Effects of long-term supplementation with tetrahydrocurcumin and branched-chain amino acids on glucose tolerance and muscle protein content in mature rats

Abstract

Maturation and aging induce alterations in glucose and protein metabolism, which are responsible for insulin resistance and sarcopenia. In the present study, we examined the effects of long-term (16 weeks) ingestion of diets supplemented with tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) and/or branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) on glucose tolerance and soleus muscle protein content in mature rats (28 weeks of age). Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests (IPGTTs) were performed at week 6 and week 12 during the experimental period. Glucose tolerance was not affected by 6-week supplementation with THC and/or BCAAs, but was improved by supplementation at 12 weeks. A synergistic effect of THC and BCAAs was not observed. The protein content of the soleus muscle was increased by long-term supplementation with BCAAs, but not THC. These results suggest that THC and BCAAs are potentially beneficial supplements to improving maturation (aging)-related metabolic deterioration.