Catecholamine levels in a Ramadan fasting model in rats: a case control study

Islamic Fasting Models but not Only Ramadan Improved Metabolic Parameter in High-Fat-High-Fructose-Induced Rats

BACKGROUND: Various types of Islamic fasting, apart from Ramadan fasting, have not been studied for their effects on health and metabolic processes. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of models of Ramadan, Dawood, and Monday-Thursday fasting on metabolic parameters in high-fat-high-fructose (HFHF)-induced rats. METHODS: Wistar rats were subjected to normal diet control, HFHF diet alone, and modeling Islamic fastings such as Ramadan, Dawood, and Monday-Thursday fasting models, within a period of 29 days at night that HFHF previously induced for 2 weeks. Serum lipid profile, glucose, uric acid, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) for liver function, and urea and creatinine for kidney function were assessed after HFHF induction (pre-test) and after fasting treatment (post-test). RESULTS: HFHF administration for 2 weeks caused dyslipidemia and increased urea levels significantly. However, other parameters were impaired but not statistically significant. Islamic fasting models demonstrated a significantly improved lipid profile. However, glucose, uric acid, AST, ALT, urea, and creatinine improved after fasting treatment but were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Islamic fasting models have a beneficial effect on improving metabolic parameters. Both Dawood and Monday-Thursday fastings can be considered to promote health and improve metabolic processes as well as Ramadan fasting.

Immunomorphometric variations of sustentacular cells of the male viscacha adrenal medulla during the annual reproductive cycle. Effects of androgens and melatonin

The adrenal medulla is crucial for the survival of species facing significant environmental changes. The parenchyma is composed mainly of chromaffin cells, ganglion cells and sustentacular cells (SC). The male viscacha exhibits seasonal variations of gonadal activity and other metabolic functions. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of the reproductive conditions on the morphology of SC of this rodent. In addition, the effects of testosterone and melatonin on these cells were studied. Immunoexpression of S100 protein, GFAP and vimentin were analyzed. Furthermore, the distribution of adrenergic and noradrenergic chromaffin cells subpopulations was studied for the first time in this species. SC present long cytoplasmic processes in contact with chromaffin cells, probably generating an intraglandular communication network. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in the %IA (percentage of immunopositive area) for the S100 protein were observed according to winter (4.21 ± 0.34) and summer (3.51 ± 0.15) values. In castrated animals, the %IA (6.05 ± 0.35) was significantly higher in relation to intact animals (3.95 ± 0.40). In melatonin-treated animals the %IA (3.62 ± 0.23) was significantly higher compared to control animals (2.65 ± 0.26). GFAP immunoexpression was negative and no noradrenergic chromaffin cells were detected suggesting an adrenergic phenotype predominance. Vimentin was observed in SC, endothelial cells and connective tissue. Results indicate that SC exhibit variations along the annual reproductive cycle, along with castration and the melatonin administration. Our results suggest that in this rodent SC are not only support elements, but also participate in the modulation of the activity of the adrenal medulla; probably through paracrine effects.