Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Circulating Leptin and Adiponectin Levels and Metabolic Profiles in Healthy Men Thai Muslim Population

Abstract

Ramadan fasting, the 9th month of Islamic lunar calendar is one of the religious worship among Muslims. All healthy adult Muslims must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relationship from dawn to dusk. Ramadan fasting, a unique model of intermittent fasting has been investigated since the last 5 decades and the heterogeneous findings regarding to the impact of this Islamic fasting in health and certain diseases gain more investigations. Aim of this study is to determine the effect of Ramadan fasting on circulating leptin and adiponectin levels and metabolic profiles in healthy men. One month (29 days) of Ramadan fasting in a year of 2015 was conducted (before and after three weeks of Ramadan fasting). Twenty seven healthy men (19-31 years) were eligible and completed study. The outcomes measured in comparison at before and after three weeks of Ramadan fasting were including biochemical parameters (circulating serum leptin and adiponectin and metabolic profiles: fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and lipid profile); anthropometry, body composition, dietary intake and physical activity. Ramadan fasting did not pose significant changes on circulating leptin and adiponectin levels. Serum total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) were decreased significantly, while fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), triglycerides, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index were remained unchanged. A significant reduction in body weight, BMI, fat mass, fat free mass, muscle mass, and waist and hip circumferences were noted after three weeks of Ramadan fasting. Energy, carbohydrate, and fat intake were decreased significantly, whereas physical activity was remained unchanged. In conclusion, despite of modulation in metabolic profiles and improvement in body composition, Ramadan fasting did not significantly alter circulating leptin and adiponectin levels. Further extensive studies is needed to validate and determine the clinically effect of Ramadan fasting in healthy men.