Creatine supplementation reduces plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and PGE2 after a half-ironman competition.
OBJECTIVE
The effect of creatine supplementation upon plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines: Interleukin (IL) 1 beta and IL-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFalpha), and Interferon alpha (INF alpha) and Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) 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 x d(-1)) whereas the experimental group (n = 5) received creatine (20 g x 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 PGE(2).


RESULTS
Forty-eight hours prior to competition there was no difference between groups in the plasma concentrations (pg x ml(-1), mean +/- SEM) of IL-6 (7.08 +/- 0.63), TNFalpha (76.50 +/- 5.60), INF alpha (18.32 +/- 1.20), IL-1 beta (23.42 +/- 5.52), and PGE(2) (39.71 +/- 3.8). Twenty-four and 48 h after competition plasma levels of TNFalpha, INF alpha, IL-1 beta and PGE(2) 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.


CONCLUSIONS
Creatine supplementation before a long distance triathlon competition may reduce the inflammatory response induced by this form of strenuous of exercise.
Bassit
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Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Sp, Brazil. tubaraousp@sti.com.br
Curi
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Costa Rosa
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D000328:Adult; D003401:Creatine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running; D013550:Swimming
D016207:Cytokines; D015232:Dinoprostone; D003401:Creatine