# The Sex-Dependent Ameliorative Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Urinary System Functions in Genetic Absence Epileptic Rats

## TL;DR

This study shows that alternate-day fasting can protect the urinary systems of epileptic rats, with better results in females likely due to hormonal differences.

## Contribution

The study reveals sex-dependent benefits of intermittent fasting in mitigating urinary system damage in a genetic rat model of epilepsy.

## Key findings

- Epileptic rats showed urinary system damage from inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Alternate-day fasting reduced inflammation and restored antioxidant balance in these rats.
- Female rats responded better to fasting than males, possibly due to hormonal differences.

## Abstract

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures and can disrupt the body’s ability to urinate properly. This study explored whether a specific diet method called alternate-day fasting, in which animals eat every other day, could help protect the urinary systems of rats with epilepsy. We examined bladder and kidney functions through tissue analysis, biochemical tests, and physiological assessments, focusing on the differences between male and female genetic rat models of epilepsy. Epileptic rats showed signs of damage to the urinary system caused by inflammation and oxidative stress. Alternate-day fasting helped to reduce this damage by lowering inflammation and restoring antioxidant balance. Male rats exhibited more oxidative damage, whereas female rats responded better to alternate-day fasting, likely due to hormonal differences. These results suggest that ADF could be an affordable way to manage urinary problems in epilepsy. Understanding these effects may lead to improved treatments for both sexes and better quality of life for people with chronic diseases.

Epilepsy, a brain condition causing recurrent seizures, can disrupt various body functions, including urination. This study explored how alternate-day fasting (ADF), a type of intermittent fasting, a diet involving one day of eating and fasting, subsequently affects urinary system health in epileptic rats. Using a genetic rat model of epilepsy, we examined bladder and kidney function through tissue analysis, biochemical tests, and physiological assessments, focusing on differences between males and females. The results showed that epilepsy causes significant urinary system damage linked to inflammation and oxidative stress. However, ADF reduces this damage by lowering inflammation and restoring antioxidant balance. Male rats exhibited more oxidative damage, while female rats responded better to ADF, likely due to hormonal differences. These findings suggest ADF as a potential, cost-effective dietary approach to protect against urinary complications in epilepsy and similar conditions. Understanding these effects may lead to improved treatments for both genders and a better quality of life for people with chronic diseases.