Effects of Intermittent Fasting during Ramadan on Insulin‑like Growth Factor‑1, Interleukin 2, and Lipid Profle in Healthy Muslims

Abstract

Background: Insulin‑like growth factor‑1 (IGF‑1) and interleukin‑2 (IL‑2) play an essential role in pathophysiology of several chronic diseases. As a stressor, fasting in Ramadan may increase inflammatory markers such as IGF‑1 and IL‑2 in Muslims. The aim of this before–after study was to
investigate the effects of fasting in Ramadan on IGF‑1 and IL‑2 levels in individuals.

Methods: In all, 34 men age 16–64 years were selected out of the overall number of individuals who were ready for fasting entirely throughout Ramadan. A sample of blood was drawn from the contributors before
and after Ramadan, and plasma IGF‑1, IL‑2, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high‑density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‑C), and low‑density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‑C) were determined. To identify differences between the initial and fnal values of test results of the study for plasma IGF‑1, IL‑2, and lipid parameters, we used paired sample T‑test.

Results: Paired sample T‑test illustrated a signifcant decrease in IGF‑1 and IL‑2 levels after Ramadan fasting compared to before Ramadan. The concentration of TG, cholesterol, and LDL‑C levels underwent signifcant
decreases over the period of the study. HDL‑C levels did not change signifcantly during the study. A signifcant decrease in weight, waist circumferences, calorie, carbohydrate, and fat intake were
observed in participants during Ramadan fasting.

Conclusions: It is concluded that fasting in Ramadan independent of anthropometric measures attenuates inflammation and is benefciary to
health.

Keywords: Fasting, insulin‑like growth factor‑1, lipids