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Related Experiment Videos

Plasma beta-endorphin during fasting in man.

G Komaki1, H Tamai, H Sumioki

  • 1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.

Hormone Research
|January 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Fasting increases beta-endorphin (beta-EP) levels in the early stages. Individuals who tolerate longer fasting periods exhibit lower beta-EP levels, independent of body weight changes.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Human Physiology
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • Endogenous opioids, such as beta-endorphin (beta-EP), play crucial roles in physiological responses.
  • The impact of acute starvation on endogenous opioid levels in humans requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the dynamic changes in plasma beta-endorphin levels during acute starvation.
  • To explore the relationship between beta-endorphin response and fasting tolerance.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma beta-endorphin (beta-EP) was measured in 17 patients before, during, and after fasting.
  • Patients were categorized into two groups based on their ability to tolerate 5-7 days (Group A) or 10 days (Group B) of fasting.
  • Measurements included plasma beta-EP, serum cortisol, and nutritional markers at specific fasting and refeeding intervals.

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Main Results:

  • Plasma beta-EP levels significantly increased by the 5th day of fasting in both groups.
  • Group B, with longer fasting tolerance, showed lower plasma beta-EP levels on day 5 compared to Group A.
  • No significant correlation was found between plasma beta-EP and body weight changes (body weight loss percentage or BMI).

Conclusions:

  • Acute starvation leads to an elevation in plasma beta-EP during the initial fasting phase.
  • Lower plasma beta-EP levels are associated with a greater capacity to tolerate prolonged fasting.
  • Beta-endorphin response during fasting is not directly linked to body weight reduction.