Effect of intermittent fasting on adriamycin-induced nephropathy: Possible underlying mechanisms

Intermittent fasting (IF) has been shown to induce a well-organized adaptive defense against stress inside the cells, which increases the production of anti-oxidant defenses, repair of DNA, biogenesis of mitochondria, and genes that combat inflammation. So, the goal of the current investigation was to identify the effects of IF on rats with adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy and any potential underlying mechanisms.

Four groups of 40 mature Sprague-Dawley male rats were allocated as follow; control, fasting, ADR, and ADR plus fasting. After 8 weeks of ADR administration urine, blood samples and kidneys were taken for assessment of serum creatinine (Cr), BUN, urinary proteins, indicators of oxidative damage (malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and Catalase (CAT) levels), histopathological examinations, immunohistochemical examinations for caspase-3, Sirt1, aquaporin2 (AQP2) and real time PCR for antioxidant genes; Nrf2, HO-1 in kidney tissues.

IF significantly improved serum creatinine, BUN and urinary protein excretion, oxidative stress (low MDA with high CAT and GSH), in addition to morphological damage to the renal tubules and glomeruli as well as caspase-3 production during apoptosis. Moreover, IF stimulates significantly the expression of Sirt1 and Nrf2/HO-1 and AQP2.

AQP2, Sirt1, Nrf2/HO-1 signaling may be upregulated and activated by IF, which alleviates ADR nephropathy. Enhancing endogenous antioxidants, reducing apoptosis and tubulointerstitial damage, and maintaining the glomerular membrane's integrity are other goals.