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.
Varady
Krista A
KA
Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. kvarady@gmail.com
Hudak
Carolyn S
CS
Hellerstein
Marc K
MK
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