Creatine supplementation does not impair kidney function in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial

Abstract

Creatine supplementation may have a therapeutic role in diabetes, but it is uncertain whether this supplement is safe for kidney function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of creatine supplementation on kidney function in type 2 diabetic patients. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed. The patients were randomly allocated to receive either creatine or placebo for 12 weeks. All the patients underwent exercise training throughout the trial. Subjects were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Blood samples and 24-h urine samples were obtained for kidney function assessments. Additionally, 51 Cr-EDTA clearance was performed. To ensure the compliance with creatine intake, we also assessed muscle phosphorylcreatine content. The creatine group presented higher muscle phosphorylcreatine content when compared to placebo group (CR Pre 44 ± 10, Post 70 ± 18 mmol/kg/wt; PL Pre 52 ± 13, Post 46 ± 13 mmol/kg/wt; p = 0.03; estimated difference between means 23.6; 95% confidence interval 1. 42-45.8). No significant differences were observed for 51 Cr-EDTA clearance (CR Pre 90.4 ± 16.9, Post 96.1 ± 15.0 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ; PL Pre 97.9 ± 21.6, Post 96.4 ± 26.8 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ; p = 0.58; estimated difference between means -0.3; 95% confidence interval -24.9 to 24.2). Creatinine clearance, serum and urinary urea, electrolytes, proteinuria, and albuminuria were unchanged. CR supplementation does not affect kidney function in type 2 diabetic patients, opening a window of opportunities to explore its promising therapeutic role in this population. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00992043.

Early Expression of Parkinson’s Disease-Related Mitochondrial Abnormalities in PINK1 Knockout Rats

“…Additionally, creatine has antioxidant properties. Preliminary studies have demonstrated it to be neuroprotective for PD patients [52–54], but a different placebo-controlled study showed creatine had no effect on PD scores, dopamine transporter imaging, or non-motor symptoms of PD [55]. While the exact mechanism of creatine neuroprotection remains unclear, the ATP energy pool is tightly coupled to the creatine kinase system suggesting creatine supplementation may alter mitochondrial properties [56].…”

International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine

“…Kreider et al [22] reported that creatine supplementation (5–10 g/day for 21 months) had no significant effects on creatinine or creatinine clearance in American football players. Gualono and associates [262] reported that 12 weeks of creatine supplementation had no effects on kidney function in type 2 diabetic patients. Finally, creatine supplement has been used as a means of reducing homocysteine levels and/or improving patient outcomes in patients with renal disease [263–265] as well as ameliorating birth asphyxia related renal dysfunction in mice [228].…”

Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants for treatment of Parkinson's disease: Preclinical and clinical outcomes

“…Creatine also possesses antioxidant properties and can be an effective inhibitor of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening and mitochondrial iron accumulation. Preclinical studies in various models have demonstrated its potential role as a neuroprotective agent [104]. Recently, a neuroprotective effect of creatine was demonstrated in MPP + and 6-OHDA-treated dopaminergic neuronal cell cultures, where it protected tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive dopaminergic neurons and their fibers [105].…”