Effects of Dietary Citric Acid on Metabolic Indicators and Gene Expression in the Skeletal Muscles of Fasted Mice

Yurie Hara, Nakamichi Watanabe

Department of Human Health and Design, Showa Women’s University, Tokyo, Japan.
Department of Human Sciences and Design, Graduate School of Showa Women’s University, Tokyo, Japan.

DOI: 10.4236/fns.2013.411145                

Abstract

Citric acid is recognized and utilized as a dietary supplement for its ability to eliminate fatigue. However, the molecular and cellular mechanism underlying this effect has not been elucidated. This study investigated the effect of intragastric citric acid administration on the energy metabolism and gene expression in the skeletal muscles of mice that had been fasted without exercise, using biochemical analyses of metabolic indicators and DNA microarrays. Expression of the genes involved in the glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle and β-oxidation of fatty acids were not affected by citric acid administration. However, citric acid increased the level of blood glucose and expression of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene. These results indicate that citric acid ingestion may eliminate fatigue by promoting gluconeogenesis.

Keywords

Citric Acid; Fatigue; Gluconeogenesis; DNA Microarray; TCA Cycle

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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