Study finds intermittent fasting may protect against liver inflammation and cancer

The most prevalent chronic liver condition is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can lead to serious complications such as liver inflammation (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or NASH), liver cirrhosis, and even liver cancer if left untreated. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is primarily associated with obesity, which is on the rise globally. Consequently, affected countries are witnessing a sharp increase in cases of liver failure and liver cancer.

Intermittent fasting has been shown in several studies to effectively reduce weight and alleviate certain metabolic disorders. During fasting periods, the body undergoes autophagy, a cellular process that removes damaged components and promotes cellular repair. Intermittent fasting also improves insulin sensitivity, lowers inflammation, and enhances fat burning.

In the study, mice were fed a high-sugar and high-fat diet resembling the typical Western diet. One group had constant access to food, leading to weight gain and chronic liver inflammation. The other group practiced 5:2 intermittent fasting, where they ate normally for five days but fasted for two days each week. This intermittent fasting regimen aimed to assess its potential to protect the liver from fatty degeneration and chronic inflammation.

The results showed that despite consuming a high-calorie diet, the mice practicing intermittent fasting did not gain weight, showed fewer signs of liver disease, and had lower levels of biomarkers indicating liver damage. This resistance to fatty liver development was independent of total calorie intake, as the mice compensated for lost rations after fasting periods.

The findings revealed that the number and duration of fasting cycles, as well as the timing of the fasting phase, influenced protection against liver inflammation. A 5:2 dietary pattern and 24-hour fasting phases were more effective than other variants, especially with particularly unhealthy diets requiring more frequent fasting cycles.

Reference: Suchira Gallage, Mathias Heikenwalder, et al; A 5:2 intermittent fasting regimen ameliorates NASH and fibrosis and blunts HCC development via hepatic PPARα and PCK1; Cell Metabolism,2024; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2024.04.015.