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Restricted feeding modulates peripheral clocks and nutrient sensing pathways in rats
Luis Guilherme F Rodrigues1, Leonardo D de Araujo2, Silvia L R Roa1
1Departamento de Medicina Interna, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.
Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism
|September 30, 2021
Summary
Feeding restriction in rats resets clock genes and lipid metabolism genes in the liver and adipose tissues. This occurs through nutrient-sensing pathways, impacting energy balance and metabolic regulation.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Metabolic Regulation
- Nutrient Sensing Pathways
Background:
- Feeding restriction impacts hypothalamic oscillators controlling food intake.
- Peripheral tissues possess their own clock genes and nutrient-sensing mechanisms.
- Understanding how feeding schedules affect peripheral metabolic gene expression is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if food restriction resets clock genes (Clock, Bmal1) and lipid metabolism genes (Pgc1a, Pparg, Ucp2) in peripheral tissues.
- To determine the role of nutrient-sensing pathways (Sirt1, Ampk, Nampt) in mediating these effects.
- To analyze the impact of altered feeding schedules on gene expression in liver and adipose tissues.
Main Methods:
- Rats were subjected to different feeding regimens: ad libitum, restricted night-feeding, restricted day-feeding, and day-feeding.
- Gene expression of clock genes, lipid metabolism genes, and nutrient-sensing pathway genes was analyzed in liver and adipose tissues (BAT, PAT) via qPCR.
- Blood samples were collected to measure plasma corticosterone levels.
Main Results:
- In the liver, feeding restriction dissociated from nocturnal activity shifted the expression of Clock and Bmal1.
- Daytime feeding inverted energy-sensing and lipid metabolism gene profiles in the liver.
- Adipose tissues showed altered Sirt1 expression with daytime feeding and calorie restriction, affecting Pgc1a, Pparg, and Ucp2 expression.
Conclusions:
- Feeding restriction effectively resets clock genes and lipid metabolism genes in rat liver and adipose tissues.
- Nutrient-sensing-related genes mediate the effects of feeding restriction on peripheral metabolic gene expression.
- These findings highlight the intricate relationship between feeding timing, circadian rhythms, and metabolic health.
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