Effects of intermittent fasting or calorie restriction on markers of lipid metabolism in human skeletal muscle

Abstract

Context: Impaired lipid metabolism is linked with obesity-associated insulin resistance, which may be reversed by caloric restriction (CR). Objective: In a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, we compared the effects of intermittent fasting (IF) and CR on markers of lipid metabolism in muscle. Design: Seventy-six women (BMI 25-40 kg/m²) were randomized to one of three diets for eight weeks and provided with foods at 70% (CR70 and IF70) or 100% (IF100) of energy requirements. IF groups ate breakfast, prior to a 24-hour fast on 3 non-consecutive days per week. On non-fasting days, IF70 ate at 100% and IF100 ate at 145% of energy requirements to achieve the prescribed target. Weight, body composition, insulin sensitivity by clamp, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate, and markers of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in muscle by qPCR were measured at baseline and week 8 following a 12-hour overnight fast (all groups) and 24-hour fast (IF groups). Results: IF70 resulted in greater weight and fat losses and reduced NEFA versus CR70 and IF100 after an overnight fast. IF70 and IF100 induced a greater reduction only in mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes GPX1, SOD1 and SOD2 versus CR70. Fasting for 24-hours increased NEFA and β-hydroxybutyrate in IF groups, but impaired insulin sensitivity and increased PLIN5 mRNA levels. Conclusoins: In comparison to CR, IF did not increase markers of lipid metabolism in muscle, but reduced expression of antioxidant enzymes. However, fasting-induced insulin resistance was detected, alongside increased PLIN5 expression, potentially reflecting transient lipid storage.