Effect of Ramadan fasting on salivary IgA, serum IgA, IL-17, and IL-22 levels

Abstract

Background: nutritional factors might affect the number and function of immune cells for instance the production of cytokines and immunoglobulins. Ramadan fasting is intermittent abstinence from eating and drinking for almost four weeks. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the influence of intermittent fasting on serum IgA, salivary IgA (sIgA), interleukin (IL)-17, and IL-22 levels. Methods: 40 healthy men aged 19–29 years were evaluated before and during the fourth week of Ramadan fasting for IgA levels by the nephelometric method as well as salivary IgA (sIgA), IL-17, and IL-22 amounts using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: serum IgA levels reduced significantly at the end of Ramadan fasting (225.8 ± 87 vs. 196 ± 70 mg/dl) (p-value<0.001); however, sIgA amounts did not differ between before and the last week of Ramadan. Serum IL-17 reduced significantly (2.93 ± 1.51 vs. 2.17 ± 1.33 pg/ml) (p-value = 0.006) whereas IL-22 levels remained approximately unchanged. Summary: four weeks of intermittent fasting during Ramadan reduced the serum levels of IgA and IL-17 but did not affect the production of sIgA and IL-22. These findings indicate a limited impact of intermittent fasting on mucosal immunity.

Review of the Literature on Ramadan Fasting and Health in 2022

“…Several studies investigated the pathophysiological mechanisms of the impact of RF on some aspects of health 4 5 6 7 8 and nutritional changes including body composition and energy metabolism. 9 10 11 12 13…”

“…Finally, the influence of IF on serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), salivary IgA (sIgA), IL-17, and IL-22 levels was investigated in 40 healthy men aged 19 to 29 years. Soleimanifar et al 7 were evaluated before and during the fourth week of RF for IgA levels by the nephelometric method as well as salivary IgA (sIgA), IL-17, and IL-22 amounts using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum IgA levels reduced significantly at the end of RF (226 vs. 196 mg/dL); however, sIgA amounts did not differ between before and the last week of Ramadan.…”