Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Adipose, Musculoskeletal Tissue and Physical Performance of Rattus Norvegicus

Abstract

Despite scientific advances and findings on the effects of creatine supplementation, little is known about the use of this supplement and its effects on visceral fat accumulation, as well as on the process of improving muscle endurance associated with stereological factors of muscle tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of creatine monohydrate use on physical valences, stereology of muscle tissue and quantitative aspects of visceral adipose tissue. Twenty-four Wistar rats, aged 15 weeks and under controlled feeding and hydration conditions, were selected. To verify the desired variables, the animals were classified into four groups: control, supplemented, training, and training and supplemented. Creatine supplemented animals were supplemented (via gavage) at dosages of 300mg / kg body mass for nine weeks, and the same period of training as the animals that were trained underwent a program based on Honenberg & Farrar studies. The loads at which the animals performed the series were noted, as well as the number of climbs performed per training session. After the experimental period, the animals were weighed and euthanized, and visceral fat was removed for weighing and comparison between groups and staining in the standard protocol of hematoxylin and eosin for stereological verification of muscle tissue. The observed results indicated time-dependent ergogenic improvements and slight reductions in the visceral fat of the supplemented animals, as well as variations of mononuclear phagocytes present in the tissue of the experimental groups, especially a low amount of these cells in the animals that trained and supplemented. It is concluded that creatine may have effects on visceral fat and the potential modulating effect of the innate immune system, in addition to time-dependent ergogenic effects.