Using Intermittent Fasting as a Non-pharmacological Strategy to Alleviate Obesity-Induced Hypothalamic Molecular Pathway Disruption

Author(s)

Oliveira, Luciana da Costa ; Morais, Gustavo Paroschi ; Ropelle, Eduardo R. ; de Moura, Leandro P. ; Cintra, Dennys E. ; Pauli, Jose R. ; de Freitas, Ellen C. ; Rorato, Rodrigo ; da Silva, Adelino Sanchez R.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION; v. 9, p. 15-pg., 2022-03-30.

Abstract

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a popular intervention used to fight overweight/obesity. This condition is accompanied by hypothalamic inflammation, limiting the proper signaling of molecular pathways, with consequent dysregulation of food intake and energy homeostasis. This mini-review explored the therapeutic modulation potential of IF regarding the disruption of these molecular pathways. IF seems to modulate inflammatory pathways in the brain, which may also be correlated with the brain-microbiota axis, improving hypothalamic signaling of leptin and insulin, and inducing the autophagic pathway in hypothalamic neurons, contributing to weight loss in obesity. Evidence also suggests that when an IF protocol is performed without respecting the circadian cycle, it can lead to dysregulation in the expression of circadian cycle regulatory genes, with potential health damage. In conclusion, IF may have the potential to be an adjuvant treatment to improve the reestablishment of hypothalamic responses in obesity. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/25492-4 - Effects of the combination of intermittent fasting with physical exercise on the hypothalamic autophagy pathway in obese mice
• Grantee: Luciana da Costa Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 20/08192-0 - Autophagy responses in the hypothalamus of obese mice submitted to intermittent fasting associated with physical training
• Grantee: Adelino Sanchez Ramos da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants