Intermittent Fasting Research Articles

Challenges in Providing an Overview of Results of Intermittent Fasting Interventions on Diabetes Parameters. Comment on Silva et al. Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Regulation of Metabolic Homeostasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Health and Metabolic-Related Disorders. J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12, 3699.

We hereby comment on the systematic review "Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Regulation of Metabolic Homeostasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Health and Metabolic-Related Disorders" by Silva et al [...].

Leptin, Ghrelin, Irisin, Asprosin and Subfatin Changes in Obese Women: Effect of Exercise and Different Nutrition Types.

Background and Objectives: In this study, the effects of a six-week training program and various diets on subfatin, asprosin, irisin, leptin, ghrelin and the lipid profile were investigated in overweight women. Materials and Methods: A total of 78 women voluntarily participated in the study. Groups: The study was divided into eight groups: Healthy Control, Obese Control, Obese + Vegetarian, Obese + Ketogenic, Obese + Intermittent Fasting, Obese + Exercise + Vegetarian, Obese + Exercise + Ketogenic and Obese + Exercise + Intermittent Fasting. While there was no intervention in the healthy and obese control groups, the other groups followed predetermined exercise and diet programs for 6 weeks. Blood samples were taken from the participants in the research group twice (before and after the interventions). An autoanalyzer was used to determine the lipid profile in the blood samples taken, and the ELISA method was used to analyze other parameters. Results: Overall, a significant difference was found in the values of weight, BMI, subfatin, ghrelin, leptin, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL as a result of the exercise and diet interventions (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in asprosin and irisin values (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, regular exercise and dietary interventions in obese women can regulate lipid profile, ghrelin, leptin and asprosin levels, and increasing irisin with exercise can activate lipid metabolism and support positive changes in lean mass.

The role of feeding as synchronizer of gut microbiota dynamics and its potential contribution to protein digestion in greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili)

Gut microbial communities are highly dynamic and respond to factors such as diet and host metabolism. However, there is limited information about how these responses can generate community dynamics at different time scales, such as circadian rhythms. The aim of the present study was to characterize variations along a daily cycle in the gut microbiota of fish on different feeding regimes. In addition, an estimation of the potential contribution of the gut bacterial community to the digestive process of the fish was assessed. The greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) was used as experimental species, a promising species for Mediterranean aquaculture. Fish were randomly distributed in two different feeding regimes, in triplicate rearing tanks. Feeding regimes were continuous feeding and time-restricted feeding (three meals per day). Fish feces for RNA-based amplicon sequencing and bacterial proteolytic capacity were sampled along a 24h cycle. Time-restricted fed fish exhibited changes in the composition of the active bacterial community promoted by feeding, thus revealing two types of bacterial community profiles: “pre-feeding” and “active-feeder” profiles. Continuous-fed fish maintained an “active-feeder” community profile throughout the whole day. Bray-Curtis and Sørensen similarity indicated that differences in the composition between the two community profiles were mainly driven by the absence/presence of infrequent ASVs (amplicon variant sequences). The potential proteolytic bacterial activity tended to be higher before feeding. Thus, gut microbiota could be a key factor to understanding fish digestion, playing a role in interactions with host metabolism. In conclusion, our results suggest that feeding pattern and time of sampling are important parameters when assessing the microbiome’s contribution to host metabolism.

Evaluating the Fasting Effect on the Level of Heavy Metals and Electrolyte Elements for Iraqi People in Ramadan

In most healthy individuals, intermittent fasting during Ramadan, which occurs just once a year, could have positive effects on metabolic consequences. That even though there are several exceptions to fasting, many Muslims who have medical issues choose to fast. This may have a significant influence on their health if not addressed properly. The health consequences of Ramadan fasting have recently sparked renewed study. This study is designed to evaluate the effect of fasting in Ramadan on the level of some metals and minerals compare these levels with a control group that is not fasting during Ramadan and show the effect of Ramadan on the health of fasting people. It was a study consisting of two categories. The first group was composed of 50 people (males and females) who fasted during Ramadan, while the second group was composed of 50 people who ate and drank during Ramadan. From both groups tacked 5 ml of venous blood to estimate the concentration of metals which include: cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), magnesium (Mg), potassium(K) and sodium (Na) during Ramadan month. The present study found that the concentration of cadmium, lead, copper and magnesium increase significantly in fasting group as compared to control group (with p- value =0.001 for Cd and p= 0.000 for other). whereas no significant difference in concentration of calcium, sodium and potassium between the fasting and control group. The results showed that fasting in Ramadan not affect the level of calcium, sodium and potassium, whereas the levels of cadmium, lead, copper, magnesium and chromium were affected, since they increased during fasting except chromium decreased. However, observing healthy food guidelines while fasting throughout Ramadan can lessen these alterations.

Sports Performance and Intermittent Fasting: Impact on Training and Results, Mechanisms and Health Benefits in Weight Management, Metabolic Health, and Chronic Diseases – A Review of Risks, Current Evidence, and Future Research Directions

Introduction: Intermittent Fasting (IF) has become a popular method in the contemporary medical world as an up-to date technique of the health and wellbeing in the last several years. Purpose: This research aims to investigate the both impact of IF on sports performance and therapeutic potential of IF on cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological diseases with focus on obesity, diabetes and impact on cardiometabolic risk. State of Knowledge: Intermittent fasting has been found to extend both life and health span by positively impacting weight management, reducing the risk of cardiovascular incidents, promoting cellular repair, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory actions. It improves blood sugar levels, provides protection against hepatosteatosis, enhances lipid metabolism and has beneficial effects on the brain-gut-microbiome system. IF leads to improved mental performance and offers benefits for neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and multiple sclerosis IF has shown beneficial effects on body composition and lean muscle mass without compromising physical performance nor impair strength. However, concerns about nutritional deficiencies, sustainability, and social implications are evident. Common drawbacks of IF include feelings of hunger, irritability, fatigue and hypoglycemia risk. IF is not recommended for pregnant woman and individuals suffering from eating disorders. Conclusions: IF is as a promising tool alongside traditional therapeutic strategies, particularly for addressing obesity, diabetes, and managing cardiovascular risk. For athletes it is a valuable tool in managing fat-mass particularly combined with high-intensity interval training (HIIT). However it is not recommended for certain groups. The diverse landscape of IF patterns, coupled with drawbacks, underscores the necessity for long-term research before routinely recommending IF for athletes and patients.

Intermittent Fasting Targets Osteocyte Neuropeptide Y to Relieve Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent progressive joint disease that still requires an optimal therapeutic approach. Intermittent fasting is an attractive dieting strategy for improving health. Here this study shows that intermittent fasting potently relieves medial meniscus (DMM)- or natural aging-induced osteoarthritic phenotypes. Osteocytes, the most abundant bone cells, secrete excess neuropeptide Y (NPY) during osteoarthritis, and this alteration can be altered by intermittent fasting. Both NPY and the NPY-abundant culture medium of osteocytes (OCY-CM) from osteoarthritic mice possess pro-inflammatory, pro-osteoclastic, and pro-neurite outgrowth effects, while OCY-CM from the intermittent fasting-treated osteoarthritic mice fails to induce significant stimulatory effects on inflammation, osteoclast formation, and neurite outgrowth. Depletion of osteocyte NPY significantly attenuates DMM-induced osteoarthritis and abolishes the benefits of intermittent fasting on osteoarthritis. This study suggests that osteocyte NPY is a key contributing factor in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and intermittent fasting represents a promising nonpharmacological antiosteoarthritis method by targeting osteocyte NPY.

ETHNOCULTURAL STUDIES OF ORTHOREXIA NERVOSA

The article presents an overview of the ethnocultural plane of the phenomenon of orthorexia nervosa ON (as a pathological obsession with healthy nutrition). The aim of the article is to make a meta-analysis of ON studies in different countries of the world and to create it’s causal model on the Ukrainian sample. The Western trend towards a healthy lifestyle (healthism) and healthy eating attracts the attention of researchers in other cultures. Modern studies of orthorexia nervosa on samples in China, India, Turkey and other countries of the East and Asia emphasize that orthorexia nervosa is diagnosed there as well. Deepening cultural studies of ON is a necessary direction. The study of orthorexia nervosa on the Ukrainian sample presented in the article at the beginning of 2024 showed the presence of orthorexia nervosa in most of the sample (using ORTO-15). In addition, the sample (77 respondents) was segmented by types of nutrition (vegetarianism, intermittent fasting, proper nutrition, intuitive nutrition, and others), and the average value of orthorexia was estimated in each subsample. This made it possible to establish the presence of ON in all subsamples, except for respondents who preferred the use of drugs for weight loss. The article analyzes the influence of socio-demographic factors on ON, from which the most influential ones are selected by structural equation modeling (SEM) method. A causal model of the relationship between various factors and orthorexia was created (an assessment of its quality and an interpretation of the parameters as well). The causal model confirmed that the type of diet and orthorexia have almost a quarter of the common variance, and women are also more likely to have this diagnosis. Attitudes toward food (e.g., food is pleasure; "fuel" for the body; a tool for maintaining beauty and health; or other) are correlated 15% with type of diet. The presence of the experience of experiencing ED in the past is almost a quarter interrelated with the attitude towards food.

The Roles of White Adipose Tissue and Liver NADPH in Dietary Restriction-Induced Longevity.

Dietary restriction (DR) protocols frequently employ intermittent fasting. Following a period of fasting, meal consumption increases lipogenic gene expression, including that of NADPH-generating enzymes that fuel lipogenesis in white adipose tissue (WAT) through the induction of transcriptional regulators SREBP-1c and CHREBP. SREBP-1c knockout mice, unlike controls, did not show an extended lifespan on the DR diet. WAT cytoplasmic NADPH is generated by both malic enzyme 1 (ME1) and the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), while liver cytoplasmic NADPH is primarily synthesized by folate cycle enzymes provided one-carbon units through serine catabolism. During the daily fasting period of the DR diet, fatty acids are released from WAT and are transported to peripheral tissues, where they are used for beta-oxidation and for phospholipid and lipid droplet synthesis, where monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) may activate Nrf1 and inhibit ferroptosis to promote longevity. Decreased WAT NADPH from PPP gene knockout stimulated the browning of WAT and protected from a high-fat diet, while high levels of NADPH-generating enzymes in WAT and macrophages are linked to obesity. But oscillations in WAT [NADPH]/[NADP+] from feeding and fasting cycles may play an important role in maintaining metabolic plasticity to drive longevity. Studies measuring the WAT malate/pyruvate as a proxy for the cytoplasmic [NADPH]/[NADP+], as well as studies using fluorescent biosensors expressed in the WAT of animal models to monitor the changes in cytoplasmic [NADPH]/[NADP+], are needed during ad libitum and DR diets to determine the changes that are associated with longevity.

The effects of time restricted feeding on age-related changes in the mouse retina

Dietary modifications such as caloric restriction (CR) and intermittent fasting (IF) have gained popularity due to their proven health benefits in aged populations. In time restricted feeding (TRF), a form of intermittent fasting, the amount of time for food intake is regulated without restricting the caloric intake. TRF is beneficial for the central nervous system to support brain health in the context of aging. Therefore, we here ask whether TRF also exerts beneficial effects in the aged retina. We compared aged mice (24 months) on a TRF paradigm (access to food for six hours per day) for either 6 or 12 months against young control mice (8 months) and aged control mice on an ad libitum diet. We examined changes in the retina at the functional (electroretinography), structural (histology and fluorescein angiograms) and molecular (gene expression) level. TRF treatment showed amelioration of age-related reductions in both scotopic and photopic b-wave amplitudes suggesting benefits for retinal interneuron signaling. TRF did not affect age-related signs of retinal inflammation or microglial activation at either the molecular or histological level. Our data indicate that TRF helps preserve some aspects of retinal function that are decreased with aging, adding to our understanding of the health benefits that altered feeding patterns may confer.

Intermittent fasting, calorie restriction, and a ketogenic diet improve mitochondrial function by reducing lipopolysaccharide signaling in monocytes during obesity: A randomized clinical trial

BackgroundMitochondrial dysfunction occurs in monocytes during obesity and contributes to a low-grade inflammatory state; therefore, maintaining good mitochondrial conditions is a key aspect of maintaining health. Dietary interventions are primary strategies for treating obesity, but little is known about their impact on monocyte bioenergetics. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of calorie restriction (CR), intermittent fasting (IF), a ketogenic diet (KD), and an ad libitum habitual diet (AL) on mitochondrial function in monocytes and its modulation by the gut microbiota. Methods and findingsA randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in which individuals with obesity were assigned to one of the 4 groups for 1 month. Subsequently, the subjects received rifaximin and continued with the assigned diet for another month. The oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was evaluated in isolated monocytes, as was the gut microbiota composition in feces and anthropometric and biochemical parameters. Forty-four subjects completed the study, and those who underwent CR, IF and KD interventions had an increase in the maximal respiration OCR (p=0.025, n2p = 0.159 [0.05, 0.27] 95% confidence interval) in monocytes compared to that in the AL group. The improvement in mitochondrial function was associated with a decrease in monocyte dependence on glycolysis after the IF and KD interventions. Together, diet and rifaximin increased the gut microbiota diversity in the IF and KD groups (p=0.0001), enriched the abundance of Phascolarctobacterium faecium (p=0.019) in the CR group and Ruminococcus bromii (p=0.020) in the CR and KD groups, and reduced the abundance of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-producing bacteria after CR, IF and KD interventions compared to the AL group at the end of the study according to ANCOVA with covariate adjustment. Spearman’s correlation between the variables measured highlighted LPS as a potential modulator of the observed effects. In line with this findings, serum LPS and intracellular signaling in monocytes decreased with the three interventions (CR, p=0.002; IF, p=0.001; and KD, p=0.001) compared to those in the AL group at the end of the study. ConclusionsWe conclude that these dietary interventions positively regulate mitochondrial bioenergetic health and improve the metabolic profile of monocytes in individuals with obesity via modulation of the gut microbiota. Moreover, the evaluation of mitochondrial function in monocytes could be used as an indicator of metabolic and inflammatory status, with potential applications in future clinical trials. Trial registrationThis trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05200468)

P-013 A potential therapeutic approach of intermittent fasting on sperm viscosity

Abstract Study question Does intermittent fasting affect sperm viscosity and motility? Summary answer The obtained results demonstrate that intermittent fasting significantly improves sperm viscosity and motility, and might be considered as a potential therapeutic approach for sperm hyperviscosity. What is known already Numerous factors influence sperm quality, functionality, and, consequently, male fertility. In the last decade, nutritional deficiency and lifestyle, have been grouped as popular factors that affect human sperm function and fertilization processes. Semen hyperviscosity which occurs in 12-29% of ejaculates is another condition that can contribute to male subfertility, as it is associated with changes in the chemical and physical characteristics of semen. Additionally, semen hyperviscosity contributes as well to poor sperm motility. Based on the aforementioned facts, focusing on identifying factors to enhance sperm viscosity and motility is crucial for improving IVF outcomes. Study design, size, duration The present study was based on semen analyses of 60 samples from 30 IVF patients. Following the purpose of the study and inclusion criteria, all 30 patients were diagnosed with abnormal sperm viscosity. Out of this number, 13 patients had asthenozoospermia, 4 patients were diagnosed with asthenoteratozoospermia, 7 patients were diagnosed with teratozoospermia and 6 patients had normozoospermia. All patients followed 4 days of sexual abstinence. All specimens were analyzed within 1 hour of collection. Participants/materials, setting, methods Sperm analysis including sperm viscosity was processed according to the WHO laboratory manual sperm criteria (Sixth edition 2021). For the study purpose, all the participants followed an intermittent fasting period of 14-16 hours for 30 days. Samples were analyzed twice, the first time before fasting and the second time after 30 days of fasting. Most of the patients did not consume food from 6 pm until 8 or 10 am. Main results and the role of chance The average age of the patients included in the study was 37.53 ± 4.6 years, while the BMI ranged from 21.26 to 32.28 kg/m2. Abnormal viscosity (hyperviscosity) was diagnosed when the drop formed a thread more than 2 cm long, while normal liquefied ejaculate fell as small discrete drops. The obtained results indicated that sperm parameters were improved after intermittent fasting. The most significant difference was observed in semen viscosity where out of the 30 patients who were diagnosed with abnormal semen viscosity after 30 days of intermittent fasting only 9 patients still had viscose semen (p&amp;lt;0.0001). Additionally, a significant difference was revealed in sperm motility before and after the fasting period as well(33.73±12.15 vs 44.10 ±11.54; respectively p &amp;lt; 0.001). Among the 17 subjects initially diagnosed with abnormal motility, following the implementation of intermittent fasting, 11 demonstrated a sperm improvement and were diagnosed with normal motility. The difference in sperm viability (52.8± 7.71 vs 61.3±8.37; respectively p &amp;lt; 0.01) and Ph values before and after fasting as well were statistically significant. On the other side, although sperm concentration (Mil/ml) was increased after fasting, the difference was not statistically significant (39.03±19.52 vs 41.53±19.19; respectively p = 0.92). Additionally, intermittent fasting did not affect sperm morphology either. Limitations, reasons for caution The limitation of the presented study was a relatively small patient cohort. Further research should link intermittent fasting with IVF outcomes. Wider implications of the findings Until today there are no clear dietary guidelines created for infertile males. As far as we know this is the first research, that includes a comparison of sperm parameters, based on intermittent fasting, and the obtained results confirm that intermittent fasting can be used as a potential therapeutic approach. Trial registration number not applicable

Ameliorating Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Cardiac Dysfunctions in Experimentally Induced thyrotoxicosis in Adult Rats. Role of Ghrelin Hormone

Abstract Background Cardiovascular complications of hyperthyroidism have high morbidity and mortality rates. The cardioprotective effect of intermittent fasting (IF) in addition to the concomitant rise of blood ghrelin hormone level during IF have gained attention, but their effects on thyrotoxic hearts are still unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impacts of IF on hearts of rats subjected to induced thyrotoxicosis (TH) elucidating the role of ghrelin hormone in the assumed cardio protection. Methods Forty-five adult male Wistar Albino rats in 3 groups: control group, thyrotoxic group, injected IP with L-thyroxine100 μg/kg/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks and intermittent fasting-treated thyrotoxic group, subjected to alternative day fasting regimen for 4 weeks. cardiac functions were assessed by in-vivo studies (ECG recording and arterial blood pressure evaluation) and in-vitro studies (responses to isoproterenol infusion using Langendorff’s preparation). Results Compared to the TH rats, intermittent fasting showed significant body weight loss, decreased left ventricular and whole heart absolute weights, with significant decrease of heart rate (HR) and prolongation of P-R interval in ECG. The baseline values of PT/LV, HRT and MFR/LV as well as their maximal responses and their delta changes in response to isoproterenol infusion were increased and were positively correlated to ghrelin hormone. Ghrelin hormone was increased in IF rats reaching the control group value and showed positive correlation with GPx and BCL-2. Conclusions IF conferred partial cardioprotective effects against thyrotoxicosis. These effects were attributed – at least partially- to normalization of ghrelin hormone which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant as well as anti-apoptotic effects.

Unraveling the Health Benefits and Mechanisms of Time-Restricted Feeding: Beyond Caloric Restriction.

Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is a lifestyle intervention that aims to maintain a consistent daily cycle of feeding and fasting to support robust circadian rhythms. Recently, it has gained scientific, medical, and public attention due to its potential to enhance body composition, extend lifespan, and improve overall health, as well as induce autophagy and alleviate symptoms of diseases like cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and ischemic injury. However, there is still considerable debate on the primary factors that contribute to the health benefits of TRF. Despite not imposing strict limitations on calorie intake, TRF consistently led to reductions in calorie intake. Therefore, while some studies suggest that the health benefits of TRF are primarily due to caloric restriction (CR), others argue that the key advantages of TRF arise not only from CR but also from factors like the duration of fasting, the timing of the feeding period, and alignment with circadian rhythms. To elucidate the roles and mechanisms of TRF beyond CR, this review incorporates TRF studies that did not use CR, as well as TRF studies with equivalent energy intake to CR, which addresses the previous lack of comprehensive research on TRF without CR and provides a framework for future research directions.

The effects of intermittent fasting on body composition and cardiometabolic health in adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To perform a meta-analysis to investigate the effects of intermittent fasting (IF), as compared with either a control diet (CON) and/or calorie restriction (CR), on body composition and cardiometabolic health in individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D). PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from their inception to March 2024 to identify original randomized trials with parallel or crossover designs that studied the effects of IF on body composition and cardiometabolic health. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) or standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. Overall, 14 studies involving 1101 adults with prediabetes or T2D were included in the meta-analysis. IF decreased body weight (WMD -4.56 kg [95% CI -6.23 to -2.83]; p = 0.001), body mass index (BMI; WMD -1.99 kg.m2 [95% CI -2.74 to -1.23]; p = 0.001), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c; WMD -0.81% [95% CI -1.24 to -0.38]; p = 0.001), fasting glucose (WMD -0.36 mmol/L [95% CI -0.63 to -0.09]; p = 0.008), total cholesterol (WMD -0.31 mmol/L [95% CI -0.60 to -0.02]; p = 0.03) and triglycerides (WMD -0.14 mmol/L [95% CI -0.27 to -0.01]; p = 0.02), but did not significantly decrease fat mass, insulin, low-densitiy lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, or blood pressure as compared with CON. Furthermore, IF decreased body weight (WMD -1.14 kg [95% CI -1.69 to -0.60]; p = 0.001) and BMI (WMD -0.43 kg.m2 [95% CI -0.58 to -0.27]; p = 0.001), but did not significantly affect fat mass, lean body mass, visceral fat, insulin, HbA1c, lipid profiles or blood pressure. Intermittent fasting is effective for weight loss and specific cardiometabolic health markers in individuals with prediabetes or T2D. Additionally, IF is associated with a reduction in body weight and BMI compared to CR, without effects on glycaemic markers, lipid profiles or blood pressure.

An Intermittent Fasting Intervention for Black Adults Can Be Feasibly Implemented in Black Churches: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

BackgroundIntensive lifestyle interventions, including modest reductions in daily caloric intake (ie, continuous calorie energy reduction [CER]), are recommended by US national professional health organizations (eg, American Heart Association). However, they are less effective in Black communities. A burgeoning literature has reported the promise of intermittent fasting (IF) as an alternative strategy for weight loss. However, IF studies have been conducted with White participants predominately and provided participant resources not readily available in real-world situations. ObjectiveWeight-loss and weight-related outcomes of a scalable (ie, able to be widely disseminated and implemented) IF intervention developed with and for Black adults were compared with a CER intervention for the purpose of determining IF’s feasibility (ie, initial effectiveness, adherence, and acceptance) in a Black community. DesignA cluster randomized controlled pilot study was conducted. Participants/settingA total of 42 Black adults with a body mass index (calculated as kg / m2) ≥25 were recruited from 5 Black churches (3 IF and 2 CER) in Western New York State from September 2021 to May 2022. Participants were free of medical conditions that might have contraindicated participation in a weight-reduction program and other factors that might affect weight loss. InterventionsCommunity health workers delivered the 6-month, 16-session, faith-based IF and CER interventions. Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was feasibility, consisting of initial effectiveness on body weight (ie, percent body weight lost from baseline to 6-month follow-up), adherence, and acceptability. Statistical analyses performedDescriptive statistics and linear mixed models accounting for within-church clustering were used. A baseline covariate corresponding to the outcome variable was included in the model. Intent-to-treat analysis was used. ResultsThere was statistically significant weight loss within both arms (IF: –3.5 kg; 95% CI –6 to –0.9 kg, CER: –2.9 kg; 95% CI –5.1 to –0.8 kg) from baseline to 6-month follow-up. Compared with CER, IF led to significantly lower daily energy intake (414.2 kcal; 95% CI 55.2 to 773.2 kcal) and fat intake (16.1 g; 95% CI 2.4 to 29.8 g). IF may result in lower fruit and vegetable intake (–103.2 g; 95% CI –200.9 to –5.5 g) and fiber intake –5.4 g; 95% CI –8.7 to –2 g) compared with CER. Participants in the IF arm completed a mean (SE) of 3.8 (1.4) more self-monitoring booklets compared with those in the CER arm (P = .02). Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the program. ConclusionsAn IF intervention developed with and for Black adults can be feasibly implemented in Black churches. Larger studies need to be conducted to ascertain the extent IF can serve as a viable weight-loss alternative to CER interventions in Black communities.

Intermittent fasting alleviates postoperative cognitive dysfunction by reducing neuroinflammation in aged mice

Elderly individuals undergoing surgical procedures are often confronted with the peril of experiencing postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Prior research has demonstrated the exacerbating effect of sevoflurane anesthesia on neuroinflammation, which can further deteriorate the condition of POCD in elderly patients. Intermittent fasting (IF) restricts food consumption to a specific time window and has been demonstrated to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction induced by neuropathic inflammation. We subjected 18-month-old male mice to 16 hours of fasting and 8 hours of unrestricted eating over a 24-hour period for 0, 1, 2, and 4 weeks, followed by abdominal exploration under sevoflurane anesthesia. In this study, we aim to explore the potential impact of IF on postoperative cognitive function in aged mice undergoing sevoflurane surgery through the preoperative implementation of IF measures. The findings indicate two weeks of IF leads to a significant enhancement of learning and memory capabilities in mice following surgery. The cognitive performance, as determined by the novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests, as well as the synaptic plasticity, as measured by in vivo electrophysiological recordings, has demonstrated marked improvements. Furthermore, the administration of IF markedly enhances the expression of synaptic-associated proteins in hippocampal neurons, concomitant with a decreasing expression of pro-inflammatory factors and a reduced density of microglial cells within the hippocampal brain region. To summarize, the results of this study indicate that IF may mitigate inflammation in the hippocampal area of the brain. Furthermore, IF appears to provide a safeguard against cognitive impairment and synaptic plasticity impairment brought on by sevoflurane anesthesia.

Intermittent Fasting Attenuates Obesity-Induced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Progression by Disrupting Cell Cycle, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Immune Contexture, and Proinflammatory Signature.

Obesity is associated with one-fifth of cancer deaths, and breast cancer is one of the obesity-related cancers. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks estrogen and progesterone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, leading to the absence of these therapeutic targets, followed by poor overall survival. We investigated if obesity could hasten TNBC progression and intermittent fasting (IF) could attenuate the progression of obesity-related TNBC. Our meta-analysis of the TNBC outcomes literature showed that obesity led to poorer overall survival in TNBC patients. Fasting-mimicking media reduced cell proliferation disrupted the cell cycle, and decreased cell migration and invasion. IF decreased body weight in obese mice but no change in normal mice. Obese mice exhibited elevated plasma glucose and cholesterol levels, increased tumor volume and weight, and enhanced macrophage accumulation in tumors. The obesity-exacerbated TNBC progression was attenuated after IF, which decreased cyclin B1 and vimentin levels and reduced the proinflammatory signature in the obesity-associated tumor microenvironment. IF attenuated obesity-induced TNBC progression through reduced obesity and tumor burdens in cell and animal experiments, supporting the potential of a cost-effective adjuvant IF therapy for TNBC through lifestyle change. Further evidence is needed of these IF benefits in TNBC, including from human clinical trials.

Intermittent Fasting in Youth: A Scoping Review.

Intermittent fasting (IF) focuses on the timing of eating rather than diet quality or energy intake, with evidence supporting its effects on weight loss and cardiometabolic outcomes in adults. However, there is limited evidence for its efficacy in adolescents and emerging adults. To address this, a scoping review examined IF regimens in individuals aged 10 to 25, focusing on methodology, intervention parameters, outcomes, adherence, feasibility, and efficacy. The review included 39 studies with 731 participants aged 15 to 25. Methodologies varied, with 18 studies on time-restricted eating and others requiring caloric restriction. Primary outcomes included cardiometabolic risk factors (11/29), body composition (9/29), anthropometric measurements (8/29), and feasibility (2/29). Most studies reported significant weight loss. This review underscores IF's potential in treating obesity in this age group but highlights the need for rigorous studies with standardized frameworks for feasibility to ensure comparability and determine IF's practicality in this age group.

Fasting alleviates bleomycin-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis via decreased Tregs and monocytes

PurposeIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic and progressively worsening condition characterized by interstitial lung inflammation and fibrosis of unknown etiology, has a grim prognosis. The treatment options for IPF are limited and new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Dietary restriction can improve various inflammatory diseases, but its therapeutic effect on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse model remains unclear. This study aims to investigate whether intermittent fasting (IF) can alleviate BLM-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis. MethodsPulmonary fibrosis mouse models were induced by BLM. The IF group underwent 24-hour fasting cycles for one week prior and three weeks following BLM administration. Meanwhile, the ad libitum feeding group had unrestricted access to food throughout the experiment. The evaluation focused on lung pathology via histological staining, qPCR analysis of collagen markers, and immune cell profiling through flow cytometry. ResultsIF group significantly reduced inflammation and fibrosis in lung tissues of BLM-induced mice compared to ad libitum feeding group. qPCR results showed IF remarkably decreased the mRNA expression of Col 1a and Col 3a in the lungs of BLM-induced mouse models. IF also reduced the numbers of regulatory T cells (Tregs), T helper 17 (Th17) cells, monocytes, and monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages (MoAMs) in the lung tissues. ConclusionsIF may improve BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis by decreasing numbers of immune cells including Treg cells, Th17 cells, monocytes, and MoAMs in the lungs. This study offers experimental validation for dietary intervention as a viable treatment modality in IPF management.

Intermittent fasting boosts antitumor immunity by restricting CD11b+Ly6ClowLy6Glow cell viability through glucose metabolism in murine breast tumor model

Intermittent fasting can benefit breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy. However, it is still uncertain how to select immunotherapy drugs to combine with intermittent fasting. Herein we observed that two cycles of fasting treatment significantly inhibited breast tumor growth and lung tissue metastasis, as well as prolonged overall survival in mice bearing 4T1 and 4T07 breast cancer. During this process, both the immunosuppressive monocytic- (M-) and granulocytic- (G-) myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) decreased, accompanied by an increase in interleukin (IL) 7R+ and granzyme B+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Interestingly, we observed that Ly6Glow G-MDSC sharply decreased after fasting treatment, and the cell surface markers and protein mass spectrometry data showed potential therapeutic targets. Mechanistic investigation revealed that glucose metabolism restriction suppressed the splenic granulocyte-monocyte progenitor and the generation of colony-stimulating factors and IL-6, which both contributed to the accumulation of G-MDSC. On the other hand, glucose metabolism restriction can directly induce the apoptosis of Ly6Glow G-MDSC, but not Ly6Ghigh subsets. In summary, these results suggest that glucose metabolism restriction induced by fasting treatment attenuates the immune-suppressive milieu and enhances the activation of CD3+ T cells, providing potential solutions for enhancing immune-based cancer interventions.