Betaine supplementation enhances anabolic endocrine and Akt signaling in response to acute bouts of exercise

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2013 Mar;113(3):793-802. doi: 10.1007/s00421-012-2492-8. Epub 2012 Sep 14.

Abstract

Our aim was to examine the effect of betaine supplementation on selected circulating hormonal measures and Akt muscle signaling proteins after an acute exercise session. Twelve trained men (age 19.7 ± 1.23 years) underwent 2 weeks of supplementation with either betaine (B) (1.25 g BID) or placebo (P). Following a 2-week washout period, subjects underwent supplementation with the other treatment (B or P). Before and after each 2-week period, subjects performed an acute exercise session (AES). Circulating GH, IGF-1, cortisol, and insulin were measured. Vastus lateralis samples were analyzed for signaling proteins (Akt, p70 S6k, AMPK). B (vs. P) supplementation approached a significant increase in GH (mean ± SD (Area under the curve, AUC), B: 40.72 ± 6.14, P: 38.28 ± 5.54, p = 0.060) and significantly increased IGF-1 (mean ± SD (AUC), B: 106.19 ± 13.45, P: 95.10 ± 14.23, p = 0.010), but significantly decreased cortisol (mean ± SD (AUC), B: 1,079.18 ± 110.02, P: 1,228.53 ± 130.32, p = 0.007). There was no difference in insulin (AUC). B increased resting Total muscle Akt (p = 0.003). B potentiated phosphorylation (relative to P) of Akt (Ser(473)) and p70 S6 k (Thr(389)) (p = 0.016 and p = 0.005, respectively). Phosphorylation of AMPK (Thr(172)) decreased during both treatments (both p = 0.001). Betaine (vs. placebo) supplementation enhanced both the anabolic endocrine profile and the corresponding anabolic signaling environment, suggesting increased protein synthesis.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Betaine / administration & dosage*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Endocrine System / drug effects*
  • Endocrine System / metabolism
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metabolism / drug effects*
  • Physical Exertion / drug effects
  • Physical Exertion / physiology
  • Placebos
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Gastrointestinal Agents
  • Placebos
  • Betaine
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt