Effects Of Alternate-day Fasting Research Articles

Intermittent Fasting Improves Social Interaction and Decreases Inflammatory Markers in Cortex and Hippocampus.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by reduced social interaction, anxiety, and stereotypic behaviors related to neuroinflammation and microglia activation. We demonstrated that maternal exposure to Western diet (cafeteria diet or CAF) induced microglia activation, systemic proinflammatory profile, and ASD-like behavior in the offspring. Here, we aimed to identify the effect of alternate day fasting (ADF) as a non-pharmacologic strategy to modulate neuroinflammation and ASD-like behavior in the offspring prenatally exposed to CAF diet. We found that ADF increased plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels in the offspring exposed to control and CAF diets but not in the cortex (Cx) and hippocampus (Hpp). We observed that ADF increased the CD45 + cells in Cx of both groups; In control individuals, ADF promoted accumulation of CD206 + microglia cells in choroid plexus (CP) and increased in CD45 + macrophages cells and lymphocytes in the Cx. Gestational exposure to CAF diet promoted defective sociability in the offspring; ADF improved social interaction and increased microglia CD206 + in the Hpp and microglia complexity in the dentate gyrus. Additionally, ADF led to attenuation of the ER stress markers (Bip/ATF6/p-JNK) in the Cx and Hpp. Finally, biological modeling showed that fasting promotes higher microglia complexity in Cx, which is related to improvement in social interaction, whereas in dentate gyrus sociability is correlated with less microglia complexity. These data suggest a contribution of intermittent fasting as a physiological stimulus capable of modulating microglia phenotype and complexity in the brain, and social interaction in male mice.

Effects of alternate-day fasting and time-restricted feeding in obese middle-aged female rats

ObjectivesObesity is a multifactorial condition associated with metabolic alterations that can be aggravated during female aging. Calorie restriction via intermittent fasting (IF) diets may reduce body weight and therefore have the potential to decrease obesity and associated comorbidities, such as insulin resistance. This study investigated the effects of two IF protocols, alternate-day fasting (ADF) and time-restricted feeding (TRF) in middle-aged obese female rats. MethodsWistar rats (age 15 mo) were fed with standard chow or high-fat diet for 8 wk and then separated into the following groups (n = 5–8 each) for another 8 wk: control (received standard chow), obese (received high-fat diet), obese + ADF (24-h fasting protocol), and obese + TRF (14 h daily). ResultsAt the end of the study, both IF protocols were able to reduce body weight and body mass index compared with the obese group. However, no changes were observed in adiposity and glucose homeostasis. We also found an increase in total leukocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes in the TRF group and a higher number of platelets in the ADF group. Blood lipid profiles, including triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein, as well as liver stress responses, such as heat shock protein 70 and malondialdehyde, were not changed by IF. ConclusionsAlthough ADF and TRF protocols resulted in a reduction of body weight and body mass index, these dietary interventions did not promote health benefits, such as reducing blood lipid profile, adiposity, and insulin resistance. In addition, ADF and TRF increased inflammatory biomarkers, which may increase the risk of obesity-associated comorbidities.

Biometric, clinical and stress effects of alternate day fasting and time-restricted feeding in obese middle-aged female rats

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Effect of alternate day fasting combined with aerobic exercise on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled trial

Innovative non-pharmacological lifestyle strategies to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are critically needed. This study compared the effects of alternate day fasting (ADF) combined with exercise to fasting alone, or exercise alone, on intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) content. Adults with obesity and NAFLD (n= 80, 81% female, age: 23-65 years) were randomized to 1 of 4 groups for 3months: combination of ADF (600kcal/2,500kJ "fast day" alternated with an ad libitum intake "feast day") and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (5 session per week, 60min/session); ADF alone; exercise alone; or a no-intervention control group. By month 3, IHTG content was significantly reduced in the combination group (-5.48%; 95% CI, -7.77% to -3.18%), compared with the exercise group (-1.30%; 95% CI, -3.80% to 1.20%; p= 0.02) and the control group (-0.17%; 95% CI, -2.17% to 1.83%; p<0.01) but was not significantly different versus the ADF group (-2.25%; 95% CI,-4.46% to -0.04%; p= 0.05). Body weight, fat mass, waist circumference, and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels significantly decreased, while insulin sensitivity significantly increased in the combination group compared with the control group. Lean mass, aspartate transaminase (AST), HbA1c, blood pressure, plasma lipids, liver fibrosis score, and hepatokines (fetuin-A, FGF-21, and selenoprotein P) did not differ between groups. Combining intermittent fasting with exercise is effective for reducing hepatic steatosis in patients with NAFLD but may offer no additional benefit versus fasting alone.

Hesperidin augments the health beneficial effects of alternate day fasting in male rats

ABSTRACT Alternate day fasting (ADF) is beneficial in delaying aging and associated morbidities by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Hesperidin is a flavonoid antioxidant known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the synergistic role of hesperidin supplementation and ADF regimen in Wistar rats on biomarkers of aging and inflammation. Middle-aged male Wistar rats (12–15 months) were divided into four groups (n = 6): Group I. Control (given 1.0 mL of carboxymethylcellulose orally); Group II. ADF (chow diet given on alternate days); Group III. Hesperidin (100 mg/kg BW orally); Group IV. ADF+ Hes (ADF regimen and hesperidin dupplemented) for three weeks. We measured clinical parameters and some crucial biomarkers of oxidative stress like FRAP, GSH, PMRS, MDA, PCO, AOPP, NO, insulin, adiponectin and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α. IL-6, CRP and COX). A significant increase (p < 0.05) in insulin, FRAP and GSH, and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in MDA and NO were observed in the ADF+Hes group. IL-6, CRP and COX were also significantly reduced (p < 0.05) suggesting hesperidin-induced benefits. We conclude that hesperidin intake during ADF may serve as a crucial purpose in improving signature biomarkers of health and metabolism.

Alternate-day fasting alleviates high fat diet induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through controlling PPARα/Fgf21 signaling.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease that ultimately leads to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Intermittent fasting has been proposed as a nonpharmacological dietary approach against metabolic diseases, including NAFLD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of alternate day fasting (ADF) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD in C57BL/6 mice. A mouse model of fatty liver disease was established by feeding the mice a HFD for 16weeks. The mice were administered by body weight, lipid accumulation and inflammation. PPARα, FGF21, serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), transaminase and lipogenesis were assessed. The results showed that long-term ADF can attenuate fatty liver disease by reducing hepatic inflammation and lipid accumulation in a mouse model. Meanwhile, fasting elevated the expression of serum and hepatic fibroblast growth Factor 21 (Fgf21), a circulating hormone produced predominantly in the liver, and could effectively prevent and ameliorate the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Serum starvation also enhanced Fgf21 expression and reduced free fatty acid (FFA)-induced lipid storage in hepatocytes. Moreover, refeeding inhibited the increase in Fgf21 expression induced by fasting. This fasted-to-refed transition is closely related to the expression of Fgf21. Further in vitro and in vivo studies showed that fasting-sensitive PPARα is indispensable for the expression of Fgf21 and its protective effect on NAFLD. These findings indicated that long-term ADF protects mouse livers against HFD induced fatty liver disease through controlling PPARα/Fgf21 signaling. In conclusion, ADF can emerge as a non-pharmacological dietary approach against fatty liver disease.

Effects of alternate-day fasting, time-restricted fasting and intermittent energy restriction DSS-induced on colitis and behavioral disorders

Intermittent fasting (IF) has been reported to have beneficial effects on improving gut function via lowering gut inflammation and altering the gut microbiome diversity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the differential effects of three different common IF treatments, alternate day fasting (ADF), time-restricted fasting (TRF), and intermittent energy restriction (IER), on a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. The results indicated that TRF and IER, but not ADF improved the survival rates of the colitis mice. TRF and IER, but not ADF, reversed the colitis pathological development by improving the gut barrier integrity and colon length. Importantly, TRF and IER suppressed the inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in colon tissues. Interestingly, TRF and IER also attenuated colitis-related anxiety-like and obsessive-compulsive disorder behavior and alleviated the neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. TRF and IER also altered the gut microbiota composition, including the decrease of the enrichments of colitis-related microbes such as Shigella and Escherichia Coli, and increase of the enrichments of anti-inflammatory-related microbes. TRF and IER also improved the short chain fatty acid formation in colitis mice. In conclusion, the TRF and IER but not ADF exhibited the protective effects against colitis and related behavioral disorders, which could be partly explained by improving the gut microbiome compositions and preventing gut leak, and consequently suppressing the inflammation and oxidative damages in both colon and brain. The current research indicates that proper IF regimens could be effective strategies for nutritional intervention for the prevention and treatment of colitis.

Effects of alternate-day fasting on body weight and dyslipidaemia in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundAlternate-day fasting (ADF) is a novel diet therapy that may achieve reduction in body weight and improvement of dyslipidaemia, but the impact of this diet on patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ADF on the body weight and lipid profile of individuals with NAFLD.MethodsNAFLD patients (n = 271) were randomised to the ADF group, time-restricted feeding (TRF) group, or the control group and subjected to the respective diet for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements (body weight, fat mass/fat-free mass) were performed, and plasma lipids were analysed enzymatically.ResultsWithin 4 weeks, the body weight decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in the ADF group by 4.56 ± 0.41 kg (6.1 ± 0.5%) and the TRF group by 3.62 ± 0.65 kg (4.83 ± 0.9%) compared to the control group, and it decreased even more after 12 weeks in both groups (ADF: − 4.04 ± 0.54 kg, 5.4 ± 0.7%; TRF: − 3.25 ± 0.67 kg, 4.3 ± 0.9%). Fat mass was significantly reduced by ADF (− 3.49 ± 0.37 kg; 11 ± 1.2%) and TRF (− 2.91 ± 0.41 kg; 9.6 ± 1.3%), with ADF leading to a further reduction in fat mass after 12 weeks (− 3.48 ± 0.38 kg; 11 ± 1.2%). Total cholesterol was significantly decreased at both time points in the ADF group (− 0.91 ± 0.07 mmol/L; 18.5 ± 1.5%) compared to the control and TRF groups. Both ADF (− 0.64 ± 0.06 mmol/L; 25 ± 1.9%) and TRF (0.58 ± 0.07 mmol/L; 20 ± 1.7%) achieved a significant reduction in serum triglycerides (P < 0.001) after 12 weeks. Changes in fat free mass, HDL, LDL, fasting insulin, glucose, liver stiffness, and systolic or diastolic blood pressure did not differ between the groups.ConclusionsADF appears to be an effective diet therapy for individuals with NAFLD that can achieve weight loss and improvement of dyslipidaemia within a relatively short period of time (4 to 12 weeks). Potential preventive effects of ADF on cardiovascular disease need to be confirmed by future investigations.Trial registrationChiCTR1900024411, this trial was retrospectively registered on July 10, 2019.

Effects of alternate day fasting and exercise on cholesterol metabolism in overweight or obese adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Background and PurposeThe objective of this pilot randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of alternate day fasting (ADF) and exercise on serum sterol signatures, which are surrogate markers of cholesterol absorption and biosynthesis. MethodsWe randomly assigned 112 overweight or obese participants to four groups: 1) ADF and exercise (E-ADF); 2) ADF; 3) exercise; and 4) control. We studied 31 completers in this exploratory analysis and measured their serum sterol signatures using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. ResultsAfter intervention, most serum sterol signatures that correspond to cholesterol metabolism were significantly different between groups (p < 0.05 by analysis of covariance [ANCOVA]). We found no differences in plant sterols, which are markers of cholesterol absorption. In the exercise group, desmosterol, cholesteryl esters, and oxysterols decreased significantly. Furthermore, only changes in physical activity levels negatively correlated with changes in the metabolic ratios of desmosterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol to cholesterol, which reflect cholesterol biosynthesis (r = −0.411; p = 0.030, and r = −0.540; p = 0.003, respectively). ConclusionThese findings suggest that exercise with or without ADF improves cholesterol metabolism as measured by serum sterol signatures, and increased physical activity has a greater effect on cholesterol biosynthesis than weight reduction or calorie restriction.

Effect of alternate day fasting on markers of bone metabolism: An exploratory analysis of a 6-month randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND:Alternate day fasting (ADF) is a novel diet therapy that reduces body weight, but its effect on bone health remains unknown.OBJECTIVE:This study examined the impact of ADF versus traditional daily calorie restriction (CR) on markers of bone metabolism in a 6-month randomized controlled trial.METHODS:Overweight and obese subjects (n = 100) were randomized to 1 of 3 groups for 6 months: 1) ADF (25% energy intake fast day, alternated with 125% intake feast day; 2) CR (75% intake every day); or 3) control (usual intake every day).RESULTS:Body weight decreased similarly (P < 0.001) by ADF (–7.8±1.2%) and CR (–8.8±1.5%), relative to controls by month 6. Lean mass, total body bone mineral content and total body bone mineral density remained unchanged in all groups. Circulating osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase, and C-terminal telopeptide type I collagen (CTX) did not change in any group. IGF-1 increased (P < 0.01) in the CR group, with no change in the ADF or control group. When the data were sub-analyzed according to menopausal status, there were no differences between premenopausal or postmenopausal women for any marker of bone metabolism.CONCLUSION:These findings suggest that 6 months of ADF does not have any deleterious impact on markers of bone metabolism in obese adults with moderate weight loss.

Effects of alternate-day fasting or daily calorie restriction on body composition, fat distribution, and circulating adipokines: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Indirect comparisons suggest that alternate-day fasting (ADF) may produce greater improvements in body composition, fat distribution, and/or the adipokine profile compared to daily calorie restriction (CR), but this has not been tested directly. In a pre-planned secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, we compared changes in the VAT:SAT ratio, FFM:total mass ratio, and the adipokine profile between ADF and CR. Overweight and obese participants (n=100) were randomized to 1) ADF (alternating every 24-h between consuming 25% or 125% of energy needs); 2) CR (consuming 75% of needs every day); or 3) control (consuming 100% of needs every day) for 24wk. The VAT:SAT ratio did not change in any group. The FFM:total mass ratio increased in both ADF (0.03±0.00) and CR (0.03±0.01) compared to the control group (P<0.01), with no differences between the intervention groups. Circulating leptin decreased in both the ADF group (-18±6%) and CR group (-31±10%) relative to the control group (P<0.05), with no differences between the intervention groups. Circulating levels of adiponectin, resistin, IL-6, and TNF-α did not change in either intervention group relative to the control group. ADF and CR similarly improve the FFM:total mass ratio and reduce leptin after a 24-wk intervention. Clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT00960505.

The Effect of Alternate-Day Fasting (ADF) on Weight Loss, Metabolic Parameters and Psychological Characteristics

Zusammenfassung Einleitung Alternierendes Fasten (ADF), das heißt Phasen 24-stündiger Nahrungskarenz alternierend mit Tagen normaler Nahrungsaufnahme, wurde immer wieder als mögliche Behandlungsoption für Übergewicht diskutiert. Zur Zeit existieren nur wenige Studien in Hinblick auf dessen Praktikabilität, Effektivität und mögliche unerwünschte Komplikationen wie Nährstoffmängel oder anderer Nebenwirkungen. Das Ziel der hier beschriebenen Studie war es, zu untersuchen, ob ADF eine sichere und effektive Methode zur Gewichtsreduktion darstellt, die auch über einen längeren Zeitraum beibehalten werden kann, und ob im Studienzeitraum psychologische oder physische Nebenwirkungen auftreten. Methoden Wir führten eine prospektive Pilotstudie mit 15 übergewichtigen oder adipösen, aber sonst gesunden, ProbandInnen (älter als 18 Jahre, BMI &gt; 27 kg/m²) durch. Alle ProbandInnen wurden instruiert, sich für einen Zeitraum von 12 Wochen ADF zu unterziehen. Anthropometrische Messungen, Blutdruck- und Bioimpedanzmessungen sowie computerbasierte psychologische Tests wurden durchgeführt. Blutparameter wurden zu Beginn der Intervention, nach 6 Wochen und am Ende der Studie bestimmt. Ergebnisse Neun von 15 eingeschlossenen ProbandInnen beendeten die Studie. Die durchschnittliche Gewichtsreduktion nach 12 Wochen betrug 7,19 kg (± 4,38). Der relative Körperfettgehalt wurde um 11,68 % (± 15,79 %). Nüchtern-Triglyzeride wurden um 31,29 % (± 54,48 %) reduziert, weiters wurde eine Reduktion von LDL-Cholesterin um 9,20 % (± 40,32 %) verzeichnet.Tests für subjektives Wohlbefinden und Vitalität zeigten signifikante Verbesserung [p = 0,009; α = 0,05; 95 %-KI] bzw. [p = 0,008; α = 0,05; 95 %-KI]. Weiters konnten signifikante Unterschiede in Bezug auf Essverhalten festgestellt werden [p = 0,002; α = 0,05; 95 %-KI]. Die psychologischen Tests zeigten keine Auswirkung der Intervention auf Konzentrationsfähigkeit, Reaktionszeit und Gemüt. Schlussfolgerung Unsere Resultate deuten darauf hin dass ADF eine adäquate diätetische Maßnahme zur Gewichtsreduktion darstellt, die gefahrlos auch über einen längeren Zeitraum beibehalten werden kann: es wurden keine negativen Effekte auf physiologische oder psychologische Parameter festgestellt. Größere, kontrollierte und randomisierte Studien sind nötig, um die Ergebnisse dieser Pilotstudie zu verifizieren.

Effect of Alternate-Day Fasting on Weight Loss, Weight Maintenance, and Cardioprotection Among Metabolically Healthy Obese Adults

ImportanceAlternate-day fasting has become increasingly popular, yet, to date, no long-term randomized clinical trials have evaluated its efficacy.ObjectiveTo compare the effects of alternate-day fasting vs daily calorie restriction on weight loss, weight maintenance, and risk indicators for cardiovascular disease.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA single-center randomized clinical trial of obese adults (18 to 64 years of age; mean body mass index, 34) was conducted between October 1, 2011, and January 15, 2015, at an academic institution in Chicago, Illinois.InterventionsParticipants were randomized to 1 of 3 groups for 1 year: alternate-day fasting (25% of energy needs on fast days; 125% of energy needs on alternating “feast days”), calorie restriction (75% of energy needs every day), or a no-intervention control. The trial involved a 6-month weight-loss phase followed by a 6-month weight-maintenance phase.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was change in body weight. Secondary outcomes were adherence to the dietary intervention and risk indicators for cardiovascular disease.ResultsAmong the 100 participants (86 women and 14 men; mean [SD] age, 44 [11] years), the dropout rate was highest in the alternate-day fasting group (13 of 34 [38%]), vs the daily calorie restriction group (10 of 35 [29%]) and control group (8 of 31 [26%]). Mean weight loss was similar for participants in the alternate-day fasting group and those in the daily calorie restriction group at month 6 (–6.8% [95% CI, –9.1% to –4.5%] vs –6.8% [95% CI, –9.1% to –4.6%]) and month 12 (–6.0% [95% CI, –8.5% to –3.6%] vs –5.3% [95% CI, –7.6% to –3.0%]) relative to those in the control group. Participants in the alternate-day fasting group ate more than prescribed on fast days, and less than prescribed on feast days, while those in the daily calorie restriction group generally met their prescribed energy goals. There were no significant differences between the intervention groups in blood pressure, heart rate, triglycerides, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, C-reactive protein, or homocysteine concentrations at month 6 or 12. Mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels at month 6 significantly increased among the participants in the alternate-day fasting group (6.2 mg/dL [95% CI, 0.1-12.4 mg/dL]), but not at month 12 (1.0 mg/dL [95% CI, –5.9 to 7.8 mg/dL]), relative to those in the daily calorie restriction group. Mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly elevated by month 12 among the participants in the alternate-day fasting group (11.5 mg/dL [95% CI, 1.9-21.1 mg/dL]) compared with those in the daily calorie restriction group.Conclusions and RelevanceAlternate-day fasting did not produce superior adherence, weight loss, weight maintenance, or cardioprotection vs daily calorie restriction.Trial Registrationclinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00960505

Alternate-day fasting diet improves fructose-induced insulin resistance in mice

Increased fructose consumption is linked to insulin resistance, weight gain, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Although the advantages of several dietary restriction regimens have been demonstrated, the effects of alternate-day fasting (ADF) on fructose-induced insulin resistance have not yet been studied. This study is based on a new modification on ADF by combining the fructose-rich solution (10% w/v) and regular mice diet. Mice were randomly allocated into four groups: ADF50% (50% restriction in chow food intake but ad libitum fructose drink), ADF100% (100% restriction for chow food but ad libitum fructose drink), control (ad libitum chow food intake plus tap water) and daily food and fructose (DFF) (had free access to both chow and fructose solution). Biweekly fasting blood sugar (FBS), glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were conducted. All groups gained weight during the study (p<0.05). Body weights of DFF and control groups did not differ from that of ADF groups, but ADF50% gained more (p<0.01) weights than ADF100% through the study. Total calorie intake (feed+fast days) of ADF50% was higher than that of ADF100% (p<0.001) and control (p<0.03). In addition, ADF groups consumed more energy than the control and DFF groups in feed (ad libitum) days (p<0.05). At the end of the study, the mean FBS levels in the control and ADF100% groups were similar and significantly lower in relation to that of DFF and ADF50% groups (p<0.01). Measurements of area under the curve in GTT and ITT revealed that the ADF100% group was more insulin-sensitive than the DFF and ADF50% groups. In conclusion, these data suggest that the ADF100% improves fructose-induced insulin resistance in mice.

Alternate day fasting combined with exercise: An effective treatment for weight loss and cardio‐protection in obese humans

BackgroundThe effect of alternate day fasting (ADF) combined with endurance exercise (Ex) on body weight, body composition, and lipid levels, has never been tested.ObjectiveThus, this study examined whether the combination of ADF plus exercise produces greater changes in the above‐mentioned variables, when compared to each treatment alone.MethodsSixty‐four obese subjects were randomized to 1 of 4 groups: 1) ADF+Ex, 2) ADF, 3) Ex, or 4) control, for 12 weeks.ResultsBody weight was reduced (P &lt; 0.05) by 7.1 ± 1.0%, 5.8 ± 1.0% and 1.4 ± 0.5% in the ADF+Ex, ADF and Ex group, respectively. Fat mass decreased (6.3 ± 1.5%, P = 0.001) and fat free mass increased (6.7 ± 2.3%, P = 0.015) in the ADF‐Ex group only. Waist circumference was reduced (P &lt; 0.001) in all the intervention groups. LDL cholesterol decreased (7.0 ± 8.0%, P = 0.04) while HDL cholesterol increased (12.0 ± 10%, P = 0.04) in the ADF‐Ex group only.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the combination of ADF plus exercise is the most effective treatment in reducing body weight, and improving body composition and plasma lipids, when compared to each intervention alone. This project was funded by The American Heart Association.

Alternate day fasting: A novel dietary strategy for weight loss and cardio‐protection in obese adults

This study examined the effects of alternate day fasting (ADF) (i.e. consuming 25% of energy needs on the fast day, and ad libitum fed on feed day) on body weight and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in obese adults. Sixteen obese subjects (12 women/4 men) completed a 10‐week trial, consisting of 3 phases: 1) 2‐week control phase, 2) 4‐week weight loss/ADF controlled feeding phase, and 3) 4‐week weight loss/ADF self‐selected feeding phase. Dietary adherence remained high throughout the controlled feeding phase (86% days adherent), and the self‐selected feeding phase (89% days adherent). Rate of weight loss remained constant during controlled feeding (0.67 ± 0.1 kg/week) and self‐selected feeding phases (0.68 ± 0.1 kg/week). Body weight decreased (P &lt; 0.001) by 5.6 ± 1.0 kg (5.8% ± 1.1%) after 8 weeks of diet. Percent body fat decreased (P &lt; 0.01) from 45 ± 2% to 42 ± 2%. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triacylglycerol concentrations were lowered (P &lt; 0.01) by 21 ± 4%, 25 ± 10%, 32 ± 6%, respectively, after 8 weeks of ADF, while HDL cholesterol remained unchanged. Systolic blood pressure decreased (P &lt; 0.05) from 124 ± 5 mm Hg to 116 ± 3 mm Hg. These findings suggest that ADF is a viable diet option to help obese individuals lose weight and decrease CHD risk.

Alternate‐day fasting reduces the ratio of visceral to subcutaneous fat by modulating adipose tissue triglyceride metabolism in mice

BACKGROUND: Calorie restriction (CR) regimens reduce visceral adiposity in non‐obese animals. The effects of alternate‐day fasting (ADF) regimens on fat distribution are not known.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of ADF on body fat distribution in mice, and to determine the lipid dynamics underlying redistribution of fat among depots.METHODS: In a 2‐week study, 24 male C57BL/6J mice were randomized to 1 of 2 groups: ADF‐100% (24 h of 100% CR, alternating with 24 h ad libitum feeding) or control (ad libitum fed everyday).RESULTS: Body weight did not differ between groups. The epidydimal (visceral) fat depot of the ADF‐100% group was 31% smaller (P &lt; 0.01), while the inguinal (subcutaneous) fat depot was 45% larger (P &lt; 0.01), compared to controls. Absolute TG synthesis in the ADF‐100% group was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in inguinal fat and lower (P &lt; 0.05) in epidydimal fat than in controls. No differences in net lipolysis were observed between groups in either fat pad. Net TG accumulation in ADF‐100% mice was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in inguinal fat and lower (P &lt; 0.05) in epidydimal fat, relative to controls. Epidydimal fat cells were 56% smaller (P &lt; 0.05) in the ADF‐100% group, post‐treatment, relative to controls.CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that short‐term ADF redistributes adipose TG from visceral to subcutaneous depots by augmenting TG synthesis in inguinal fat, while lowering it in epidydimal fat.

Effects of modified alternate-day fasting regimens on adipocyte size, triglyceride metabolism, and plasma adiponectin levels in mice

Calorie restriction (CR) affects adipocyte function and reduces body weight. However, the effects of alternate-day fasting (ADF) on adipose biology remain unclear. This study examined the effects of ADF and modified ADF regimens on adipocyte size, triglyceride (TG) metabolism, and adiponectin levels in relation to changes in body weight and adipose mass. Twenty-four male C57BL/6J mice were randomized for 4 weeks among 1) ADF-25% (25% CR on fast day, ad libitum on alternate day), 2) ADF-50% (50% CR on fast day), 3) ADF-100% (100% CR on fast day), and 4) control (ad libitum). The body weight of ADF-100% mice was lower than that of the other groups (P < 0.005) after treatment. Adipose tissue weights did not change. Inguinal and epididymal fat cells were 35-50% smaller (P < 0.01) than those of controls in ADF-50% and ADF-100% animals after treatment. Net lipolysis was augmented (P < 0.05) in ADF-100% mice, and the contribution from glyceroneogenesis to alpha-glycerol phosphate increased in ADF-50% and ADF-100% mice, whereas fractional and absolute de novo lipogenesis also increased in ADF-50% and ADF-100% animals, consistent with an alternating feast-fast milieu. Plasma adiponectin levels were not affected. In summary, modified ADF (ADF-50%) and complete ADF (ADF-100%) regimens modulate adipocyte function, despite there being no change in body weight or adipose tissue weight in the former group.

Mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species and incidence of age-associated lymphoma in OF1 mice: Effect of alternate-day fasting

There is currently of a great interest investigating the role of nutrition in the prevention of age-associated disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate, on a particular strain of mice, the efficacy of alternate-day fasting on the mitochondrial production of free radical species and on the incidence of a specific cancer (lymphoma) in aged mice. Alternate fasting, that was initiated in middle age mice through a 4 month period, reduced significantly the incidence of lymphoma (0% versus 33% for controls). No remarkable difference was observed in the overall food consumption between alternate-fed (AF) and ad libitum (AL) mice, suggesting that the efficacy of alternate fasting did not really depend on calorie restriction. A significant decrease in the mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that was associated with a significant increase in spleen mitochondria SOD activity was observed when mice were maintained on intermittent fasting. Our results suggest that alternate fasting could exert a beneficial antioxidant effect and a modulation of the oxidative stress associated with aging.