Regulative Mechanism of Guanidinoacetic Acid on Skeletal Muscle Development and Its Application Prospects in Animal Husbandry: A Review

Abstract

Guanidinoacetic acid is the direct precursor of creatine and its phosphorylated derivative phosphocreatine in the body. It is a safe nutritional supplement that can be used to promote muscle growth and development. Improving the growth performance of livestock and poultry and meat quality is the eternal goal of the animal husbandry, and it is also the common demand of today's society and consumers. A large number of experimental studies have shown that guanidinoacetic acid could improve the growth performance of animals, promote muscle development and improve the health of animals. However, the mechanism of how it affects muscle development needs to be further elucidated. This article discusses the physical and chemical properties of guanidinoacetic acid and its synthesis pathway, explores its mechanism of how it promotes muscle development and growth, and also classifies and summarizes the impact of its application in animal husbandry, providing a scientific basis for this application. In addition, this article also proposes future directions for the development of this substance.

Creatine: A valuable supplement in aquafeeds?

“…Therefore, supplementation of creatine slows down endogenous creatine synthesis. Recently, it has been suggested that the bacterial flora in a healthy gut may accelerate the synthesis of GAA by secreting the enzyme guanidinoacetase, interlinking the synthesis of GAA and the microorganisms of the gastrointestinal tract 17,45,48 …”

“…The basic unit of muscle is the myofiber which is derived from stem cell myoblasts. Normally, protein biosynthesis and degradation rates of myofibers are in a relatively balanced state 17,18 . When protein synthesis is higher than degradation, muscle mass increases 18 .…”

“…When protein synthesis is higher than degradation, muscle mass increases 18 . This equilibrium may be modulated by shifts in gross nutrient composition, nutritional regulation, exercise or nutrient interventions such as creatine supplementation 17 . Muscle growth may result from both hyperplasia and hypertrophy 19–21 .…”

Biosynthesis of Guanidinoacetate by Bacillus subtilis Whole-Cell Catalysis

“…Due to the wide application of GAA in food, feed and medicine, a green, environmentally friendly and safe method of GAA production is needed [5]. At present, the synthesis of GAA in industry is based on the chemical synthesis method.…”

Effect of guanidine acetic acid on meat quality, muscle amino acids, and fatty acids in Tibetan pigs

“…Guanidine acetic acid (GAA) is the precursor of creatine, which is synthesized by arginine and glycine in the kidney, liver, and pancreas; methylated to creatine and then involved in energy and protein metabolism ( 3 ). In vitro experiments have shown that GAA could promote the rate of fusion of myotubes in C2C12 myoblasts and increase the thickness of myotubes and cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius muscle ( 4 ).…”