Effect of intermittent fasting and complete fasting on biochemical and histological parameters in high fat high sugar induced rat model of obesity

The prevalence of obesity has been increasing globally as one of the major health issues due to the increased calorie intake and decreased physical activity. Dietary restriction has been proved to induce changes in various biological processes. The present study was aimed to observe the effect of complete and intermittent fasting in obesity induced model rats by analyzing biochemical, and histological parameters. Twenty four Wister rats of either sex aged about twelve weeks were used for study. They were divided control, obese, complete fasting(CF) and intermittent fasting (IF). Other than control group, the remaining three groups were given obesogenic diet for six weeks. The IF and CF groups were given 2 different fasting regimens for two weeks. After the experimentation procedures the blood samples were collected and liver and pancreatic tissues was dissected for biochemical and histological analysis. The Data was analyzed using SPSS-16, Kruskal-Wallis test. Results were expressed as median with interquartile range p<0.05 was expressed as statistically significant. Obesity induced increase in the lipid peroxidation was observed in the pancreatic (p<0.05 and liver tissue (p<0.01) when compared to control group. Decreased level of anti-oxidants was observed in the pancreatic tissue (p<0.01) in the obese group.In both the fasting groups, decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level and increased glutathione (GSH) was observed in the liver and pancreas. Comparatively, CF group showed lower MDA(p<0.01) in both liver and pancreas and higher(p<0.01) antioxidant in liver as compared to IF. Complete fasting group also showed a better histological profile. Complete fasting produced a better oxidative profile in the liver and pancreas when compared to Intermittent fasting group.The present research proves that simple diet control regime could be helpful in decreasing the pathophysiology associated with the obesity.