Impact of Gender on Short-Term- Alternate-Day Fasting´s Neuronal Autophagy Induction in Albino Rats

Ameen, Angie; Atta, Rasha; Abd El-Fadeal, Noha; Mansour, Mona Farouk

doi:10.21608/besps.2025.359197.1200

Impact of Gender on Short-Term- Alternate-Day Fasting´s Neuronal Autophagy Induction in Albino Rats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt

² Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt

10.21608/besps.2025.359197.1200

Abstract

Abstract
Background:
Fasting enhances metabolic balance and cognitive function, by triggering autophagy. Autophagy may have a varied impact on disease mechanisms and consequences depending on gender differences. With the hypothesis that these processes differ between both genders, this study investigates sex variations in autophagy and cognitive responses generated by short-term alternative day fasting.
Aim:
The purpose of this study was to examine the impacts of short-term alternate-day fasting on neuronal autophagic induction, with a specific focus on identifying gender differences.
Methods:
Rats were assigned into four groups: Normal diet male group, Normal diet female group, Alternate fasting male group, and Alternate fasting female group. After 1 week, rats were examined for neurocognitive function, metabolic and autophagic induction.
Result:
Short-term alternate day fasting improve cognitive functions in both sexes with female rats being superior in stress response, and spatial memory. Reduced energy intake in alternative day fasting decreased insulin, leptin production equally in both sexes and elevated levels of AMPK. Elevated cortisol levels were significantly higher in alternate fasting female. Decreased mTOR levels in both genders. Upregulation of PPAR gamma, adiponectin, and autophagy markers like LC3 and Beclin-1.
Conclusion:
Both sexes exhibited higher autophagic responses with female exhibit superior results in several aspects. Higher cortisol levels and more exploratory behavior were seen in females, suggesting that their coping mechanisms for stress had changed. Cognitive performance increased for both sexes, while females' BDNF elevation was higher. In terms of metabolism, fasting enhanced glucose regulation and decreased leptin levels in both sexes.

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