CREATINE SUPPLEMENTATION, HOMOCYSTEINE AND OXIDATIVE STRESS

Abstract

Creatine is a popular substance among athletes due its possible ergogenic property. Such popularity has been stimulating authors to study and explore the possible potencial therapeutic effect of this substance. The synthesis of creatine is responsible for the majority methyl groups transferences in the normal hepatic metabolism. As homocysteine is an aminoacid formed exclusively from the methionine demetilation, it is believed that creatine and homocysteine are metabolically connected. Studies have show that hyperhomocysteinemia is directly linked to oxygen reactive species formation by the homocysteine and/or cysteine auto-oxidation and this can promote cellular damage. The aim of this review is to discuss some aspects of creatine supplementation on homocysteine levels and oxidative stress.