l Restraint when combined with cold (4°C) consistently induces gastric ulceration in rats at 2 h. The cold-restraint ulcer (CRU) technique provides a suitable model for acute studies. 2 The peripheral mechanisms in CRU seem to be increased sympathetic and parasympathetic outflow since CRU was significantly reduced by prior spinal transection or vagotomy or by appropriate blocking agents. Since metiamide significantly reduced CRU, H2-histamine receptors are also involved. 3 Central catecholaminergic as well as cholinergic mechanisms seem to be responsible for the activation of peripheral sympathetic and parasympathetic outflow in CRU, since central administration of dibenamine, propranolol, 6-hydroxydopamine and atropine prevented the CRU. 4 Exogenous administration of putative neurotransmitters (adrenaline, noradrenaline and acetylcholine) into the cerebroventricular system produced gastric ulceration similar to CRU. However, dopamine, histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine failed to induce gastric ulceration. 5 The results with intracerebroventricular adrenaline and acetylcholine indicate a central cholinergic link distal to adrenergic activation in the ulcerogenesis. 6 Intracerebroventricular adrenaline-induced gastric ulceration appears to be most akin to CRU.

The timing of food consumption is considered to be an important modulator of circadian rhythms, regulating a wide range of physiological processes which are vital to human health. The exact mechanisms underlying this relationship are not fully understood, but likely involve alterations in the structure and functioning of the gut microbiome. Therefore, this narrative review aims to clarify these mechanisms by focusing on intermittent fasting as a dietary strategy of food timing. A literature search identified 4 clinical and 18 preclinical studies that examined either (1) the impact of intermittent fasting on the gut microbiome, or (2) whether circadian rhythms of the host are subject to changes in the bacterial populations in the gut. Results reveal that intermittent fasting directly influences the gut microbiome by amplifying diurnal fluctuations in bacterial abundance and metabolic activity. This in turn leads to fluctuations in the levels of microbial components (lipopolysaccharide) and metabolites (short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and tryptophan derivates) that act as signalling molecules to the peripheral and central clocks of the host. Binding of these substrates to pattern-recognition receptors on the surface of intestinal epithelial cells in an oscillating manner leads to fluctuations in the expression of circadian genes and their transcription factors involved in various metabolic processes. Intermittent fasting thus contributes to circadian rhythmicity in the host and could hold promising implications for the treatment and prevention of diseases associated with disordered circadian rhythms, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome. Future intervention studies are needed to find more evidence on this relationship in humans, as well as to clarify the optimal fasting regimen for balanced circadian rhythms.

No abstract

No abstract