The effects of fasting on acute ischemic infarcts in the rat

Inflammation is largely detrimental early in the acute phase of stroke but beneficial at more chronic stages. Fasting has been shown to reduce inflammation acutely. This preliminary study aimed to determine whether post-ischemic fasting improves stroke outcomes through attenuated inflammation. After an endothelin-1 lesion was created in the striatum, Wistar rats were subjected to either regular feeding or water-only fasting for 24 hours. Brain damage and central inflammation were measured histologically, while systemic inflammation was assessed through blood analysis. After 24 hours, fasting was found to reduce infarct volume and BBB breakdown, and lower both circulating and brain neutrophils. These findings suggest that fasting may be a beneficial non-pharmacological additive therapeutic option for cerebral ischemia, potentially by reducing inflammation in the acute stage of the disease.