A Multi-Ingredient Formula Ameliorates Exercise-Induced Fatigue by Changing Metabolic Pathways and Increasing Antioxidant Capacity in Mice
Hui Chen, Xuan Ma, Lixing Cao, Shuang Zhao, Chong Zhao, Shutao Yin, Hongbo Hu
Abstract
Multiple mechanisms are involved in exercise-induced fatigue, including energy depletion, metabolite accumulation, and oxidative stress, etc. The mechanistic findings provide a rationale for a multi-targeted approach to exercise-induced fatigue management. This study created a multi-ingredient formula mixed with valine, isoleucine, leucine, β-alanine, creatine, l-carnitine, quercetin, and betaine, based on the functional characteristics of these agents, and evaluated the preventive effect of this mechanism-based formula on exercise-induced fatigue. Results showed that the 7-d formula supplement significantly increased the running duration time of mice by 14% and the distance by 20% in an exhaustive treadmill test, indicating that the formula could delay fatigue appearance and improve exercise performance. Mechanistically, the formula enhanced fatty acid oxidation and spared liver glycogen by regulating the fat/glucose metabolism-related signaling pathways, including phospho-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase α (p-AMPKα), phospho-acetyl CoA carboxylase (p-ACC), carnitine palmitoyl-transferase 1B (CPT1B), fatty acid translocase (CD36), and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4), and increased antioxidant capacity. The findings suggested that the formula tested in this study effectively ameliorated exercise-induced fatigue by targeting multi-signaling pathways, showing promise as a regimen to fight exercise-induced fatigue.