[DERMATOMYOSITIS].

Creatine monohydrate is a popular sports supplement used to maintain levels of high-energy phosphates during exercise. As a supplement, varying amounts are consumed per person corresponding to parameters such as body mass and level of training (i.e. maintenance versus loading doses). Numerous studies have reported beneficial effects including increased muscle mass during training and neural protection. However, negative reports have also been made of possible side effects, such as muscle cramping during exercise, and potential impurities. The present paper introduces the positive and negative aspects of creatine supplementation and focuses on the toxicological data of creatine, its metabolites and associated mutagenicity or carcinogenicity, genomeceutical effect(s), and any potential 'contaminants.' Additionally, the novel applications of creatine to the areas of neurology, cardiology, and diabetes are presented and discussed along with the representative data for sports nutrition.

Creatine↗

PubMed2004

In vivo GABA detection with improved selectivity and sensitivity by localized double quantum filter technique at 4.1T.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter for the normal function of mammal and human brain. It is difficult to detect GABA signal with the conventional single quantum technique due to its relatively low concentration and overlapping with other signals from creatine (Cr), glutathione (GSH), as well as macromolecules. Using a high-selective read pulse, DANTE, and at the facility of increased sensitivity and chemical shift resolution at high-field 4.1T, GABA editing by double quantum filter (DQF) with robust suppression of Cr and GSH was achieved. Our editing efficiency of 40-50% was achievable on a GABA phantom (50 mM GABA and 61 mM choline). Furthermore, GABA editing spectra were acquired with echo time TE = 77 ms, and any possible macromolecular contamination to GABA editing spectra was found to be negligible. This high-field DQF setup was applied to 11 healthy volunteers, and the mean GABA level was measured to be 1.12 +/- 0.15 mM in the occipital lobe in reference to 7.1 mM Cr concentration.

Creatine↗

PubMed2004

Spectral pattern of total creatine and trimethyl ammonium in multiple sclerosis.

Fatigue and impairment mobility are frequent problems in multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite its enormous potential, in vivo (1)H MRS of skeletal muscles for MS patients is a largely unexplored field. One fundamental question remains unanswered: whether MS can cause observable proton metabolite changes. High quality two-dimensional in vivo (1)H MRS reveals that the spectral pattern of total creatine (tCr) and trimethyl ammonium (TMA) of soleus muscles of MS patients can be distinctively different from that of healthy volunteers, and in vivo (1)H MRS of skeletal muscles has a potential to become a useful tool in MS study.

Creatine↗