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

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 glucosetransporter-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), and5) 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 CrHisper day. The mean duration of exercise differed (55 ± 1.15 vs. 76 ± 1.91) between groups (P < 0.05). Blood glucose level was significantlyreduced in the E+A+CrPic+CrHis group compared to the E group. The E+A+CrPic+CrHis group was superior in terms of increasingmuscle 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 Crenhanced energy-yielding nutrient conservation and reduced muscle fatigue in exercised rats. They can also help prevent racehorseperformance and disability problems.