Intermittent Fasting Modulates Age- Dependent Morphological and Histological Hepatic Changes on Liver Tissue in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Abstract Background: Intermittent fasting (IF) plays an essential role in improving age-related cellular degenerative alterations and metabolic diseases. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of IF on aged-related liver degenerations in Wistar albino rats. Material and Methods: In this study, twelve rats were divided into two groups: the Nonfasting Group (12 months) and the Fasting Group (12 months with IF for 35 days). The food access interval of the Fasting group was between 09:00 am and 15:00 pm and their access to food was restricted for 18 hours. At the end of this experiment, all liver sections of groups were stained with H&E and Masson trichrome, and all stained slides were evaluated for histological examination with light microscopy. Results: The results showed that there was a significant increase in inflammations (lobular and portal), spotty necrosis, and ballooning degeneration in the Nonfasting group compared with the Fasting group which had a significant decrease. There was a significant increase in the density of collagen fibers noticed for the Nonfasting group compared to the Fasting group. Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of IF morphological changes may be beneficial in the Fasting group through modulating autophagy in aged liver cells.