Caloric Restriction in Mice Mimics Fasting in Humans
Author Information
Author(s): Lisa B. Mahoney, Christine A. Denny, Thomas N. Seyfried
Primary Institution: Boston College
Hypothesis
How do plasma biomarker changes in calorically restricted mice relate to those observed in calorically restricted humans?
Conclusion
Caloric restriction establishes a new homeostatic state in B6 mice that persists for at least three weeks following unrestricted re-feeding.
Supporting Evidence
- Caloric restriction significantly reduced plasma glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides in the restricted mice.
- Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate levels were significantly higher in the calorically restricted mice compared to unrestricted mice.
- Food intake and glucose levels remained lower in the re-fed mice compared to unrestricted mice after re-feeding.
Takeaway
When mice eat less food for a while, their bodies change in a way that helps them stay healthy, even after they start eating normally again.
Methodology
Three groups of adult female C57BL/6J mice were fed either unrestricted, calorically restricted, or calorically restricted followed by unrestricted re-feeding, with measurements of body weight, food intake, and plasma biomarkers taken throughout the study.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific mouse strain and may not fully represent human responses to caloric restriction.
Participant Demographics
Adult female C57BL/6J mice, aged approximately 120 days.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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