Effects of Creatine Treatment on Jejunal Phenotypes in a Rat Model of Acidosis

We investigated the effects of creatine treatment on jejunal phenotypes in a rat model of oxidative stress induced by acidosis. In particular, the activities of some antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione reductase), the level of lipid peroxidation, the expression of heat shock proteins (HSP70), and the expression of the major carriers of the cells (Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, sodium-glucose Transporter 1-SGLT1, and glucose transporter 2-GLUT2) were measured under control and chronic acidosis conditions. Creatine did not affect the activity of antioxidant enzymes in either the control or acidosis groups, except for catalase, for which the activity was reduced in both conditions. Creatine did not change the lipid peroxidation level or HSP70 expression. Finally, creatine stimulated (Na⁺/K⁺)-ATPase expression under both control and chronic acidosis conditions. Chronic acidosis caused reductions in the expression levels of GLUT2 and SGLT1. GLUT2 reduction was abolished by creatine, while the presence of creatine did not induce any strengthening effect on the expression of SGLT1 in either the control or chronic acidosis groups. These results indicate that creatine has antioxidant properties that are realized through direct interaction of the molecule with reactive oxygen species. Moreover, the administration of creatine seems to determine a functional strengthening of the tissue, making it more resistant to acidosis.