Investigating the Impact of Glycogen-Depleting Exercise Combined with Prolonged Fasting on Autophagy and Cellular Health in Humans: A Randomised Controlled Crossover Trial
2024

Effects of Fasting and Exercise on Cellular Health

Sample size: 25 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Masedunskas Andrius, de Ciutiis Isabella, Hein Leanne K., Ge Anjie, Kong Yvonne X., Qi Miao, Mainali Drishya, Rogerson-Wood Lara, Kroeger Cynthia M., Aguirre Candia Yvonne A., Cagigas Maria L., Wang Tian, Hutchinson David, Sabag Angelo, Passam Freda H., Piccio Laura, Sargeant Timothy J., Fontana Luigi

Primary Institution: University of Sydney

Hypothesis

Glycogen depletion through exercise prior to fasting will significantly enhance autophagic activation in PBMCs.

Conclusion

The study aims to investigate how a three-day water-only fast, with or without exercise, affects autophagy and cellular health in humans.

Supporting Evidence

  • Prolonged fasting has roots in many cultural traditions.
  • Fasting can trigger metabolic adaptations that may promote health.
  • Autophagy is a key process linked to the benefits of fasting.

Takeaway

This study is looking at how not eating for three days, especially after exercising, can help our cells stay healthy.

Methodology

A randomised, single-centre, two-period, two-sequence crossover trial involving 25 participants.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from the inability to blind participants and investigators to the intervention.

Limitations

The study may not account for individual variations in metabolic responses to fasting and exercise.

Participant Demographics

Healthy individuals aged 18 to 70 years with a BMI of 20–40 kg/m2.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/nu16244297

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