How does metabolic switching during fasting affect overall health outcomes, including weight loss and disease risk?5 answersMetabolic switching during fasting plays a crucial role in overall health outcomes, impacting weight loss and disease risk. Fasting induces a shift in fuel utilization towards fatty acid oxidation, influencing metabolic flexibility and energy balance. This shift triggers various molecular and cellular responses that contribute to improved health outcomes, including weight loss, enhanced metabolic markers, and disease modification. Additionally, intermittent fasting (IF) has been shown to have anti-aging effects and attenuate age-related diseases through epigenetic modifications that control metabolic processes. However, the termination of fasting may lead to a loss of regulation in the epigenetic-transcriptomic axis, highlighting the importance of sustained fasting for long-term health benefits.
How does fasting affect cardiovascular risk, according to the American Heart Association (AHA)?5 answersFasting has been shown to have a positive impact on cardiovascular risk factors. Studies indicate that fasting mimicking diets can prevent excessive fat accumulation, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, thereby decreasing the probability of cardiovascular diseases. Ramadan fasting has also been found to be safe for stable cardiac patients, with no significant changes in blood pressure and no difference in the incidence of cardiac events compared to non-fasting months. However, the impact of fasting on lipid parameters is variable, and further studies are needed to provide clear recommendations for cardiovascular disease patients during fasting. The American Heart Association (AHA) does not have specific guidelines on how fasting affects cardiovascular risk, but it is important for healthcare professionals to consider individual patient characteristics and provide personalized nutritional advice during fasting periods.
What is the relation between fasting and kidney stones?4 answersFasting during Ramadan does not significantly increase the risk of kidney stones. Some studies suggest that the increased incidence of urinary stones during Ramadan may be due to factors such as high temperatures and humidity, rather than fasting itself. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those on dialysis are considered to be at higher risk and are exempted from fasting. However, for patients with stable renal function, fasting during Ramadan does not appear to have harmful effects on renal function or graft function in kidney transplant recipients. It is important for higher-risk patients to receive counseling on safe fasting practices and to maintain proper hydration during fasting periods.
Does fasting affect Epigenetic alterations?3 answersFasting has been shown to affect epigenetic alterations. It can lead to changes in gene expression and signaling pathways, as well as affect the DNA methylation and histone modifications. The epigenetic modifications induced by fasting are tissue-specific and can vary depending on different developmental stages. Fasting can also influence the epigenetic landscape, which in turn can have consequences on physiological development and the risk of chronic metabolic diseases. Additionally, fasting has been found to influence the methylation profile of whole blood, with obesity influencing age-driven epigenetic changes. Bariatric surgery and subsequent weight loss have also been shown to alter methylation patterns, particularly in genes involved in metabolic processes. Therefore, fasting can have a significant impact on epigenetic alterations.
Does fasting during the night affect the expression of genes in the hypothalamus (POMC, CART, AGRP and NPY)?5 answersFasting during the night can affect the expression of genes in the hypothalamus involved in appetite regulation. The genes POMC, CART, AGRP, and NPY have been studied in relation to fasting. In one study, fasting for 4 days resulted in a decrease in npya1 mRNA expression in the olfactory bulb and an increase in npya2 mRNA expression in the midbrain. Another study found that fasting for 6 weeks led to an upregulation of agrp1 and npya1 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of Atlantic salmon. Additionally, fasting in rats led to reduced cell counts in the hypothalamus and hippocampus, brain structures involved in food intake regulation, and increased feeding behavior. These findings suggest that fasting can influence the expression of genes involved in appetite regulation in the hypothalamus, potentially impacting feeding behavior.
What are the mechanisms by which fasting induces autophagy?4 answersFasting induces autophagy through various mechanisms. One mechanism is the downregulation of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) in the liver, which is facilitated by autophagy. Autophagy, rather than the proteasome, is the main mechanism responsible for fasting-induced GRK2 degradation. Another mechanism is the suppression of autophagy by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling via the tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway in the brain. Fasting also promotes autophagy in different brain regions, leading to synaptic remodeling and memory enhancement. Additionally, fasting and calorie restriction (CR) are potent non-genetic autophagy stimulators in various tissues and organs, promoting autophagy in response to food deprivation. These findings highlight the role of autophagy in fasting-induced cellular and metabolic adaptations.