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Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice
Published on: November 27, 2019
Chronic intermittent fasting improves cognitive functions and brain structures in mice.
Liaoliao Li1, Zhi Wang, Zhiyi Zuo
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America.
Plos One
|June 12, 2013
Summary
Intermittent fasting improved brain function, memory, and structure in mice. Early-life high-fat diet caused obesity but did not significantly alter brain health in middle age.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Health
- Aging Research
Background:
- Obesity, particularly in adolescence, is a growing global health concern.
- Intermittent fasting (IF) is known to extend lifespan, but its effects on brain health before aging are unclear.
- Understanding the impact of early-life diet and fasting on brain function is crucial for preventative health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of intermittent fasting and high-fat diet (HFD) on brain function and structure in mice before the onset of aging.
- To determine if early-life obesity induced by HFD impacts cognitive abilities and brain integrity.
- To assess the neuroprotective potential of intermittent fasting.
Main Methods:
- 7-week-old male mice were subjected to alternate-day intermittent fasting or a high-fat diet (45% fat) for 11 months.
- Cognitive functions were evaluated using the Barnes maze and fear conditioning tests.
- Brain structure (CA1 pyramidal cell layer thickness), drebrin expression, and oxidative stress levels were assessed.
Main Results:
- Mice on intermittent fasting exhibited enhanced learning and memory, a thicker CA1 pyramidal cell layer, increased drebrin expression, and reduced oxidative stress compared to controls.
- Mice fed a high-fat diet became obese and hyperlipidemic with reduced exercise tolerance.
- Despite obesity, high-fat diet-fed mice showed no significant impairment in learning, memory, brain structure, or oxidative stress compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Intermittent fasting demonstrates significant benefits for brain function, structure, and resilience against oxidative stress.
- Early-onset obesity induced by a high-fat diet in mice did not lead to detectable cognitive deficits or brain structural changes by middle age.
- These findings suggest that intermittent fasting may be a beneficial strategy for maintaining brain health, even when initiated before significant aging processes occur.
