Reestablishment of ad libitum feeding following partial food deprivation: Impact on locomotor activity, visceral fat, food intake, and circadian glycemic curve

• Published in: Chronobiology international 2024-07, Vol.41 (7), p.1-958
• Main Authors: Dos Santos Alves, Eryka Maria, de Araújo, Fernando Wesley Cavalcanti, Soares, Pierre Castro, da Silva, Laura Alexia Ramos, de Araújo Gonçalves, Daniel Nunes, do Nascimento, Elizabeth
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0742-0528; 1525-6073; 1525-6073
• DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2024.2361143

Food deprivation has been associated with the development of metabolic pathologies. Few studies have explored the repercussions of a partial food deprivation following the reestablishment of an diet. This study investigates the impact of a partial food deprivation (an 8-hour food intake restriction coupled with a 4-hour feeding window during the active phase) and the subsequent return to feeding on the glycemic curve, food intake, and locomotor behavior. Wistar rats aged 45 days were subjected to 6 weeks of a partial food deprivation followed by 6 weeks of feeding. Body weight, visceral fat, food intake, circadian glycemia, oral glucose tolerance, and locomotor activity were evaluated. It was found that the partial food deprivation resulted in the reduction of both the body weight and food intake; however, it increased visceral fat by 60%. Circadian glycemic values were altered at all intervals during the light phase, and glucose sensitivity improved at 60 minutes in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In the food-deprived group, the locomotor activity rhythm was reduced, with an observed delay in the peak of activity, reduction in total activity, and a decrease in the rhythmicity percentage. After the reestablishment of the feeding, there was recovery of body weight, no difference in visceral fat, normalization of the food intake pattern, circadian glycemia, and oral glucose tolerance. Additionally, the return to feeding restored locomotor activity, although the duration required for its complete recovery warrants further investigation. In conclusion, partial food deprivation induces physio-metabolic changes in rats, most of which are reversed after reestablishing feeding.