The heart is better protected against myocardial infarction in the fed state compared to the fasted state

Edgars Liepinsh, Marina Makrecka, Janis Kuka, Elina Makarova, Reinis Vilskersts, Helena Cirule, Eduards Sevostjanovs, Solveiga Grinberga, Osvalds Pugovics, Maija Dambrova

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

57 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective. A variety of calorie restriction diets and fasting regimens are popular among overweight people. However, starvation could result in unexpected cardiovascular effects. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the short-term effects of diets on cardiovascular function, energy metabolism and potential risk of heart damage in case of myocardial infarction. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether the increased level of glucose oxidation or reduction of fatty acid (FA) load in the fed state provides the basis for protection against myocardial infarction in an experimental rat model of ischemia-reperfusion. Materials/Methods We tested the effects of the availability of energy substrates and their metabolites on the heart functionality and energy metabolism under normoxic and ischemia-reperfusion conditions. Results In a fasted state, the heart draws energy exclusively from FAs, whereas in a fed state, higher concentration of circulating insulin ensures a partial switch to glucose oxidation, while the load of FA on heart and mitochondria is reduced. Herein, we demonstrate that ischemic damage in hearts isolated from Wistar rats and diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats is significantly lower in the fed state compared to the fasted state. Conclusions Present findings indicate that postprandial or fed-state physiology, which is characterised by insulin-activated glucose and lactate utilisation, is protective against myocardial infarction. Energy metabolism pattern in the heart is determined by insulin signalling and the availability of FAs. Overall, our study suggests that even overnight fasting could provoke and aggravate cardiovascular events and high-risk cardiovascular patients should avoid prolonged fasting periods.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)127-136
Number of pages10
JournalMetabolism: Clinical and Experimental
Volume63
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2014

Keywords*

  • Fasted
  • Fatty acids
  • Fed
  • Glucose
  • Insulin

Field of Science*

  • 3.1 Basic medicine

Publication Type*

  • 1.1. Scientific article indexed in Web of Science and/or Scopus database

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The heart is better protected against myocardial infarction in the fed state compared to the fasted state'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this