High-Intensity Interval Training Augments Muscle Carnosine in the Absence of Dietary Beta-alanine Intake

Author(s):Show less -

Painelli, Vitor De Salles ^[1] ; Nemezio, Kleiner Marcio ^[1] ; Pinto, Ana Jessica ^[1] ; Franchi, Mariana ^[1] ; Andrade, Isabel ^[1] ; Riani, Luiz Augusto ^[1] ; Saunders, Bryan ^[1] ; Sale, Craig ^[2] ; Harris, Roger Charles ^[3] ; Gualano, Bruno ^[1] ; Artioli, Guilherme Giannini ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med FMUSP, Appl Physiol & Nutr Res Grp, Sch Phys Educ & Sport, Rheumatol Div, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Nottingham Trent Univ, Sport Hlth & Performance Enhancement Res Ctr, Musculoskeletal Physiol Res Grp, Nottingham - England

^[3] Junipa Ltd, Newmarket, Suffolk - England

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MEDICINE AND SCIENCE IN SPORTS AND EXERCISE; v. 50, n. 11, p. 2242-2252, NOV 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

Purpose Cross-sectional studies suggest that training can increase muscle carnosine (MCarn), although longitudinal studies have failed to confirm this. A lack of control for dietary -alanine intake or muscle fiber type shifting may have hampered their conclusions. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on MCarn. Methods Twenty vegetarian men were randomly assigned to a control (CON) (n = 10) or HIIT (n = 10) group. High-intensity interval training was performed on a cycle ergometer for 12 wk, with progressive volume (6-12 series) and intensity (140%-170% lactate threshold {[}LT]). Muscle carnosine was quantified in whole-muscle and individual fibers; expression of selected genes (CARNS, CNDP2, ABAT, TauT, and PAT1) and muscle buffering capacity in vitro (m(in vitro)) were also determined. Exercise tests were performed to evaluate total work done, VO2max, ventilatory thresholds (VT) and LT. Results Total work done, VT, LT, VO2max, and m(in vitro) were improved in the HIIT group (all P < 0.05), but not in CON (P > 0.05). MCarn (in mmolkg(-1) dry muscle) increased in the HIIT (15.8 5.7 to 20.6 +/- 5.3; P = 0.012) but not the CON group (14.3 +/- 5.3 to 15.0 +/- 4.9; P = 0.99). In type I fibers, MCarn increased in the HIIT (from 14.4 +/- 5.9 to 16.8 +/- 7.6; P = 0.047) but not the CON group (from 14.0 +/- 5.5 to 14.9 +/- 5.4; P = 0.99). In type IIa fibers, MCarn increased in the HIIT group (from 18.8 +/- 6.1 to 20.5 +/- 6.4; P = 0.067) but not the CON group (from 19.7 +/- 4.5 to 18.8 +/- 4.4; P = 0.37). No changes in gene expression were shown. Conclusions In the absence of any dietary intake of -alanine, HIIT increased MCarn content. The contribution of increased MCarn to the total increase in m(in vitro) appears to be small. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/11948-8 - Life without carnosine: development and characterization of a KO rat model for studying the physiological role of carnosine and its implications to physical exercise and muscle metabolism
• Grantee: Guilherme Giannini Artioli
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/04806-0 - Effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity intermittent training on intramuscular carnosine concentrations
• Grantee: Vitor de Salles Painelli
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/14746-4 - Carnosine metabolism in skeletal muscle: a multi-approach study
• Grantee: Bruno Gualano
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/50438-0 - Nutritional suplementation and exercise to optimize exercise performance: focus on individual responses and a step towards personalized sports nutrition
• Grantee: Bryan Saunders
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants