The Therapeutic Potential of Time-Restricted Fasting on Experimental Ulcerative Colitis | Journal of

Aim: It has been documented that intermittent fasting has a beneficial effect, as it enhances gut microbiota and reduces inflammation. However, this study is aimed at determining the therapeutic effects of fasting on rat ulcerative colitis.

Research Design: For this study, a total of eighteen Wistar rats were used and divided into three main groups: animals that were neither colitis-induced nor fasting (group 1), animals with colitis and allowed to fast (group 2), animals with colitis but not allowed to fast (group 2), animals with colitis (group 3).

Research position and duration: Department of Physiology, University of Technology Ladoke Akintola, Ogbomoso, State of Oyo, March 2020 to July 2020.

Methodology: The 18 animals used had a weight of 180 ± 20 g. The single dose of intra-rectal administration of 1mL/100g body weight of 6% acetic acid mediated colitis. Animals acted as control animals in group 1. Group 2 animals were given access to food only between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., while group 3 animals were given food and water ad libitum. 10 days after the induction of colitis, animals were slaughtered. Colonic levels were assessed for the activities of Tumor necrotic factor-alpha (TNF alpha), Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Myeloperoxidase (MPO). By using a glucometer, the blood glucose level in the animals was also registered.

Results: There was a decrease in TNF alpha and GSH concentration, an increase in CAT and SOD activity in colitis animals that were allowed to fast relative to colitis animals that were not allowed to fast, 10 days after induction of colitis. Blood sugar levels were also lowered, both signifying the beneficial effect of fasting on chemically induced colitis. Thus, the animals were assisted by intermittent fasting to recover from chemical-induced colitis.

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