Plasma protein's glycation is decreased in Sprague Dawley rats under caloric restriction

Different dietary regimens were applied to three cohorts of rats. The first was fed ad libitum every day (AL), the second was fed ad libitum every other day (EOD) and the third was fed a diet equivalent to 60% of the caloric intake (60% CI) of the AL cohort. Levels of stable early glycation products in plasma proteins were then measured according to two different methods. Glycation of plasma proteins progressively increased in AL animals belonging to the 2-12 month age interval, while it showed a less pronounced age-dependent increase in EOD and 60% CI animals. The lowest degree of glycation was detected 2-3 months after the beginning of caloric restriction. After 12 months of age a lower level of glycation was detected in 60% CI rats than in EOD animals. Body weight was lower in restricted animals than in AL animals and was lowest in 60% CI rats. During the life span, glycemia was lower in fasting 60% CI than in EOD or AL rats.