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Updated: May 3, 2026
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Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice
Published on: November 27, 2019
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Fasting: molecular mechanisms and clinical applications
Valter D Longo1, Mark P Mattson2
1Longevity Institute, Davis School of Gerontology and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2520, USA.
Cell Metabolism
|January 21, 2014
Summary
Fasting triggers adaptive cellular responses that improve metabolism and reduce inflammation, potentially delaying aging and preventing diseases. This practice offers a natural approach to health with minimal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Metabolic Health
- Aging Research
Background:
- Fasting, an ancient practice, is increasingly recognized for its beneficial cellular effects.
- Recent research highlights fasting's role in adaptive cellular responses.
- These responses include reduced oxidative damage, inflammation, optimized energy metabolism, and enhanced cellular protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of fasting in adaptive cellular responses.
- To investigate the potential of fasting in disease prevention and longevity.
- To understand how fasting impacts metabolic and stress resistance pathways.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on fasting and cellular responses.
- Analysis of studies in lower eukaryotes and rodent models.
- Examination of clinical data from human trials on fasting interventions.
Main Results:
- Chronic fasting extends longevity in lower eukaryotes by reprogramming metabolic and stress resistance pathways.
- Intermittent or periodic fasting in rodents shows protective effects against diabetes, cancers, heart disease, and neurodegeneration.
- Human studies indicate fasting helps reduce obesity, hypertension, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Conclusions:
- Fasting demonstrates significant potential in delaying aging processes.
- It offers a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing and treating various chronic diseases.
- Fasting presents a viable alternative to chronic dietary interventions with potentially fewer side effects.
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