Pyruvate accumulation may contribute to acceleration-induced impairment of physical and cognitive abilities: An experimental study.

Background Fatigue can be induced after acceleration exposure, however the mechanism of it is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine whether metabolites changes can decrease cognitive and physical function after acceleration. Methods Graybiel scale and Fatigue Self-rating scale were used to assess the seasickness and fatigue degrees of eighty-seven male seafarers respectively after sailing. To test the effect of pyruvate on cognitive and physical functions, five different doses of pyruvate were administrated into rats. Insulin can reduce the accumulation of pyruvate. To observe the insulin effect on pyruvate, and cognitive, physical functions after acceleration, insulin administration or treatment of promoting insulin secretion was used. Physical and cognitive functions were assessed using Open Field test, Morris water maze and Loaded swimming test in animals. Results Physical and cognitive abilities were decreased obviously, and Serum pyruvate level increased mostly in human and rats after acceleration. Compared to vehicle group, physical and cognitive abilities were significantly decreased after pyruvate administration. Besides, we found a significant decline in adenosine triphosphate concentration and pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, liver, and muscle of rats treated with acceleration or pyruvate injection, while insulin administration or treatment of promoting insulin secretion markedly alleviated this decline and the impairment of physical and cognitive abilities, compared to the control group. Conclusion Our results indicates that pyruvate has a negative effect on physical and cognitive abilities after acceleration. Insulin can inhibit pyruvate accumulation and cognitive and physical function after acceleration exposure.