Effects of Intermittent Fasting and Sex on Blood Glucose, Free Fatty Acids, and Lipid Profile in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Intermittent fasting (IF) has been reported to improve metabolic health through its effect on glucose and lipid profile. However, there is limited information on the effects of Intermittent Fasting on free fatty acids and sex related differences. This study was designed to investigate the effects of Intermittent Fasting (IF) on blood glucose, free fatty acids, lipid profile in both male and female Wistar rats and sex related differences. Twenty Wistar rats of both sexes weighing between 170-200g were used in the study. The animals were grouped into four (4) groups (n=5) per group. Groups 1 and 11 were male and female control groups respectively fed <i>ad libitum</i> with feed and water while groups 111 and 1V were male and female intermittent fasting groups fasted for 16 hours and fed for 8 hours for 28 days respectively. They had free access to water for 24 hours. At the end of 28 days fasting, blood glucose, free fatty acids and lipid profile were determined. The results of the study showed that intermittent fasting was associated with a significant increase in free fatty acids in female rats (p< 0.05) but a non- significant increase in male rats. In both female and male rats, intermittent fasting was associated with a significant decrease (p< 0.05) ins blood glucose, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein, but a non-significant decrease in triglyceride compared with control groups in both male and female rats. In conclusion, Intermittent fasting may help to improve blood glucose and maintain a balanced lipid profile in both males and females. However, Intermittent fasting may also raise the level of free fatty acids and the effect might be more pronounced in females.