A Diet Mimicking Fasting Promotes Regeneration and Reduces Autoimmunity and Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Abstract

Summary Dietary interventions have not been effective in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we show that periodic 3 day cycles of a fasting mimicking diet (FMD) are effective in ameliorating demyelination and symptoms in a murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. The FMD reduced clinical severity in all mice, and completely reversed symptoms in 20% of the animals. These improvements were associated with increased corticosterone levels and Treg cell number, reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TH1 and TH17 cells, and antigen presenting cells (APCs). Moreover, the FMD promoted oligodendrocyte precursor cell regeneration and remyelination in axons in response to both EAE and cuprizone MS models, supporting its effects on both suppression of autoimmunity and remyelination. We also report preliminary data suggesting that a FMD or a chronic ketogenic diet are safe, feasible and potentially effective in the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients (NCT01538355).

Impact of intermittent fasting on health and disease processes

“…The results of human studies in which various health indicators are measured at baseline and after periods of IF of 2–6 months or more, suggest that IF can protect against the metabolic syndrome and associated disorders including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Recent small trials of IF in patients with cancer (Safdie et al, 2009) or multiple sclerosis (Choi et al, 2016) have generated promising results that provide a strong rationale for moving forward with larger clinical trials in patients with a range of chronic age- and obesity-related disorders.…”

“…Examples of specific IF diets include: complete fasting every other day (Bruce-Keller et al, 1999; Anson et al, 2003); 70% energy restriction every other day (Johnson et al, 2007; Varady et al, 2015); consuming only 500–700 cal two consecutive days/week (Harvie et al, 2011); and restricting food intake to a 6–8 h time period daily, which has also been termed ‘time restricted feeding’ (TRF) (Chaix et al, 2014). Examples of PF include a 4–5 day FMD (Brandhorst et al, 2015), 2–5 days of water only fasting (Raffaghello et al, 2008; Safdie et al, 2009), and 7 days of a FMD (Choi et al, 2016). The vast majority of IF animal studies have involved either alternate day fasting or TRF, and most randomized controlled human trials have involved either 60–75% energy restriction (500–800 kcal) on alternate days or 2 consecutive days/week.…”

Ab0194 btla Expression Is Reduced on Sle B Cell Subsets

“…It not only alters the balance between Th17 and Treg cells [2], its metabolite, beta-hydroxybutyrate was known to block NLRP3 inflammasomemediated inflammation [3][4][5][6]. High-fat-high-glucose diet (HFGD), on the other hand, was known for a proinflammatory property.…”

Fasting and engineered diets as powerful tool in the medical practice: an old approach in the new era

“…Only in recent times it has been scientifically demonstrated that dietary restriction is associated with major health benefits such as: amelioration of cardiovascular diseases, immune disorders, slowing of the aging processes, diabetes, insulin resistance and reduced risk of cancer (1). Moreover, cutting-edge studies, taking advantage of in vivo and in vitro models, unveiled a potential link between short-term starvation and improved efficacy of chemotherapy for some types of cancer (2,3) accompanied by a decrease of side effects of chemotherapy in patients (4).Previous animal studies by Dr. Longo's group, who is a pioneer in this field, have shown that fasting or diets that mimic fasting condition (FMD) extend lifespan, ameliorate cognitive functions, reduce inflammation and relieve the symptoms of diseases such as multiple sclerosis and cancer (5,6). In a very recent study published by Dr. Longo and colleagues (7), a randomized controlled trial was conducted on humans, in order to evaluate the effects of a fastingmimicking diet on markers and risk factors for aging, cancer, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.…”

“…Previous animal studies by Dr. Longo's group, who is a pioneer in this field, have shown that fasting or diets that mimic fasting condition (FMD) extend lifespan, ameliorate cognitive functions, reduce inflammation and relieve the symptoms of diseases such as multiple sclerosis and cancer (5,6). In a very recent study published by Dr. Longo and colleagues (7), a randomized controlled trial was conducted on humans, in order to evaluate the effects of a fastingmimicking diet on markers and risk factors for aging, cancer, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.…”