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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
08:06
Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice
Published on: November 27, 2019
Fasting differentially modulates the immunological system: its mechanism and sex difference
Keiichi Hiramoto1, Tamami Homma, Mika Jikumaru
1Department of Basic Research, Kitasato Institute, Tokyo 108-8642, Japan.
Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition
|September 27, 2008
Summary
Male rodents exhibit a heightened stress response, impacting their immune system and hormone levels more than females. This study reveals testosterone
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Stress Physiology
Background:
- Sex differences exist in stress susceptibility, affecting immune and hormonal systems.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for elucidating stress response mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex-based differences in immune and hormonal responses to fasting stress in mice.
- To explore the role of sex hormones in modulating stress-induced immune changes.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of immunological markers (intestinal IgA, plasma cytokines) and hormonal profiles (testosterone, estradiol) in male and female ICR mice before and after fasting.
- Assessment of apoptosis in testes and ovaries.
Main Results:
- Fasting increased intestinal immunoglobulin A, plasma cortisol, interleukin-10, and interferon-gamma, with greater magnitude in males.
- Testosterone levels decreased significantly with testicular apoptosis in males; estradiol levels decreased mildly with no ovarian apoptosis in females.
- Testosterone appears to enhance stress-induced immune modulation, an effect counteracted by estradiol.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone plays a significant role in exacerbating stress-induced immune responses in males.
- Estradiol may offer a protective effect against stress-induced immune modulation in females.
- These findings highlight key sex-specific mechanisms in the physiological response to stress.
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