Effects of long-term supplementation with tetrahydrocurcumin and branched-chain amino acids on glucose tolerance and muscle protein content in mature rats

• Main Authors: Mika Mochizuki, Hiroshi Takayanagi, Sanshiro Yamada, Toshihiko Osawa, Yasuyuki Kitaura, Yoshiharu Shimomura
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japanese Society of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine 2013-11-01
• Series: Journal of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine
• Subjects: tetrahydrocurcumin; branched-chain amino acids; glucose tolerance; soleus muscle protein; mature rats
• Online Access: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jpfsm/2/4/2_509/_pdf/-char/en

Maturation and aging induce alterations in glucose and protein metabolism, which are responsible for insulin resistance and sarcopenia. In the present study, we examined the effects of long-term (16 weeks) ingestion of diets supplemented with tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) and/or branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) on glucose tolerance and soleus muscle protein content in mature rats (28 weeks of age). Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests (IPGTTs) were performed at week 6 and week 12 during the experimental period. Glucose tolerance was not affected by 6-week supplementation with THC and/or BCAAs, but was improved by supplementation at 12 weeks. A synergistic effect of THC and BCAAs was not observed. The protein content of the soleus muscle was increased by long-term supplementation with BCAAs, but not THC. These results suggest that THC and BCAAs are potentially beneficial supplements to improving maturation (aging)-related metabolic deterioration.