STRESS-AFFECTED AKT/MTOR PATHWAY UPREGULATED BY LONG-TERM CREATINE INTRAPERITONEAL ADMINISTRATION

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cellular Metabolism
• Stress Physiology

Background:

• Disruption of circadian rhythm induces chronic stress, impairing cellular energy production and anabolic processes.
• Identifying interventions to counteract stress-induced metabolic alterations is critical for maintaining cellular function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of creatine supplementation on energy metabolism during chronic stress induced by circadian rhythm disruption.
• To examine creatine's impact on the mitochondrial creatine kinase system and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Main Methods:

• Prolonged disruption of circadian rhythm was induced in experimental models.
• Intraperitoneal injections of creatine were administered during the disruption period.
• Quantitative analysis of phosphorylated mTOR and Akt levels was performed.

Main Results:

• Creatine administration activated mitochondrial creatine kinase under disrupted circadian rhythm conditions.
• Exogenous creatine supplementation led to increased levels of phosphorylated mTOR and its activator, Akt.
• These findings suggest creatine modulates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Conclusions:

• Creatine plays a beneficial role in hippocampal cellular energy metabolism during chronic stress.
• Creatine's positive effects are mediated through the modulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.