Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: Reduction of calorie (energy) intake can lead to stress management and improvement of nervous system function. In this research, the effect of intermittent feeding on metabolic signs of stress was investigated.

Methods: Male laboratory mice with mean weight of 27±3g were divided into 4 groups of 7 each. The control group received ad-lib food and water and did not have stress. The second group (experimental) was deprived from food 2 hours per day for one week, and then went under stress for 4 days. The third group was only deprived from food 2 hours per day for a week, and the fourth group received electric shock for 4 days without food deprivation. In this investigation, plasma corticosterone level, the amount of food consumption, delay in eating, weight gain, and the amount of feces, were measured. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey test. The significance level was considered p<0.5.

Results: In this study, stress increased the plasma level of corticosterone and fecal materials, and reduced food intake and weight of the animals and increased delay in eating. In the stress with intermittent feeding group, plasma level of corticosterone and delay in eating increased, and food intake and feces decreased. In this group, weight change was not observed, but in animals that only had intermittent feeding, increase in weight and food intake was observed. Also, delay in eating was decreased.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that intermittent feeding can influence the effect of stress on nutrition and metabolism.