Intermittent Fasting is Protective Against the Effects of Vascular Aging in the Brain

In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that IF promotes neuroprotective effects in a model of VaD by maintaining the integrity of the neurovascular structures in the brain. We specifically show that IF attenuated vascular pathology by reducing microvascular leakage and blood-brain barrier dysfunction, while maintaining the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins. IF was also effective in decreasing white matter lesion formation, hippocampal neuronal cell death and cell death markers, while maintaining myelin basic protein levels. Our data suggest that the effects of IF on the structural integrity of the neurovasculature may be mediated through mechanisms that decrease oxidative stress and matrix metalloproteinase expression. Overall, our findings indicate that prophylactic IF may be a potential therapy in reducing and preventing neurovascular pathology associated with VaD. Link: https://doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.75188
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs