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Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice
Published on: November 27, 2019
Changes in behavior and gene expression induced by caloric restriction in C57BL/6 mice
Yuta Yamamoto1, Toshihito Tanahashi, Tomoko Kawai
1Department of Stress Science, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan.
Physiological Genomics
|September 10, 2009
Summary
Caloric restriction (CR) effectively reduces anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors in mice by altering gene expression, particularly in the amygdala. This dietary intervention shows promise for managing mood disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Caloric restriction (CR) is known for preventing age-associated diseases and obesity.
- The impact of dieting on behavior remains controversial.
- Two dietary regimens, repeated fasting and refeeding (RFR) and daily caloric restriction (CR), were compared.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavioral and molecular effects of CR and RFR.
- To determine if CR or RFR influences anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors.
- To analyze gene expression changes in response to these dietary interventions.
Main Methods:
- Mice underwent open field, light-dark transition, elevated plus maze, and forced swimming tests.
- Whole genome microarray analysis was performed on prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamus.
- Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to validate gene expression changes.
Main Results:
- CR, unlike RFR, significantly reduced anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors.
- CR led to substantial gene expression changes, especially in the amygdala, upregulating 884 genes.
- CR specifically increased Darpp-32 expression in the amygdala, a key regulator of dopamine signaling.
Conclusions:
- Caloric restriction, but not RFR, ameliorates anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors in mice.
- Behavioral changes induced by CR are associated with significant alterations in gene expression within specific brain regions.
- CR may modulate behavior through its effects on neurotransmitter receptor signaling pathways in the amygdala.
