Fasting is required for many of the benefits of calorie restriction in the 3xTg mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Reji Babygirija, Jessica Han, Michelle M. Sonsalla, Ryan Matoska, Mariah F. Calubag, Cara L. Green, Anna Tobon, Chung‐Yang Yeh, Diana Vertein, Sophia Schlorf, Julia Illiano, Yang Liu, Isaac Grunow, Michael J. Rigby, Luigi Puglielli, David A. Harris, John M. Denu, Dudley W. Lamming
Abstract
Caloric restriction slows or prevents Alzheimer’s disease in animal models. Calorie restriction is typically implemented in rodents through feeding once per day; as the animals quickly consume their food, they are subject to a prolonged self-imposed fasting period between meals. Here, we examine the distinct contributions of fasting and reduced calories to the beneficial effects of calorie restriction on Alzheimer’s disease by placing male and female 3xTg and non-transgenic control mice on a series of diet regimens enabling us to dissect the effects of calories and fasting. We find that reducing calories alone improves body weight and glucose tolerance. However, a prolonged fast between meals is necessary for many of the benefits of calorie restriction, including improved insulin sensitivity, reduced Alzheimer’s pathology, improved neuroprotective signaling, and improved cognition. Overall, our results suggest that both when and how much we eat may influence the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Caloric restriction improves Alzheimer’s Disease outcomes in mice, but this diet not only reduces calories, but imposes a prolonged fast between meals. Here, the authors show this fast is essential to improve Alzheimer’s pathology and cognition.