Effect of glycogen availability on human skeletal muscle protein turnover during exercise and recovery

Muscle glycogen concentration was lower in the low-carbohydrate group compared to the high-carbohydrate group at rest, after exercise, and after recovery.

• The net leg protein balance decreased in the low-carbohydrate group compared to both rest and the high-carbohydrate condition.
• This decrease in protein balance was primarily due to increased protein breakdown and a reduction in protein synthesis late in exercise.
• Whole body leucine oxidation increased in the low-carbohydrate group, surpassing levels observed in the high-carbohydrate group.
• No changes in the rate of protein breakdown were observed during exercise in the high-carbohydrate group compared to rest.
• Carbohydrate availability may influence rates of protein synthesis, degradation, and net balance during prolonged exercise.

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