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Exploring the therapeutic role of creatine supplementation

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgments

Bruno Gualano is grateful to Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (CNPq). All authors contributed equally to this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Applied Nutrition and Metabolism, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Bruno Gualano, Guilherme Giannini Artioli & Antonio Herbert Lancha Junior

  2. Laboratory of Rheumatology Assessment and Conditioning, Division of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Bruno Gualano & Guilherme Giannini Artioli

  3. Laboratory for Sport Nutrition, Institute of Motor Sciences, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium

    Jacques R. Poortmans

  4. Av. Professor Mello Moraes, 65. Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil

    Bruno Gualano

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  1. Bruno Gualano
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Gualano, B., Artioli, G.G., Poortmans, J.R. et al. Exploring the therapeutic role of creatine supplementation. Amino Acids 38, 31–44 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-009-0263-6

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