Hydroxy-[beta]-methylbutyrate supplementation stimulates skeletal muscle hypertrophy in rats via the mTOR pathway

• Published in: Nutrition & metabolism 2011-02, Vol.8, p.11
• Main Authors: Pimentel, Gustavo D, Rosa, José C, Lira, Fábio S, Zanchi, Nelo E, Ropelle, Eduardo R, Oyama, Lila M, Oller do Nascimento, Cláudia M, de Mello, Marco Túlio, Tufik, Sergio, Santos, Ronaldo VT
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Care and treatment; Diet; Hypertrophy; Muscular system; Nutrition; Proteins; Rodents
• ISSN: 1743-7075; 1743-7075
• DOI: 10.1186/1743-7075-8-11

[beta]-Hydroxy-[beta]-methylbutyrate (HM[beta]) supplementation is used to treat cancer, sepsis and exercise-induced muscle damage. However, its effects on animal and human health and the consequences of this treatment in other tissues (e.g., fat and liver) have not been examined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of HM[beta] supplementation on skeletal muscle hypertrophy and the expression of proteins involved in insulin signalling. Rats were treated with HM[beta] (320 mg/kg body weight) or saline for one month. The skeletal muscle hypertrophy and insulin signalling were evaluated by western blotting, and hormonal concentrations were evaluated using ELISAs. HM[beta] supplementation induced muscle hypertrophy in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles and increased serum insulin levels, the expression of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and phosphorylation of p70S6K in the EDL muscle. Expression of the insulin receptor was increased only in liver. Thus, our results suggest that HM[beta] supplementation can be used to increase muscle mass without adverse health effects.