The Effects of Diurnal Intermittent Fasting On Proinflammatory Cytokine, Oxidative Stress and Heat Shock Protein 70 Levels

Abstract

Aim: In this study, it is aimed to assess the effect of intermittent diurnal fasting (DIF) at the beginning (2nd day of Ramadan fasting) and the end of the Ramadan (28th day of Ramadan fasting) on plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 8 (IL-8)], heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and oxidative stress markers [total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS)]. Methods: Fifty healthy male volunteers aged between 25-45 years were included in the study. All subjects followed the same dietary regimen before and during Ramadan and were encouraged to continue their usual lifestyle and activities. All biochemical tests were made both at the beginning (2nd day of fasting) and the end of the Ramadan (28th day of fasting). Plasma levels of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-8) Hsp70 were assessed using enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA), and oxidative markers (TAS and TOS) were measured spectrophotometric methods. Results: There was a significant decrease in the levels of TNF- α, compared to the beginning of fasting (p<0.05). However, there was no significant change in IL-8 levels between before and end of fasting (p>0.05). Therefore, there was a significant increase in the Hsp70 levels compared to the beginning of fasting (p<0.05). On the other hand, TOS levels reduced at the end of fasting compared to the beginning (p<0.05). In addition, TAS levels were similar and looked unchanged during the period of fasting (p>0.05). Conclusion: DIF decreased proinflammatory cytokine level and oxidative stress parameter while increasing the levels of Hsp70.

Keywords: Diurnal Intermittent Fasting, Ramadan, Proinflammatory Cytokines, Heat Shock Protein 70, Oxidative Stress

Special Issue of Health Sciences

DOI: 10.7176/JSTR/6-03-41