Exploring the therapeutic role of creatine supplementation.
Creatine (Cr) plays a central role in energy provision through a reaction catalyzed by phosphorylcreatine kinase. Furthermore, this amine enhances both gene expression and satellite cell activation involved in hypertrophic response. Recent findings have indicated that Cr supplementation has a therapeutic role in several diseases characterized by atrophic conditions, weakness, and metabolic disturbances (i.e., in the muscle, bone, lung, and brain). Accordingly, there has been an evidence indicating that Cr supplementation is capable of attenuating the degenerative state in some muscle disorders (i.e., Duchenne and inflammatory myopathies), central nervous diseases (i.e., Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Alzheimer's), and bone and metabolic disturbances (i.e., osteoporosis and type II diabetes). In light of this, Cr supplementation could be used as a therapeutic tool for the elderly. The aim of this review is to summarize the main studies conducted in this field and to highlight the scientific and clinical perspectives of this promising therapeutic supplement.
Gualano
Bruno
B
Laboratory of Applied Nutrition and Metabolism, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. gualano@usp.br
Artioli
Guilherme Giannini
GG
Poortmans
Jacques R
JR
Lancha Junior
Antonio Herbert
AH
D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D003401:Creatine / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D003401:Creatine