Behavioral and biochemical effects of intermittent fasting in the presence or absence of an inflammatory stimulus (LPS) in rat hippocampus.

Author(s)

Andréa Rodrigues Vasconcelos

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2011-10-18

Examining board members

Cristoforo Scavone; Hudson de Sousa Buck; Fernanda Marques da Cunha

• Advisor: Cristoforo Scavone

Abstract

The intermittent fasting (IF) protocol, when it does not cause malnutrition, induces a moderate nutritional stress to the organism which stimulates the stress proteins and the body\'s defense mechanisms, making it more resistant to toxic stimuli. The IF seems to act by mechanisms associated with cell survival and inflammation, thereby involving NF-<font face=\"Symbol\">kB modulation. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved, as well as the participation of CREB and WNT pathways and its correlation with inflammatory signaling. This study investigates the effects of IF on cognition and on rat hippocampus in absence or presence of LPS. The results showed that IF improved performance in Barnes maze and inhibitory avoidance behavioral tests. Also, IF induced both increase of pCREB and canonical WNT signaling pathway, and decrease in inflammatory mRNA markers levels, such as Tlr-4, iNos and Cox-2. In addition, IF can also increase IL-10 / TNF ratio levels. Our results suggest that IF induces a prevalence of protective signaling pathways in the central nervous system. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/11915-4 - Behavioural and biochemical changes induced by calorie restriction in LPS signalling in central nervous system
• Grantee: Andrea Rodrigues Vasconcelos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master