. Although the creatinine serum values were higher in the supplemented animals (SCr 1,35 ± 0,10 mg/dl and TCr 1,60 ± 0,13 mg/dl) when compared to the controls (S 0,40 ± 0,05 and T 0,42 ± 0,04 mg/dl), these values are considered normal. The albumin, proteins and bilirubin values were not different among the groups. The glycogen values were higher in the supplemented animals when compared to the controls. The fat pads weight and the cellular diameters were smaller in the training animals but the creatine did not have any effect on this parameter. CONCLUSION:  The creatine supplementation did not harm the renal and hepatic function, improved the amount of glycogen in the muscles and liver, but did not exert any effect on the fat tissue. However, the physical training significantly reduced the adipocytes diameter.