Creatine supplementation reduces plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and PGE₂ after a half-ironman competition

• Published in: Amino acids 2008-08, Vol.35 (2), p.425-431
• Main Authors: Bassit, R. A, Curi, R, Costa Rosa, L. F. B. P
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Analytical Chemistry; Biochemical Engineering; Biochemistry; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Creatine - administration & dosage; Cytokines; Cytokines - blood; Dietary Supplements; Dinoprostone - blood; Eccentric contraction; Humans; Inflammation - prevention & control; Life Sciences; Long distance triathlon; Middle Aged; Muscle damage; Muscle inflammation; Neurobiology; Physical Endurance - drug effects; Physical Endurance - physiology; Plasma; Pro-inflammatory cytokines; Proteomics; Running; Swimming
• ISSN: 0939-4451; 1438-2199
• DOI: 10.1007/s00726-007-0582-4

Objective. The effect of creatine supplementation upon plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines: Interleukin (IL) 1β and IL-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNFα), and Interferon α (INFα) and Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) after a half-ironman competition were investigated. Methods. Eleven triathletes, each with at least three years experience of participation in this sport were randomly divided between the control and experimental groups. During 5 days prior to competition, the control group (n = 6) was supplemented with carbohydrate (20 g · d⁻¹) whereas the experimental group (n = 5) received creatine (20 g · d⁻¹) in a double-blind trial. Blood samples were collected 48 h before and 24 and 48 h after competition and were used for the measurement of cytokines and PGE₂. Results. Forty-eight hours prior to competition there was no difference between groups in the plasma concentrations (pg · ml⁻¹, mean ± SEM) of IL-6 (7.08 ± 0.63), TNFα (76.50 ± 5.60), INFα (18.32 ± 1.20), IL-1β (23.42 ± 5.52), and PGE₂ (39.71 ± 3.8). Twenty-four and 48 h after competition plasma levels of TNFα, INFα, IL-1β and PGE₂ were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in both groups. However, the increases in these were markedly reduced following creatine supplementation. An increase in plasma IL-6 was observed only after 24 h and, in this case, there was no difference between the two groups. Conclusion. Creatine supplementation before a long distance triathlon competition may reduce the inflammatory response induced by this form of strenuous of exercise.