Modified alternate-day fasting and cardioprotection: relation to adipose tissue dynamics and dietary fat intake.
The relation between alternate-day fasting (ADF) and cardioprotection remains uncertain. In the present study, we examined the ability of modified ADF, with a low-fat (LF) vs high-fat (HF) background diet, to modulate adipose tissue physiology in a way that may protect against coronary heart disease. In a 4-week study, male C57BL/6 mice were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: (1) ADF-85%-LF (85% energy restriction on fast day, ad libitum fed on feed day, on an LF diet), (2) ADF-85%-HF (same protocol but HF diet), and (3) control (ad libitum fed). Throughout the study, body weight did not differ between ADF and control animals. Proportion of subcutaneous fat increased (P < .01), whereas the proportion of visceral fat decreased (P < .01), in both ADF groups. Triglyceride (TG) synthesis was augmented (P < .05) in subcutaneous fat, but remained unchanged in visceral fat. Adiponectin concentrations were elevated (P < .05), whereas leptin and resistin levels decreased (P < .05). Aortic vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation was reduced (P < .05) by 60% and 76% on the LF and HF diets, respectively. Plasma total cholesterol, TG, and free fatty acid concentrations also decreased (P < .05). In summary, modified ADF regimens alter adipose tissue physiology (ie, body fat distribution, TG metabolism, and adipokines) in a way that may protect against coronary heart disease. These beneficial effects were noted over a wide range of fat intake, suggesting that ADF may be protective even in the presence of HF diets.
Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. kvarady@gmail.com
Krista A
KA
Varady
Carolyn S
CS
Hudak
Marc K
MK
Hellerstein
D054392:Adipokines / Q000097:blood; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D050218:Body Fat Distribution; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005215:Fasting; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000096:biosynthesis
D054392:Adipokines; D004041:Dietary Fats; D014280:Triglycerides