Creatine supplementation reduces oxidative stress biomarkers after acute exercise in rats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of creatine supplementation on muscle and plasma markers of oxidative stress after acute aerobic exercise. A total of 64 Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control group (n = 32) and creatine-supplemented group (n = 32). Creatine supplementation consisted of the addition of 2% creatine monohydrate to the diet. After 28 days, the rats performed an acute moderate aerobic exercise bout (1-h swimming with 4% of total body weight load). The animals were killed before (pre) and at 0, 2 and 6 h (n = 8) after acute exercise. As expected, plasma and total muscle creatine concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the creatine-supplemented group compared to control. Acute exercise increased plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and total lipid hydroperoxide. The same was observed in the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. Creatine supplementation decreased these markers in plasma (TBARS: pre 6%, 0 h 25%, 2 h 27% and 6 h 20%; plasma total lipid hydroperoxide: pre 38%, 0 h 24%, 2 h 12% and 6 h 20%, % decrease). Also, acute exercise decreased the GSH/GSSG ratio in soleus muscle, which was prevented by creatine supplementation (soleus: pre 8%, 0 h 29%, 2 h 30% and 6 h 44%, % prevention). The results show that creatine supplementation inhibits increased oxidative stress markers in plasma and muscle induced by acute exercise.