The Impact of Ramadan Fasting on SIRT۱ mRNA Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Background:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting on SIRT۱ mRNA expression in healthy men.Islamic Ramadan fasting is a holy religious ceremony that has many spiritual benefits. Additionally, it can be considered as the equivalent of calorie restriction that may affect physical health. The results of previous studies revealed that calorie restriction increases the lifespan in laboratory rodents via increasing the expression of a histone deacetylase named SIRT۱. Additionally, SIRT۱ is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Materials and Methods: Overall, ۴۳ men volunteered for participating in this one-group before and after (self-controlled) study. Two mL blood samples were taken prior to fasting and at the end of the ۳۰th day of fasting. Routine biochemical tests and SIRT۱ mRNA expression analysis were performed. Results: Cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins increase, however, high-density lipoproteins level decreased after Ramadan fasting. The analysis of real-time PCR results revealed that SIRT۱ mRNA expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells increased ۴.۶۳ fold in fasting state in comparison with non-fasting state. Conclusion: Ramadan fasting has a significant effect on SIRT۱ gene expression. Considering the immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties of SIRT۱, further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of SIRT۱ up-regulation on the autoimmune and inflammatory diseases during Ramadan fasting.