Ramadan Fasting And Metabolic Changes Exploring The Impact On Insulin, Ghrelin, Leptin, Lipid Profile, Glucose Levels, SOD And LPO

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Ramadan fasting, a practice observed by millions worldwide, may induce metabolic changes. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting on insulin, ghrelin, leptin, lipid profile, glucose levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in Erbil, Iraq.

Methods: This observational survey study was conducted from March 12^th to April 8^th, 2024, involving 30 male lecturers aged 30-40 years. Blood samples were collected on the 2^nd and 28^th days of Ramadan. Serum lipid profiles, glucose, SOD, LPO, and hormonal levels (insulin, ghrelin, leptin) were measured using the COBAS INTEGRA 400 plus system and ELISA kits.

Results: The mean ± SD age of participants was 39.352 ± 1.347 years. There were no significant changes in weight and BMI during Ramadan. However, significant decreases were observed in insulin and leptin levels and ghrelin was significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05). Fasting also resulted in significant changes in antioxidant enzyme activity and LPO (P ≤ 0.05). All lipid parameters were affected by fasting. Triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C, CH/HDL-C ratio, TG/HDL-C ratio, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, TyG index, and HOMA-IR showed significant reductions, while HDL-C increased (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion: Lifestyle changes, dietary habits, and physical activity during Ramadan had important and beneficial effects on fasting individuals. Fasting in Ramadan was associated with reductions in insulin and leptin levels and increasing ghrelin. It also led to changed antioxidant enzyme activity, LPO, and harmful lipids, alongside an increase in HDL-C.