Effect of intended fasting on Serum Leptin, Adiponectin and Ghrelin levels

Abstract

Objective: Physiology of gastrointestinal system including its hormones is in strong interaction with the brain. During Ramadan, intention to fast may act on this physiology. We aimed to find out if there was a difference between the effects of Ramadan fasting and non-Ramadan fasting on serum levels of some gastrointestinal hormones i.e.; leptin, adiponectin and ghrelin. Methodology: Forty two healthy subjects were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained in the morning in two different days. The first day was during the last week of the Ramadan when they were fasting, and the second day was during the first week after the Ramadan with the same duration of fasting. Results: The comparison of the leptin, adiponectin and ghrelin levels in this two measurements did not reveal any statistically significant differences (12.25 vs. 11.56 ng/ml, 485.19 vs. 286.52 pg/ml, and 15.18 vs. 24.07 ng/ml; p=0.317, p=0.282, p=0.604 respectively) Conclusion: Although it was not statistically significant, approximately fifty percent higher adiponectin and fifty percent lower ghrelin levels with Ramadan fasting suggests that there could be a different fasting physiology with intended fasting during Ramadan, which needs to be further investigated.