The effect of amylopectin/chromium combination on metabolic profile in endurance training rats

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), glucose transporter-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): (i) exhaustive exercise (E); (ii) E+A; (iii) E+A+chromium picolinate (CrPic); (iv) E+A+chromium histidinate (CrHis), (v) E+A+CrPic+CrHis. Rats received 0.0316 g of amylopectin and 11.06 g of elementel Cr kg-1 body weight given as CrPic and CrHis per day. The mean duration of exercise differed (55±1.15 vs 76±1.91) between groups (P < 0.05). Blood glucose level was significantly reduced in E+A+CrPic+CrHis group compared to the E group. The E+A+CrPic+CrHis group was superior in terms of increasing muscle and liver glycogen contents and blood insulin concentration and of decreasing serum lactate concentration (P < 0.05). However, A and Cr supplementation did not alter GLUT-2, GLUT-4, and PPAR-γ expressions. In conclusion, amylopectin in combination with supplemental Cr enhanced energy-yielding nutrient conservation and reduced muscle fatigue in exercised rats. They can also help prevent racehorse performance and disability problems.