Time-restricted feeding restores muscle function in Drosophila models of obesity and circadian-rhythm disruption

Nat Commun. 2019 Jun 20;10(1):2700. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-10563-9.

Abstract

Pathological obesity can result from genetic predisposition, obesogenic diet, and circadian rhythm disruption. Obesity compromises function of muscle, which accounts for a majority of body mass. Behavioral intervention that can counteract obesity arising from genetic, diet or circadian disruption and can improve muscle function holds untapped potential to combat the obesity epidemic. Here we show that Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) subject to obesogenic challenges exhibits metabolic disease phenotypes in skeletal muscle; sarcomere disorganization, mitochondrial deformation, upregulation of Phospho-AKT level, aberrant intramuscular lipid infiltration, and insulin resistance. Imposing time-restricted feeding (TRF) paradigm in which flies were fed for 12 h during the day counteracts obesity-induced dysmetabolism and improves muscle performance by suppressing intramuscular fat deposits, Phospho-AKT level, mitochondrial aberrations, and markers of insulin resistance. Importantly, TRF was effective even in an irregular lighting schedule mimicking shiftwork. Hence, TRF is an effective dietary intervention for combating metabolic dysfunction arising from multiple causes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Chronobiology Disorders / diet therapy*
  • Chronobiology Disorders / etiology
  • Chronobiology Disorders / physiopathology
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology
  • Diet, High-Fat / adverse effects
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drosophila melanogaster
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology
  • Fasting / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metabolic Syndrome / diet therapy*
  • Metabolic Syndrome / etiology
  • Metabolic Syndrome / pathology
  • Metabolic Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology*
  • Obesity / diet therapy*
  • Obesity / etiology
  • Obesity / pathology
  • Obesity / physiopathology
  • Sarcomeres / pathology
  • Shift Work Schedule / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome